Daily Inspiration: Meet Nanette O’Grady

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nanette O’Grady

Hi Nanette, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a born-and-raised South African and moved to the U.S. just about 20 years ago. My family’s immigration was a defining moment in my life in so many ways and, even at the tender age of 17, I felt an almost immediate desire to connect the two worlds in some way. After graduating from high school and college and having worked in the Music Industry and Non-profit world for a number of years, my husband and I made the decision to have me stay home to focus on our family while the kids were still small. As much purpose and joy as this brought me, I quickly realized that I needed a creative outlet that was all my own, and my heart seemed to make a natural return to the lingering desire to share my culture with those around me – now including my own little family!

As a result, Southern Protea was born in the form of a blog and social media account. I tested and perfected the South African recipes I cooked here (all with US measurements), and shared some of them online. Shortly afterwards, I started dabbling in cake baking and decorating, and at that point things just kind of took off. I was very involved with the South African community here and decided to start selling some of my traditional treats. I also offered custom cakes and before I knew it I was making celebration cakes and wedding cakes on a weekly basis.

At the beginning of 2023, however, I did make the decision to slow down and take a hiatus from any cake orders for one year. I shifted my focus back to sharing my baking experiences, more than selling the result, which has afforded me more time with my family and more time for planning and dreaming about what I want Southern Protea to grow into one day.

Currently, I’m working on more recipes and stories and am in the very beginning stages of putting together a cookbook proposal.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s certainly been unique in the way that it’s been an unavoidable dream. There have been moments where I’ve decided to put the dream and idea aside completely, but each time it seems to just peek its pretty little head out after a few months or even years. I think the biggest challenges have been personal ones. First, with a household and family of five to manage, it’s hard to find time in the day to dedicate to the work it takes. Secondly, once I do set the time aside, it’s difficult for me to justify using that time on something that serves myself first and my family second. I’ve had to remind myself constantly how important it is to take care of my own creative needs so that I can be the best version of myself for my family. I’m lucky to have the most supportive husband in the world and my kids see an example of intentionality, prioritization and determination. They also get to learn the importance of not setting aside creativity in the name of busyness – I truly believe that if you feed your own creativity, it allows you to be your best in all other aspects of life as well. I’m a better mom and wife for pursuing this dream of mine. It provides balance where things can so easily become askew as I care for my family.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, my main focus is recipe development. The unique blend of South African and American cuisine, the stories behind them, the step-by-step instructions (including photos) and the fact that they have all been adapted to US measurements, allows for people from both cultures to access it with ease. I also offer suggested substitutions for hard-to-find ingredients and resources of where to find those that are irreplaceable.

Besides getting to share my culture with my American friends in this way, I also love that my tried-and-true recipes can be an aid to newly-immigrated South Africans as they start their journey to cooking our traditional recipes here in the States.

Besides sharing them on the blog and social media, I also have an ongoing article series in SAWITU Essentials Magazine called “At Home with Southern Protea.” My goal there is to share bits and pieces of my life and encourage other SA women as they navigate immigration to the US and Canada. Each of these are accompanied by a seasonal recipe for them to enjoy.

Although I still make custom cakes, these days they are mostly only for family and friends. I love to share my creations on social media, though, and will continue to do so as I hone this culinary art skill.

What matters most to you? Why?
My inspiration comes from what I consider a God-given desire to connect the life I had in South Africa to the one I have here in the States. I love sharing my culture with my husband, kids and friends and have a deep appreciation for fellowship and for feeding those around me. It is the way I like to show people how much they mean and how precious of an addition they are to this world. I truly believe that this love and passion comes through in my cooking and recipes and I love sharing it with others!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://southernprotea.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernprotea
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernProtea/