Motherhood and menopause both involve big changes but there is still not enough support for women during these times of transition. To fill this gap, a Shellharbour local has started her own business: Emily Gardem Nutrition.
"I've had a deep passion for food and natural health since I was a child, and I’ve always loved supporting others – so it felt like a natural path to follow," said Emily Gardem, a chef and clinical nutritionist who completed her Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine at Endeavour College of Natural Health.
"I started my business after noticing a real gap in the support women were receiving – especially around hormonal health, perimenopause, motherhood, and the many transitions we’re so often expected to navigate on our own."
Emily has experienced this lack of support firsthand, and knew there had to be a better way.
"Too many women were being told that feeling exhausted, anxious, or 'not quite themselves' was just part of getting older or being a mum. I wanted to offer something different – something more personalised, compassionate, and in tune with the natural rhythms of a woman’s body.
"Starting my own business gave me the freedom to do just that. It’s allowed me to support women in a way that’s real, holistic, and deeply individual – not just handing out meal plans, but listening, educating, and empowering them to truly reconnect with their health and themselves.
"It’s been a beautiful and humbling journey, and I feel incredibly grateful to walk alongside women at every stage of life – helping them feel seen, supported, and well.
Thanks to Emily for taking the time to answer more questions.
How do you see the cost-of-living crisis affecting people's wellbeing?
The cost-of-living crisis is impacting so many aspects of people’s lives – and it's showing up in their health in ways that are both visible and deeply felt.
I see more women putting their needs last – skipping meals, stretching groceries, putting off seeing a doctor, putting up with pain, avoiding support because it feels like a luxury. There’s this underlying message of “just keep going”, even when they’re exhausted, burnt out, or running on empty.
When stress around money increases, so does the load on the nervous system. Sleep suffers, energy crashes, hormones get thrown out of balance – and the cycle of depletion continues.
In my clinic, I’m seeing more anxiety, more fatigue, and more women saying: “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”
And while food and natural medicine can be powerful, what many women need first is permission to slow down, to prioritise nourishment (even in small ways), and to feel supported without judgement.
That’s why I believe so strongly in education and access – offering free resources, group support, and flexible options wherever I can. Because wellbeing and good health should be accessible to everyone!
What are the most common problems that you help with?
I work with a wide range of health concerns, but the most common issues I see – especially in women – are low energy, hormonal imbalances, sleep issues, anxiety, poor immune system health, weight changes, gut health issues, stress, and burnout.
I take a holistic and personalised approach, using food as medicine, gentle lifestyle shifts, and supportive natural therapies to help women understand what their bodies are trying to tell them. Together, we work on restoring energy, balancing hormones, improving digestion, regulating cycles, and building a more sustainable rhythm that actually works in real life – not just on paper.
What is one of your favourite recipes?
This nourishing chicken korma is a creamy, comforting dish full of flavour and gentle spice. Made with tender chicken, aromatic spices, coconut milk and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect family-friendly meal that feels both hearty and nourishing, and best of all, it tastes even better the next day! Serve with rice and some lightly steamed greens.
What's been your biggest success in business?
That’s such a hard one to answer – because honestly, I celebrate every client's success, no matter how big or small.
For me, the real success lies in the quiet moments: when a woman finally has energy to get through her day without crashing, when her menstrual cycle is balanced, when she tells me she feels like herself again.
I’m constantly inspired by the women I work with – for showing up, committing to their health, and doing the sometimes uncomfortable work of healing. Every step forward is worth celebrating, because it means they’re moving closer to the life and wellbeing they truly deserve.
Who inspires you?
My clients inspire me every single day. Watching women commit to themselves – even when life is busy, overwhelming, or uncertain – is incredibly powerful. Their strength, vulnerability, and willingness to show up for their health keeps me motivated to keep showing up too.
I’m also deeply inspired by the women in our community – especially those running their own businesses, raising families, supporting others, and creating real change in the world around them.
And, of course, my biggest inspiration is my children. They constantly remind me to slow down, stay grounded, be present – and find joy in the little things.
After all the hard work of running a small business, what is your favourite local way to relax?
Definitely by the ocean, coffee in hand. There’s something so grounding about the beach – the fresh air, the sound of the waves, the space to just breathe.
We’re incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world, and I try to soak that up whenever I can.
Emily has supported local news via advertising in The Illawarra Flame's Shellharbour print magazine. For more information, visit www.emilygardemnutrition.com.
