Bonny M | May 13, 2026
Some brands are created through strategy. Others are born through connection, memory, and shared purpose. Nathi belongs to the latter, a skincare brand deeply rooted in friendship, nature, and the quiet beauty of intentional living.
Founded by childhood best friends and farmers’ daughters, the journey behind Nathi began long before the brand itself existed. Growing up surrounded by nature and the rhythms of farm life shaped how both founders viewed wellness, simplicity, and care. It taught them to appreciate where things come from, the land, the process, and the people behind every ingredient.
For co-founder Kate, the initial spark came while working within her family’s macadamia business, Crack-A-Mac. After launching a macadamia cooking oil, she began discovering the remarkable skincare benefits of macadamia oil itself. Together with her father, she started exploring the possibility of using macadamia oil as a nourishing skincare base instead of conventional mineral oils.
Around the same time, her lifelong friend Ash returned from her travels. What began as a casual conversation quickly evolved into something far greater, a shared vision shaped by creativity, wellness, and their deep connection to nature. Both women already carried a natural understanding of macadamias through their farming roots, but together they saw the potential to transform that knowledge into something meaningful.
At its heart, Nathi is built on feeling. The brand draws inspiration from memories of childhood camping holidays, beach trips, and the effortless closeness of a friendship that always felt familiar, no matter how much time had passed. That sense of warmth and ease became the emotional foundation of the brand itself, something natural, comforting, and deeply connected.
Even the name reflects this philosophy. Nathi, meaning “with us” in isiZulu, was intentionally chosen to honour the people and place connected to the founders’ roots in Zululand. More than a name, it represents inclusion and community, the idea that customers are not simply buying products, but becoming part of the journey itself, because for Nathi, skincare is never just skincare. It is ritual, care, and connection.
In an industry often driven by complexity, Nathi takes a different approach, one rooted in simplicity, honesty, and intentional care. The founders believe skincare should feel uncomplicated and intuitive, rather than overwhelming. Instead of chasing endless ingredients and trends, the brand focuses on creating formulations that are effective, natural, and easy to trust.
At the centre of every product is macadamia oil a hero ingredient chosen not only because of the founders’ heritage, but because of its remarkable compatibility with the skin itself. Rich in omegas and naturally high in oleic acid, macadamia oil mirrors the skin’s own natural oils, allowing it to absorb beautifully while deeply nourishing without heaviness. The result is skincare that feels balanced, restorative, and effortlessly gentle.
Beyond its skincare benefits, the ingredient carries deeper significance. South Africa remains one of the world’s leading macadamia producers, and Nathi’s commitment to using macadamia oil contributes directly to local agriculture, livelihoods, and farming communities. For the founders, this transforms the brand into something larger than beauty, it becomes part of a wider ecosystem of support and sustainability.
Currently, Nathi offers two hero products: the Unscented Macadamia Body Oil and the Ylang Ylang & Citrus Macadamia Body Oil. While both share the same nourishing base formulation, they offer entirely different emotional experiences.
The Ylang Ylang & Citrus oil is uplifting and sensory, designed to create a spa-like ritual through calming essential oils and bright citrus notes. It brings warmth, lightness, and a feeling of self-care into everyday routines. In contrast, the Unscented oil offers something quieter and more grounding. With only the subtle natural scent of macadamia oil itself, it provides comfort for sensitive skin while embracing minimalism in its purest form.
This thoughtful simplicity extends beyond the formulations and into every part of the Nathi experience. From carefully designed packaging to handwritten touches, affirmation notes, and artist collaborations, the founders approach the brand with creativity and joy at the forefront. Each order is designed to feel personal, something thoughtful, comforting, and human.
For the founders, the most meaningful moment since launching Nathi was their very first market experience. Watching people physically interact with the products, hearing their reactions in real time, and seeing genuine emotional connection made the brand feel tangible in a completely new way.
Looking ahead, the vision for Nathi extends far beyond skincare alone. While the product range will continue to grow, the founders are equally passionate about building community, creating spaces, collaborations, and experiences where people can reconnect with themselves and with others.
Because at its core, Nathi is not simply about body oil or skincare routines. It is about slowing down, returning to simplicity, and remembering that care, when created with intention can feel deeply personal.