2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Woodleigh Hills is an innovative new business nestled in the picturesque Southern Flinders Ranges precinct of South Australia. What sets Woodleigh Hills apart is our unique approach to holistic well-being solutions. A traditional farm diversifying into the realm of seed to salve wellness, Woodleigh Hills focuses on creating healing products made exclusively from 100% natural ingredients sourced locally in South Australia. With a commitment to sustainability and purity, we harness the therapeutic properties of specialised Australian native plants, making them the true heroes of their product range.
Woodleigh Hills aims to showcase the bountiful botanical treasures of Australia in their healing product range, fostering harmony and revitalisation for individuals seeking natural remedies for their well-being needs.
// Favourite inspirational quote
Your legacy is the only thing you will be remembered, make every moment count, for it is the imprint you leave on the world.
// Let’s get to know you
On a personal level I am a mother to 4 ranging in ages between 10-23.
My husband Rodney Hammat and I live on our family farming property at Washpool in the Southern Flinders Ranges. I originally hail from Orroroo where I completed all my schooling, I have 5 sisters (best friends) a swag of nieces and nephews. Sadly our Dad passed away 8 years ago but our family is blessed to still have mum.
Professionally I am the owner and up until recently the sole employee of my new business Woodleigh Hills natural healing solutions. I began creating my product line after I was diagnosed with a rare condition called SSCD. Before becoming ill, I owned and operated a very successful massage and intuitive healing business in Jamestown called MINT massage. During my time owning MINT I completed various modalities to increase my knowledge and better be able to heal my clients. It was during one of these courses where the passion and interest for the natural healing capabilities of the Australian native plants began.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I think what makes me a woman to watch for 2024 would have to be that I am changing people’s everyday lives with natural healing solutions.
I am passionate about healing and giving people a natural alternative to their ailments that has proven itself effortlessly, time and time again.
I am proud of my achievements so far, especially gaining 20 stockists in the first 4 months of business, which has now grown to 35 in SA , Victoria and QLD!
My all time highlights is hearing the feedback of how my products are changing people’s lives, naturally. Seeing people’s faces and reactions when they try the Wilga, and learning about new findings my products are giving is very rewarding.
I look forward to 2024 with new stockists and more people in need discovering the Woodleigh Hills natural healing range.
Another element to Woodleigh Hills is the 5 star couples retreats I am creating on our property. Our goal is to have the first one up by 2024 and our vision is to create a secluded space where people can connect with themselves, partners and the environment.
I have big plans for future developments and am passionate about seeing them through. I am continuously grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement I have from so many around me
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
2024 has already begun with new product research and development. My product range highlights Australian native plants that are considered superfoods. The majority of the plants are safe to be taken externally and internally. With that in mind I will be launching a range of healing teas, hydrosols, massage oils, a preventative lip balm, soaps, body washes and bath soaks to complement the first four products released in 2023. To additionally compliment the current range, I will also be sourcing new exciting Australian native plants to add to the collection. This includes native plants believed to help alleviate anxiety. I have also began trials on an exciting product a natural insect repellent.
My aim this year is to continue to grow stockists in south Australia and around the country.
My business growth in 11 months has been considerable and I need to be prepared for the future growth. With that in mind I have recently began looking at employing locals to assist in the manufacturing and I have also began talking to a potential 2IC to assist in the admin and management of the business. Expected growth will also require a better working space than my farmhouse kitchen, so plans for a purpose-built shed are a foot also.
I realise with my health and hectic family life that it is imperative I have the right people standing with me in the case that I am unwell or busy with family, farm and life.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
I am humbled by my nomination and the beautiful words my nominator Milly Albers wrote. My goal is for people who need my healing products have an opportunity to hear about them and test them for themselves. All my stockists have testers so my products can be tested before they are purchased. Being a woman to watch in 2024 will allow people to have more information about Woodleigh Hills and the effective natural healing choices they now have on offer. SA Woman offers an amazing platform for so many people suffering out there to hear about my products.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
I am not one to seek personal accolades but certainly see the benefit in supporting and shining a light on what women in SA are doing. There are so many amazing stories to be told, so many hidden gems so many women out there just doing what they are doing who deserve to be recognised. Women helping women, I love it!
I would also like to see a state that offer women of all ages opportunities to grow. With an era where there are so many baby booming women, stay at home mums, and women caring for disabled children and parents wanting to get back into the work force, there is also a of lack of employment options. These women have skill sets, hopes, dreams and ambition, I would like to see a future that caters for these women, giving them opportunities to not only get back into the work force but in support with potential new ventures. An ideal future for women in SA would be one of not only women supporting women but for men and boys to also see and support women instinctively. I would like to see a future where Women know their worth, the worth of other women.
An ideal future would be everyone supporting and nurturing one another in business and personal life, living with an understanding of the challenges that face us all and the ability to see where you can be assistance in someone’s life Together, we can lift each other up. We can all support each other, work together, we can teach and mentor for free when we have the knowledge to help those who don’t necessarily have the means or know how to access it for themselves.
Get in touch with Justine:
LinkedIn: Justine Reynolds
Website: www.woodleighhills.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
Follow along on socials! Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
