From Kitchen Ritual To Root Mylk The Ashford Founder To Watch

I’m Winifred, founder of Root Mylk - a plant-based brand rooted in wellness, culture, and sustainability. My journey began from a simple need to reconnect with real nourishment - food that uplifts and restores balance. Inspired by the African Tigernut and circular food values, I create nutrient-rich mylks beverage and SuperFlour from upcycled ingredients, celebrating both heritage and modern conscious living.

About You

➡️ What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me starts early — school runs, a cup of warm tigernut mylk infused with turmeric and black pepper, and a few quiet minutes to centre myself before work. I balance my role as a mum, a full-time professional, and a business owner, so structure and intention matter a lot. Most of my creative ideas for Root Mylk come in the quiet in-between moments — when I’m cooking, journaling, or winding down after a long day.

➡️ What drives you - what’s your ‘why’?

What drives me is purpose — born from pain and transformed into possibility. My wellness journey began at a time when my body was tired, inflamed, and in need of real nourishment. That season taught me that food isn’t just about eating — it’s about connection, balance, and renewal. Root Mylk became my way of turning that lesson into something meaningful — a bridge between culture, sustainability, and conscious living. Every bottle tells a story of resilience and heritage, showing that innovation can grow from tradition and that African ingredients like Tigernut deserve their place on the global wellness stage.

➡️ What three words would your friends use to describe you?

My friends would describe me as grounded, creative, and resilient.

➡️ How do you relax or switch off from work?

Outside of business, I love cooking, listening to music, and spending time with my family here in Ashford, Kent. My perfect day off would be a slow morning with my kids, a walk in nature, and some quiet time to reflect.

➡️ What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since starting a business?

I’ve learned that I’m far stronger and more resilient than I ever realised. Building Root Mylk has taught me the power of patience and faith — that growth doesn’t always happen fast, but it happens deeply when it’s rooted in purpose. I’ve also learned to give myself grace in the process. As a mum of three young beautiful children, a professional, and a founder, there are days that feel heavy, but I’ve learned to lean into my ‘why’ and keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain. Most of all, I’ve discovered that creativity and clarity often come through stillness — those quiet moments in the kitchen where an idea turns into something that nourishes both body and soul.

➡️ Do you prefer working alone or as part of a team?

I love collaboration. Working with the University of Greenwich on Root Mylk’s research and development has shown me how powerful it is when passion meets science. While I enjoy quiet moments of creativity, I’ve learned that teamwork, mentorship, and shared vision are what truly bring ideas to life.

➡️ Are you an optimist, realist or somewhere in between?

I’d say I’m a hopeful realist. I dream big, but I’ve learned to stay rooted in strategy and patience. Building Root Mylk has taught me that optimism fuels creativity, but realism keeps you steady when things don’t go as planned. I believe in possibilities — but I also believe in process.

➡️ What’s your proudest personal achievement outside of business?

My proudest achievement is being a mum. Raising three children while juggling work and life has stretched me in ways I never imagined, but it’s also grounded me in purpose. They remind me daily why balance, faith, and perseverance matter. Watching them grow, learn, and find their own voices is the most rewarding part of my journey.

➡️ Where abouts in Kent do you live?

I live in Ashford, Kent

➡️ What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a chef and an herbalist. My mum ran a restaurant, and my grandma used herbs for remedies, so I grew up surrounded by food, nature, and creativity. That mix of flavours and healing wisdom still inspires everything I do today.

➡️ Take us back to your childhood – were there early signs that you'd one day become an entrepreneur?

Yes, absolutely. When I wasn’t in school or studying, I was always with my mum in her restaurant, helping her cook, or with my grandma, who mixed herbal remedies. I also followed my mum to the market and my dad to the farm, so I grew up understanding both food and where it came from. I even had a small show glass in front of my mum’s restaurant where I sold snacks, stick meat, hibiscus, and tigernut drinks. Looking back, those moments planted the seeds for Root Mylk — a blend of creativity, culture, and sustainability.

