A while ago my sister (who has the Metafit franchise in South Africa) told me about these fabulous smoothies that she had tried. She then ordered these for her training that she was doing out at Prince’s Grant for personal trainers, & managed to get custom ones made in the colours that she needed. I was very jealous when I saw these (they are definitely Instagram-worthy!) & knew that next time I was in Natal I needed to pop over & try one for myself.
When I was visiting family last month, I went with my sister to Lifestyle Health & saw some sitting in their fridge – it was a definite sign that this was my chance to have one for myself & then I knew that I had to get in touch with Steph to find out more.
Your name: Steph Wills
Business name: Propa Food Bar
Social media handles: Facebook & Instagram
Tell me more about what you do: We make gourmet smoothie stacks which are healthy meal replacements as well as a healthy treat. Each smoothie is handmade, vegan friendly, gluten free, refined sugar free and dairy free.
How did you get started: I studied fine art at university but found myself intensely interested in health and wellness, so instead chose to pursue a career in this industry. I studied clinical nutrition while managing my mother’s health shop, Lifestyle Health, in Ballito for over 10 years. I love cooking and have always tried to make healthy food taste & look great. After my first son was born I concentrated on being a mom then shortly after my second son was born I started experimenting with smoothies, smoothie bowls and how to ‘stack’ layers of different flavoured smoothies on top of one another in a glass. Hence Propa was born.
What are your most popular smoothies: Our chocolate smoothies for sure! They are like a guilt-free dessert that you can eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner! All our smoothies are thick and need to be eaten with a spoon rather than a straw.
Do you do bulk orders: Yes, we have several customers that buy in bulk. We blast freeze these so that they can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months! Then you can enjoy your Propa whenever you feel like it! We also offer a discounted price on bulk orders.
Where can people buy these from: Direct from us (we have a factory space in Ballito). Simply whatsapp Steph 072 463 9512. Otherwise our smoothies are retailed at The Juice Kitchen (Ballito, Kloof & Hillcrest), Nouriti (La Lucia Mall), Hillcrest Kwikspar, Add to Your Health (Flanders Mall, Mt. Edgecomb), Park Square Spar (Umhlanga), Health on Broadway (Durban North) and Healthy (Umhlanga).
Why are you passionate about health: Simple daily acts of eating well, moving your body, being in nature and supplementing with key nutrients are some of the greatest investments you’ll ever make. Health is a precious gift to be treasured, nurtured and enjoyed.
Do you make custom smoothies for special orders: Yes we do. We cater for events, parties and company functions.
Quote you live by: Gratitude changes everything.
Anything else you want to add: We’ve also just launched a drinkable Propa smoothie at Nouriti which is a lot lighter, less calories and a delicious on-the-go snack with all the same good, clean ingredients (also vegan-friendly, dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar free)
Don’t these looks absolutely divine? Next time you are close by, please pop to one of their stockists & try one for yourself! Or perhaps order them in bulk for after your gym sessions or simply as a healthy meal alternative.
Please let me know your thoughts too…
