Meet Harriet Birrell—author, creative, and the founder of Natural Harry, a platform inspiring simple, low-tox living through delicious wholefoods and sustainable practices. Tucked away on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, Harriet’s days are a beautiful blend of slow mornings, ocean dips, nourishing meals from the veggie patch and the joyful mess of family life.
As we settle into the slower pace of winter, we’re all about celebrating the little things that bring comfort and calm. In our Daily Rituals series, we caught up with Harry to find out what wellness looks like for her day-to-day, and the small seasonal rituals that help her feel grounded and nourished.
My name is… Harriet.
I live on… Wadawurrung country - The Bellarine Peninsula.
Three words that describe me… Creative, silly, tall - haha.
The first thing I do when I wake up is… At the moment - light the fire or make lemon and water.
My top go-to beauty product is… My face oil or body butter.
My morning routine is… Always changing. I have small children. I try to get a face wash in and brekkie. If I get that, I feel like I am doing well. There are lots of cuddles too which makes up for the lack of routine!
I eat for breakfast… With the seasons mostly and whatever is going to be quick and easy and get some good quality whole foods in. In winter that is often porridge or loaded toast. In the warmer months sometimes it is a jam packed smoothie.
My go-to moment of mindfulness looks like… Swimming or walking. Both in nature. Even if that is a super quick salty dip in the sea or a 5 minute walk.
My favourite way to move my body is… Swimming would have to be at the top. Either laps in an outdoor pool or an ocean swim with my open water swimming buddies. After that it would be walking or hiking in nature, then a yoga class.
A small joy I’ve been savouring lately… This late autumn/early winter weather down here. I just love the light on a sunny day and soaking it up! Also, the numerous little sewing projects I have on the go at any one time. Actually, cooking and eating from our veggie patch too!
After a long day, I switch off by… Usually after our 4 year old daughter is asleep for the night and I have cleaned the kitchen up etc I will have a shower and then either work on a creative project or watch something.
A book, podcast or playlist I’ve been loving lately… The Wellness Scoop by Ella Mills and Rhiannon Lambert.
The last thing I do before bed is… Read. When I have settled down in bed I love to read before I drift off. It is something I have always done. Always a paper book, either educational non-fiction or fiction novels.
Hi Harry, thank you so much for welcoming us into your place. For those who might not know you yet, can you tell us a little about who you are and what led you to create Natural Harry?
Hello! I am Harriet, my family and friends call me Harry. I have been a long time appreciator of wholefoods and cooking simply and deliciously with them. I studied fashion design way back in the day and have always loved the creative process which has translated to a love for cooking (as long as it doesn’t take 20 steps) and creating recipe books. Whilst leaning into the world of wholefoods and teaching myself to cook back in 2011/2012 I found I also wanted to steer clear of synthetic and chemical laden body and household cleaning products so, after publishing my first two plant-based whole-food recipe books in 2015 and 2017 I began work on a DIY simple low tox and low waste body and home recipe book titled ‘HOME’ which was published in 2020. It is currently sold out and due to be re-released January 2026!
Natural Harry was born from a desire to live more simply, ethically and sustainably. What inspired you to create the brand, and how has your approach to conscious living evolved along the way?
Back in 2012 when I first started Natural Harry, plant-based whole foods were viewed by many as a bit fussy and daggy, not to mention alternative. I was inspired to create a space and a community that challenged those preconceived ideas. When Fraser, my husband built a replica vintage caravan and we opened it as a smoothie and raw dessert vendor in Barwon Heads in 2013 we got SO many questions about the ingredients. People were quite put off by something like almond milk in a smoothie or avocado in a dessert… until they tried it. My approach hasn’t changed much over the years. I have always seen myself as not an extremist and I am always wary of a fad that crops up, of which there are so many, you just have to open social media. I’ve always believed in the 80/20 rule. Progress over perfection etc. Take the best and leave the rest.
As we settle into the slower pace of winter, what does wellness look like for you day-to-day, and what small rituals help you feel grounded, nourished and well in this season?
I love the slowness that comes with the approach of the cooler months. Wellness day-to-day looks like time with loved ones, eating warming, delicious home made soups, stews, tray bakes etc. Rugged up working bees at the community veggie patch we are part of, cold rugged up beach walks and of course embracing the mess inside with little ones!
Woodlands Tartan Terry Bath Robe