➡️ What was your first-ever job, and what did it teach you?

My first job in the UK was as an Accounts Assistant. It taught me the importance of organisation, attention to detail, and consistency — skills that now play a big part in how I manage Root Mylk. It also reminded me that every role, no matter how small, prepares you for something bigger.

➡️ What’s a hobby or interest you pursue outside of work?

I love experimenting with recipes — especially African-inspired drinks and wellness blends. The kitchen is my creative space, where I unwind and reconnect. I also enjoy journaling and quiet walks in nature; both help me reflect, recharge, and find new inspiration for life and business.

➡️ What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

Most people don’t know that I still work a 9–5 job alongside running Root Mylk. Balancing both has taught me discipline, focus, and the power of using evenings and weekends to build something you believe in. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding.

➡️ Describe your perfect day off?

My perfect day off would be shutting everything down — no work, no calls, no distractions — and spending the day at a spa. Just peace, calm, and a chance to completely switch off and recharge my mind and body

➡️ How do you manage the balance between running your business and personal responsibilities?

It’s definitely not easy, but I’ve learned to create structure and give myself grace. I plan my week carefully and focus on what truly matters each day. Some days Root Mylk needs more of me, other days my 9–5 or family does — and that’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace balance as a rhythm, not perfection. Rest, prayer, and discipline help me stay grounded through it all

➡️ What motivates you to keep going during the tough days?

My faith keeps me grounded, and my story keeps me moving. Root Mylk was born during a season of pain and searching — when I needed to find balance, nourishment, and peace within myself. On the hard days, I remind myself of that beginning and how far I’ve come. I’ve learned that challenges are often part of the refining process. Prayer, gratitude, and remembering my “why” always help me realign. Every time I see Root Mylk grow, or someone connect with its story, it reminds me that purpose doesn’t fade just because the journey gets tough — it deepens.

➡️ If you didn’t run your current business, what other businesses have you thought about starting?

If I wasn’t running Root Mylk, I’d probably be running something around wellness, storytelling, or creative education — maybe a platform that helps women turn their stories into purpose-led brands. I’ve always been passionate about holistic living and entrepreneurship, so anything that combines creativity, wellness, and impact naturally draws me in.

About the Business

➡️ What does your company do? What products or services do you sell?

Root Mylk is a plant-based wellness brand that turns African heritage ingredients into modern, nutrient-rich mylks and functional foods. We create clean-label drinks made from tigernuts — a naturally sweet, fibre-rich ingredient — and are expanding into our upcycled SuperFlour range, made from tigernut pulp. Our goal is to make sustainable, gut-friendly nourishment accessible while celebrating African culture and innovation.

➡️ When did you start the business?

Root Mylk began in 2022 as a kitchen experiment during my personal wellness journey. I was looking for a nourishing, dairy-free drink that still felt rich and cultural, so I started blending tigernuts at home. What began as a personal project has since evolved into a purpose-driven food innovation brand. Through my partnership with the University of Greenwich and support from Growing Kent & Medway, Root Mylk has grown into a sustainable business focused on wellness, upcycling, and celebrating African ingredients in a modern way.

➡️ What was your very first product or service, and how has it evolved?

My first creation was a homemade tigernut beverage I made in my kitchen while exploring plant-based options that felt authentic. That small beginning has grown into Root Mylk — a brand developing plant-based beverages and SuperFlour using tigernut and other African-inspired ingredients. We haven’t launched yet, but the vision continues to evolve with purpose and innovation.

➡️ Did you have to secure initial funding to start your business or was it bootstrapped?

Root Mylk started as a completely self-funded project. I invested my own savings to test ideas and develop early prototypes. Along the way, I was awarded the Growing Kent & Medway Business Innovation Voucher, which supported our R&D collaboration with the University of Greenwich. That combination of personal investment and grant support has helped us grow steadily and sustainably.

