Overwhelmed by the world of baby nutrition, a Hobart mother took matters into her own hands, creating a range of nutrient-rich Tasmanian baby food and toddler snacks.

▼

(image: Lousy! Creative)

What’s your origin story?

I grew up on the North West coast of Tassie, in a little suburb called Turners Beach. My house was one street back from the beach, and I spent all of my time outside in the bush, on my bike, or at the beach. This was the early 2000s and, in hindsight, I’m very grateful that I grew up in a small community, before access to much technology. It meant that most of my time was spent at school, or playing with the neighbours until 6pm, when my mum would call me home for dinner.

My first job was at the corner petrol station, where I pumped gas and fried hot chips.

I loved growing up in this slow, humble and natural environment, and I’m definitely looking to create a similar experience for my little one.

Tell us about your career post-petrol station.

I have a marketing and writing background. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, and have worked for myself and a number of businesses, developing written content, social media and events.

You’re the founder of VERY GOOD BABY FOOD. How did that happen?

VERY GOOD BABY FOOD is definitely a full 360-degree career change for me, as I knew nothing about baby food and baby nutrition before having a baby of my own. The business was created out of my own struggles with finding local good quality food, especially when I was so overwhelmed and needed help with the how and what to feed my baby.

I started studying holistic nutrition in babies and prenatal and postnatal women, and saw a gap in the Tasmanian market. My husband is a chef, and works with beautiful Tasmanian produce, and I wondered why we don’t funnel that into our children.

I started making products for friends and family, and soon other people in the community wanted it, too. From there, VERY GOOD BABY FOOD was born.

At the moment, I just feed the Hobart community, but I am working on expanding the range and distributing to local supermarkets and other Tasmanian locations. Given that my products are handmade weekly with no additives to extend shelf life, I am just focused on feeding Tasmanian babies for now.

What does a day in your life look like?

Every day is different, but I wake up every morning in my daughter’s bed (co-sleeping family), and have a cup of tea while making breakfast. Given that I am the only one in the business at this stage, my day can be spent thinking of marketing content, talking with customers and suppliers, or planning for the week’s orders. All of this is usually managed alongside entertaining my three-year-old.

For you, what’s so wonderful about Tasmania? Why live here?

I spent a number of years in Melbourne, but always felt like I would return to Tasmania. In 2018, I was ready to come home. It’s the grounding nature, access to the untouched wilderness, a sense of community that feels safe, and the opportunity to disconnect and rest. It has all the beauty of land that a thrill seeker might search for, all the good food and wine that a foodie wants, and a quirky and down-to-earth community that makes it perfect for raising a family. I feel very blessed to call Tasmania home.

What must every visitor to Tassie do while they’re here?

Tassie has some of the best produce, food and wine, so you have to spend a couple of nights exploring the food scene.

Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, it’s well worth going for a drive to see the scenery. There’s something untouched about Tassie that keeps the country charm alive, and the fresh air and rolling hills do wonders for the soul.

Where do you get away to for a Tassie staycation?

We are a big camping family when we have the time, and we love a tent or cabin that’s surrounded by nature and has no phone service.

Our next Tassie trip is to the wild West coast. I’m looking forward to taking our little girl on the cruise up the Gordon River, and the West Coast Wilderness Railway near Queenstown. This is more of the rugged, raw side of Tasmania, but it’s so beautiful being immersed in the history and nature of the land.

Where are your favourite local haunts for eats and drinks?

New Sydney Hotel for a beer by the fire, Pitzi for a bowl of pasta, Ogee (I’m biased - it’s my husband’s restaurant) for dinner, Bumi Coffee for chicken rice, and Cinnamon and Cherry in Franklin for a light Turkish lunch.

Describe your perfect Sunday in lutruwita/Tasmania.

Hopefully, I’ll sleep in with my toddler, then take our greyhound Stevie for a walk, and either have brekky at Farm Gate Market, or pack the car and go for a drive. I love going for long drives and finding new adventures as a family, whether it’s walking up a mountain together or finding a country pub for some lunch. As two working parents, it’s so important for us to be able to take drives and quick trips on our days off, to help switch off, connect, and be in nature.

▼

Q&A: Monique Breen