The woman behind Spilsbury's Kitchen: Meet Nicola Spilsbury
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, one driven entrepreneur in the Cape Winelands is making her mark. We at Hellopeter Business specifically nominated Nicola Spilsbury, a private chef turned entrepreneur, as one of our “Voices of Change” because of her impressive drive and approach to business as well as the food industry.
As the creative force behind Spilsbury’s Kitchen, a venture about far more than just food, Nicola has thoughtfully created a space where community and cuisine come together, inviting people to explore and rediscover their love for cooking.
In a world of fad diets and fast food, Nicola stands out by returning to what’s real and joyful about eating. She’s on a mission to break people out of “autopilot eating” and into conscious, heartfelt cooking. Her journey is a refreshing reminder of how passion and purpose can come together on a plate.
The Vision and Mission
From the beginning, Nicola’s vision for Spilsbury’s Kitchen was driven by a personal purpose. It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about sparking change.
“Spilsbury’s Kitchen was born from a hunger, not just for real, nourishing food, but for connection, truth, and relaxed joy,” Nicola explains.
She founded her business after a period of reflection and personal reckoning, questioning how we cook, what ingredients we trust, and even the stories we tell about food.
Nicola wanted to help others step away from mindless meal prep and rediscover the joy of cooking. Her brand invites people to shift from autopilot habits to a more conscious way of nourishing themselves and those they care about.
In her own words, the mission behind Spilsbury’s Kitchen is “simple yet powerful: to be a catalyst for healing; in body, community, and the planet, by aligning nourishment with creativity.”
Authenticity in Wellness
Beneath all the wellness trends, Nicola’s approach remains refreshingly down-to-earth. She isn’t interested in putting on airs or overwhelming people with perfection.
“I approach Spilsbury’s Kitchen like I would a shared meal around a humble table. No pedestals, no pretension. Just honesty,” she says. That sense of humility and warmth sets the tone for everything she does.
Making healthy living feel human and achievable is one of her core principles. Nicola meets people exactly where they are, educating with compassion and no judgment.
The goal isn’t to cook the fanciest meal; instead, she emphasises progress, curiosity, and exploration. In her eyes, cooking is something to approach without fear but with genuine excitement, much like a child eager to play and create.
Her Journey as a Female Founder
Building Spilsbury’s Kitchen from the ground up has been as challenging as it is rewarding. Nicola stepped out of her comfort zone to turn her dream into reality, and in doing so, she discovered how much growth happens in discomfort.
Looking back, she admits, “This journey has deepened my respect for discomfort, and it’s where the grit grows.”
“As a female founder, I’ve had to lead from both my gut and by God’s grace.” Even though starting the business wasn’t easy, Nicola had envisioned it for years.
When the chance finally came, it felt like she’d been preparing for it all along. Every obstacle not only shaped the young company, it shaped her as a leader, revealing strengths she didn’t know she had.
All-Women Empowerment
Staying true to her values, Nicola decided to build an all-woman team and make her kitchen a warm, safe space of comfort and connection.
By hiring and mentoring other women, she created a supportive circle within her business that uplifts everyone involved. She also learned that purpose-driven entrepreneurship demands emotional intelligence, firm boundaries, and spiritual stamina.
Nicola discovered that resilience in business isn’t about making a splash, but about steady perseverance. “I’ve learned that resilience isn’t a loud roar; it’s often quiet, consistent, and deeply rooted in one's heart and subconscious thoughts that can help or hinder one,” she explains. And when those tough days come, she leans on her faith and the supportive community around her to keep going.
The Role of Women in Ethical Business
Nicola is passionate about the impact women can have in business, in driving ethics and sustainability. In her eyes, women naturally excel at leading with empathy and integrity. “Women are born bridge-builders.
We carry nuance, empathy, and systems-thinking like second nature.” She notes that female-led brands are answering society’s call for greater integrity, bringing a much-needed heart to innovation.
As Nicola proudly puts it, “Spilsbury’s Kitchen is part of that movement by blending creativity with responsibility, storytelling with ethics, and profit with purpose.” She believes women are uniquely positioned to lead this shift, understanding that nourishment extends far beyond what’s on the plate.
Nicola doesn’t just talk about uplifting women, she lives it. “I’ve made it a conscious effort to employ women who already have an entrepreneurial streak so that I can be part of building them and their households up to have more, be better, and grow into their own goals and dreams.” By investing in others, she hopes to help cultivate the next generation of female leaders.
A Message to Women
With Women’s Month being celebrated in South Africa throughout August, Nicola offers a unifying message to her fellow South African women. Her advice is bold and straight from the heart: “Be brave, go out there, and do your thing! There is only one you, and there is no better time to take that leap than now. Your passion isn’t random, it’s your permission slip to build something brave.”
Nicola believes that South African women carry a legacy of strength. “South African women are forces of resilience, creativity, and ancestral wisdom,” she affirms. She urges those who feel a calling toward food, wellness, or any impact-driven path to trust that instinct. “If you feel a tug toward food, wellness, or impact-driven business, trust it. Your story matters. Don’t wait until everything is perfect… it never is. Plus, the world needs your flavour.”
Nicola continues to inspire others, inviting them to join her in celebrating simple, authentic cooking. Discover more about Nicola and experience Spilsbury’s Kitchen by visiting her online at Spilsbury’s Kitchen. If you love cooking or just love great food, Nicola’s kitchen door is always open.
Celebrating Voices of Change
This Women’s Month, we at Hellopeter are encouraging reviewers to share their experience on hellopeter.com, each one a donation from us to Women for Change to aid them in their fight against GBVF.
We are also offering 20% off Annual Hellopeter Business Plans, with a R50 donation made to Women for Change on your behalf.
Read more about our “Voices of Change” campaign.