➡️ How did you come up with the idea for the business?

The idea for Root Mylk came from my own wellness journey. I was searching for a nourishing, dairy-free drink that felt cultural and authentic, not just another plant-based option. Growing up around food, herbs, and natural ingredients, I started blending tigernuts in my kitchen — and that simple experiment became the foundation for Root Mylk.

➡️ Tell us the story of how your business idea first came about – was it a slow build or a lightning bolt moment?

It was a bit of both. The idea for Root Mylk came during a season when I was trying to make better choices for my health and wellbeing. I missed the traditional drinks I grew up with, so I started blending tigernuts in my kitchen — just experimenting at first. The more I created, the more I realised there was a gap for something culturally rooted yet modern and sustainable. That moment turned into a slow, steady build — guided by curiosity, purpose, and a deep desire to reconnect food with culture and wellness.

➡️ What’s the story behind your business name?

The name Root Mylk came from a very personal place. “Root” represents both my African heritage and my journey of returning to what feels grounding and true — natural ingredients, simplicity, and purpose. It’s also inspired by Tigernut, our hero ingredient, which is a root-like grass known for its rich, earthy nourishment. “Mylk” reflects the plant-based essence of what I create. Together, they tell a story of reconnecting with my roots through nourishment, culture, and sustainability.

➡️ Who inspired you to take the leap and start your own business?

My biggest inspiration came from my family. I grew up watching my mum run her restaurant, my dad work as a head teacher and farm the land, and my grandma mix herbs and roots for remedies. They each shaped my values — my mum taught me creativity and resilience, my dad taught me discipline and leadership, and my grandma taught me the wisdom of nature. When the idea for Root Mylk came, their influence gave me the courage to turn my roots into something purposeful.

➡️ Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realise you wanted to work for yourself?

Yes — it came during a season when I was struggling with my health and searching for balance. I realised I wanted to create something that reflected my values — something meaningful, natural, and culturally rooted. I’d always admired my parents’ independence and creativity, but that personal turning point made me see that working for myself wasn’t just a dream — it was a calling. Root Mylk became my way of turning that season into purpose.

➡️ What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting out?

Starting Root Mylk came with many challenges. Balancing my 9–5 job, family, and a new business was tough, but it taught me resilience, patience, and the power of community and mentorship. Funding was also a major hurdle.

➡️ How did you transition from side hustle to full-time business?

Root Mylk started as a side project I worked on alongside my 9–5 job. It’s been a gradual journey — building, testing, and refining. Our plant-based beverages will be launching soon, while our SuperFlour range is still in its development phase. This slow, intentional approach has allowed me to grow Root Mylk sustainably while learning and preparing for full-time transition.

➡️ How did you get your very first customers, and what strategies worked?

Root Mylk hasn’t officially launched yet, but early interest has come from sharing samples, word of mouth, and community events. I’ve focused on storytelling — helping people connect with the “why” behind the brand and the heritage of our ingredients. Social media, especially Instagram, has also been a great way to build curiosity and attract people who value wellness, sustainability, and culture.

Growth & Strategy

➡️ Why do you think your customers/users choose you over your competitors?

Customers choose Root Mylk because it stands for more than flavour — it stands for story. We craft plant-based beverages using African-inspired ingredients like tigernut, blending culture, wellness, and sustainability in every sip

➡️ If you could only use one distribution channel to grow your business, which would it be and why?

If I had to choose one, it would be direct-to-consumer through our online store. It allows us to share the full story behind Root Mylk — from our ingredients to our sustainability values — while building a genuine connection with customers.

Challenges & Lessons

➡️ What’s been your hardest day in business so far – and how did you push through it?

One of my hardest days was realising how much time and funding it truly takes to build a food brand from scratch. There were moments when things moved slower than I hoped, and I felt the weight of trying to balance everything — from product development to family and my 9–5 job. But my wellness journey taught me to pause, breathe, and trust the process. Prayer and reflection help me refocus, and I remind myself that slow, steady growth is still progress. Purpose takes time — and that truth keeps me grounded.

