Hilde Nel views wellness through a holistic lens, her philosophy being that humans flourish when they live in harmony with the natural world. As owner and founder of Simply Natural in Cape Town’s Canal Walk Shopping Centre, this former academic turned wellness visionary has not only established a successful health store, but a place of connection where people feel seen, supported and inspired. JANE MAYNE finds out more.
Hilde’s journey began 25 years ago, when she says, she “stepped into the world of business with a dream, a vision, and the added responsibility of raising my child on my own. What began as a leap of faith has become a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and growth. Looking back, I see not only the challenges I overcame, but also the legacy I’ve built — for my son, my community, and myself.”
Acquiring a Master’s degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in Anthropology, she went on to lecture at Unisa and the University of Stellenbosch. She attributes this area of study as being tied in with her true passion in life – that is healing with herbs and natural remedies, and embracing self-help strategies to improve the wellbeing of others.
Building a healthy community
She explains: “Simply Natural wishes to inspire our community to take responsibility for their own wellbeing by following a healthy diet and lifestyle; by cherishing social relationships, and embracing life with a sense of meaning and purpose.”
“Our holistic approach to healing acknowledges the body-mind connection, and our focus is on prevention, rather than symptomatic treatment of disease.” She adds that, “We depend entirely on nature for our survival. Despite all our technological accomplishments, we tend to forget that we thrive when we live symbiotically with the natural ecosystem.”
As the sole owner of her business, Hilde wears many hats. What was the first month of business like in October 2000? “Simply Natural’s first month in Canal Walk was exciting, yet challenging. I had no business experience and learned through trial and error. Trading was slow and competition fierce. A second health shop opened in the mall. For a new store in a new mall, this was challenging.”
Natural strategies to achieve optimal health
Are there any subsequent business lessons she would convey to entrepreneurs starting out? “No business can survive without hard work, determination and perseverance. But most important is passion for one’s business and service to the community. Without a higher purpose no business will survive difficult times,” she says.
The Simply Natural ethos is to empower clients to make informed choices about their health. Hilde shares that, “We acknowledge nature’s intrinsic intelligence, and therefore recommend natural strategies and products to help people reach an optimal state of living.”
The store’s interactive approach does much to benefit all those who visit. “Modern families are increasingly isolated because of our technology-driven lifestyles have weakened community ties. This results in feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression. Independent natural health stores play a major supportive role in society. Simply Natural’s lifestyle consultants offer more than just free advice on natural health. They offer warmth, emotional support, encouragement and even friendship. Strong bonds develop between our staff members and our customers.”
In terms of consumer behaviour, she says there is a major swing towards natural health. “The industry is growing at a vast pace. People are increasingly disillusioned by the way modern medicine is practiced by treating symptoms without acknowledging the body-mind connection and prescribing costly man-made medicines that come with side-effects.”
The most common current issues Simply Natural assists its clients with include weight problems, fatigue and stress. Hilde is well-placed to offer advice on health-enhancing protocols.
Supplementation plan
“A good basic supplementation plan includes a multivitamin (or B-complex) as a foundation, omega-3 fats (omega-3 and 6 fats for women with hormonal problems), a high-quality vitamin D3 and K2 (MK-7, not MK-4) supplement to protect the cardiovascular system, bones, immune system and our DNA, as well as magnesium glycinate or magnesium l-threonate.”
“Men and teenage boys, should consider taking extra zinc. Additional supplements to add to this plan include ashwagandha (ideally products containing registered Shoden ashwagandha) to lower cortisol levels, balance hormones and help us sleep better; liposomal vitamin C for the immune system and skin, as well as liposomal NMN, resveratrol and berberine for those who are interested in longevity protocols.”
Liposomal delivery systems
While Simply Natural’s top-sellers are magnesium glycinate, shilajit, lion’s mane for focus and concentration, beetroot capsules for nitric oxide release and sea moss for energy and weight loss, she is excited about the swing towards liposomal delivery systems. “Lyposomes are tiny fat-soluble structures that encapsulate nutrients. This technology enhances bioavailability,” she explains.
How can natural remedies assist with mental health? “Our general mood is closely related to factors such as blood sugar control, stress management, hormonal health, nutrition, social connections, physical activity and our sense of purpose. Blood sugar dips can play havoc with our mood, concentration, energy levels and sense of happiness. Proper blood sugar control can be achieved by avoiding sugar, fruit juice and refined starches. Buffering meals with unsalted raw nuts, such as almonds, pecan nuts and walnuts can do wonders to prevent blood sugar dips. Chromium may prevent sweet cravings and may improve low mood. Registered Shoden ashwagandha may help lower cortisol levels and elevate mood. So does Rhodiola and omega 3-fats. If you are taking prescription medication for mood, speak to your doctor before taking natural remedies.”
Lifestyle habits profoundly impact our wellbeing – what would she advise? “This would be based on what we know about Blue Zone communities, known for their high concentration of centenarians: maintaining strong social bonds with friends and relatives, finding a life purpose that motivates us to get up in the morning, being physically active, following a healthy diet that includes a lot of fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, beans and pulses, and reducing or cutting out animal protein. Because of factors such as food storage and soil depletion, taking natural health supplements is highly recommended.”
Delivering a unique, personal service
Simply Natural also stocks natural health products for pets – tell us more? “Our staff are all animal lovers. Pets play an important role in combatting stress and loneliness. We keep a small selection of pet products, such as PetAlive.”
She adds that: “Our staff are exceptional. Not only are they very knowledgeable, but they are also passionate about natural health. Most have been working for Simply Natural for between 5 and 12 years. They are known and trusted by the community. They deliver a unique personal service to the community. The bonds they form with community members and the support they offer are priceless.”
Hilde’s vision for holistic living has grown into a community-rooted sanctuary of wellness. This is a place where customers come for considered guidance grounded in a deep respect for nature. Her willingness to serve empowers people to make conscious life choices in a way that honours both their inner nature and the ecosystem at large.
What: Hilde Nel Simply Natural
Simply Natural Location: Shop 37B, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City, Cape Town
Tel: 021 551 2931
Simply Natural Hours: Mon – Sun 09:00 – 21:00
E-mail: info@simplynatural.shop
Web: www.simplynatural.co.za
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