Big Read: The woman behind Wild One

Bay of Plenty Times·

25 Jun, 2017 09:32 PM5 mins to read

Monique Hemmingson, owner of Wild One Wholefoods Eatery. Photos/ Erin Cave

In 2013, Monique Hemmingson was backpacking the Vietnam coast when a brush with illness started her on a whole new journey of healthy eating. A dream began to form of a health-conscious cafe, and when Monique came home to open Wild One Wholefoods Eatery in 2016, she couldn't imagine doing it anywhere other than in Mount Maunganui. As Wild One celebrates its first year in business, Rachel Hart dropped in to meet the woman behind one of the Mount's most beloved cafes.
Monique Hemmingson says the mere idea of preaching about healthy eating sends a shiver down her spine.

She opened Wild One Wholefoods Eatery in June 2016, with a vision to challenge the stigma that health-conscious eating was exclusive, expensive and bland - but to do it gently.

"I'm not one to judge or lecture people about their diet," says Monique. "I let the food speak for itself."

The food speaks eloquently as Monique's food philosophy is dished up to smiling customers in the form of beautifully plated Creamy Quinoa Porridge, Warming Winter Buddha Bowls and top-notch turmeric lattes.

Sitting on Prince Ave, just off the Mount main strip, Wild One welcomes everyone: "Specific diet restrictions or not, vegan or not, gluten-free or not. It's for your average Joe," Monique says.

The cafe serves fresh, nourishing fare by offering healthy alternatives to people's favourite foods without sacrificing taste. Most of the vegan dishes have the option to add on free-range bacon or eggs, or smoked salmon.

"I wanted a place of high standards that everyone could enjoy and that encouraged good habits," says Monique. "I wanted to create a place that proves it's possible to eat well without it being this huge, all-sacrificing, preachy battle."

Monique is taking a rare break from behind the counter to sit down and chat with me over a turmeric latte.

At first glance, it's easy to assume that healthy eating has always come naturally to Monique - a young woman with yoga-loving lean limbs and sun-kissed wavy hair - but her wellness journey has not been a walk in the park.

"I became quite sick backpacking around Southeast Asia and my health became a big hurdle in everything that I did," says Monique.

Tumeric Latte is a favourite. Photo/Erin Cave

It took a couple of years, but her health returned through a complete overhaul of her food choices and strict adherence to a limited diet.

"It was during this difficult healing process that my dream of opening a wholefoods café was born," she says.

Today, although Monique is a picture of health, she still has to be careful with what she eats. "There are some food groups that I really miss," she says. "Luckily, I have an amazing chef who will create anything my rumbling tummy desires and makes it 'me-friendly'."

When it came time to turn her café dream into a reality, Waikato-raised Monique purposefully chose the Mount, believing the beachy, active lifestyle would suit her business ethos. She had a hunch that the locals - an outdoorsy bunch with a passion for balance and wellness - would be welcoming of what she had to offer. She was right: in the whirlwind year since Wild One first opened, the cafe has made its mark on the Mount foodie scene and attracted a following of avid devotees.

Some of the food on offer at Wild One. Photo/supplied

What Monique couldn't have foreseen was how much she would come to appreciate the Mount's close-knit, supportive business community.

"A large portion of the Mount is made of small, boutique businesses," says Monique. "Everyone is in the same boat. There is a lot of empathy, which immediately sets a precedent of respect."

Monique admits the first few months in business were overwhelming as she navigated the inevitable growing pains that come with a new venture. She credits the support she received from the community for helping her find her stride.

It is a hugely positive community to be a part of; the Mount is a really special and unique place.
Monique Hemmingson

Monique has kept that community in mind as she works alongside her head chef to create innovative and tempting menu items. Each day, the cabinet brims with a fresh, daily salad; retail items, including pesto and sauerkraut; and wholesome sweet treats.

Monique says there are two inspirations behind her choice of cafe name.

"Wild One reflects the plant-based food while also being a reminder of my inner gypsy and love of travel," says Monique.

The theme is carried through with down-to-earth décor including large, wooden communal seating, climbing plants, framed New Zealand maps adorning the walls and a bespoke plant wreath in place of a chandelier.

The commitment to the environment is a crucial part of the Wild One philosophy. Monique believes in conscious consumerism and embodies this by offering a seasonal menu, recyclable or biodegradable packaging and participating in a permaculture waste removal programme which sees the cafe's organic waste turned into compost.

She uses seasonal vegetables, "organic and local where possible", and sources eggs, bacon and salmon from ethical sources.

As Monique looks back on her first year in business, she can't thank her regular customers and the way they have embraced her vision enough.

"I am so grateful to my new community, my growing group of regulars and the local support system."

There is something for everyone at Wild One eatery. Photo / Supplied

The Wild One team is preparing to take its next step, venturing into the world of event catering. Within the month, Monique plans to have retail and catering options available on her website and is excited to fill a gap in the market by offering wholesome catering options.

While life is too busy to have planned much of a birthday party, Monique promises to treat her team to a well-earned dinner out, where someone else will be doing the cooking!