➡️ Who are the key figures that contributed to your success, and how did they influence the journey?

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support throughout my journey. The Growing Kent & Medway team has been instrumental — their mentorship, guidance, and grant support helped me turn Root Mylk from a home-based idea into a developing sustainable food brand. My collaboration with the University of Greenwich has also been key, giving Root Mylk a strong research and innovation foundation. And, of course, my family has been my anchor — their encouragement and belief keep me grounded and motivated every step of the way.

Leadership & Team

➡️ How would you describe your leadership style?

I’d describe my leadership style as collaborative, purposeful, and value driven. I believe in leading with empathy and integrity — creating an environment where ideas can grow and people feel empowered to contribute. My focus is always on alignment and progress rather than perfection. Leadership, to me, is about vision, consistency, and bringing others along on the journey.

➡️ How do you foster a positive company culture?

For me, it starts with purpose and people. Even though Root Mylk is still a growing brand, I make it a priority to create an atmosphere of openness, collaboration, and respect with everyone involved — from mentors to research partners. I believe in leading with gratitude, clear communication, and shared vision. When people feel valued and connected to the “why,” positivity and creativity naturally follow.

Advice & Inspiration

➡️ Is there anyone you recommend people follow for great business advice?

I’d definitely recommend following Growing Kent & Medway — they’ve been an incredible source of mentorship and real, practical business support. I also admire people who share the behind-the-scenes of building with honesty and purpose, not just the highlights.

➡️ What’s one book you recommend every entrepreneur should read and why?

I’d recommend Start with Why by Simon Sinek. It’s a powerful reminder that true success begins with clarity of purpose. The book helped me stay anchored in my “why” during challenging moments and taught me that building a meaningful brand isn’t just about what you sell — it’s about the story and intention behind it.

Vision & Industry

➡️ What are your short-term goals for the business?

My short-term goals are to successfully launch our Root Mylk plant-based beverages and complete the R&D for our SuperFlour range with the University of Greenwich. I’m also focused on building brand awareness, growing our online presence, and partnering with independent retailers who share our values of sustainability, wellness, and cultural authenticity.

➡️ What’s your vision or plan for the future of your business?

My vision is to see Root Mylk become a leading plant-based wellness brand that bridges African heritage with modern nutrition. I want to expand our range of functional beverages and upcycled SuperFlour products, while continuing to champion sustainability and circular food systems. Long-term, I see Root Mylk available across the UK — from independent retailers to larger stockists — and inspiring a global movement that celebrates culture, conscious living, and innovation through food.

Business in Kent

➡️ Why did you choose to base and grow your business in Kent?

Kent felt like the right place to grow Root Mylk. It’s home to a thriving food and drink community and offers incredible support for innovation through programmes like Growing Kent & Medway. The access to research collaboration, local networks, and sustainable farming initiatives has made it the perfect environment to develop a brand that values community, nature, and conscious living.

➡️ How has being based in Kent helped your business?

Being based in Kent has been a huge advantage for Root Mylk. The support from Growing Kent & Medway opened doors to mentorship, funding, and collaboration opportunities that have shaped our growth. Partnering with the University of Greenwich has also been invaluable for research and product development. Kent’s strong food and drink network, combined with its focus on sustainability and innovation, has truly helped Root Mylk find its footing and direction.

Reader Perks

➡️ Any special offers or discounts you’d like to share with the Kent Business Newsletter readers?

We’re not officially launched yet, but we’d love Kent Business Newsletter readers to be the first to know when our Root Mylk plant-based beverages hit the market. You can sign up for early access and exclusive launch updates via our website. Early subscribers will also receive a special launch discount and a chance to join our taste-testing community once we go live!

You can find out more and connect with Winfred here:
Website - https://rootmylk.com/home
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/root-mylk-3b784b312/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root_mylkuk/

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