Think managing 1,200 SKUs from remote suppliers sounds impossible? Tahlia Mandie not only makes it work—she’s built a business that supports remote communities while doing it. Starting with just one product—Kakadu plum powder—Tahlia has grown Kakadu Plum Co. into a vessel that celebrates Indigenous culture everyday through food. Her brand doesn’t just sell products; it tells stories, supports Indigenous businesses and introduces customers to the richness of Australian bush foods.
With a 45% repeat customer rate, a no-frills approach to marketing and a new cookbook The Australian Ingredients Kitchen co-authored with Elder Bruno Dann, Tahlia’s journey is full of lessons for any ecommerce professional looking to grow sustainably while staying true to their values.
EDMs Shouldn’t Always Be Sales Pitches
Email marketing is often seen as a quick tool for driving sales—but Tahlia Mandie is flipping the script on EDMs. Kakadu Plum Co.’s impressive 45% repeat customer rate is thanks, in large part, to a thoughtful email strategy that focuses on value rather than constant selling.
Her weekly Sunday email has become a staple for Kakadu Plum Co.’s audience, offering educational content, cultural insights and even gardening tips.
“Every Sunday, we send out an email that’s a piece of information—whether it’s cultural sharing, gardening tips, or how to grow a native garden. It’s not a selling day, and people love it.”
This email isn’t a hard sell—it’s a relationship builder. Over time, this connection has led to trust, loyalty, and ultimately, sales. And the proof is in the numbers: almost half of Kakadu Plum Co.’s customers keep coming back. But it’s not just about what’s in the email; it’s about consistency.
People know that every Sunday morning, they’re getting something interesting from us. It’s not always about products, and that’s why it works.
It’s a reminder to all of us in ecom that email lists shouldn’t just be about discounts and product pushes. Instead, they’re an opportunity to foster genuine connections and build long-term relationships with your customers. By sharing regular value-packed communication (such as knowledge, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights) you can build loyalty—and drive repeat sales. Consistency is key—find a rhythm and stick to it.
Find Your People—And Stick With Them
It’s tempting to jump onto every new social media platform, but Tahlia’s approach is a masterclass in knowing where your audience is and staying focused on those channels. For Kakadu Plum Co., that means prioritising Facebook and email over trendier platforms like TikTok.
“Our customer is an older customer. We have people in their 80s and 90s calling us because they can’t figure out the website. They’re not on TikTok, and that’s okay.”
While many ecommerce brands are pouring resources into video content for TikTok, Tahlia found that it didn’t yield the returns she needed. After testing the waters, she made the call to focus on the platforms that already worked for Kakadu Plum Co.
You can’t put your marketing dollars into every channel. Know where your audience is, focus on that, and give them what they want.
This is a valuable lesson for ecommerce brands trying to do too much at once. Instead of spreading yourself thin, double down on the channels where your best customers already engage and buy from you. Sometimes, mastering one or two platforms is far more effective than chasing every new trend.
Inventory Chaos? Time to Get Organised
Managing inventory is challenging for any brand. But when you have 1,200+ SKUs from remote suppliers across Australia, it becomes even more complex. Tahlia’s take on inventory management is a reminder that behind every success story is a well-oiled operational machine.
“Inventory is probably one of my biggest headaches. With so many products and suppliers, if things aren’t stored properly, you suddenly have a box of something you forgot about.”
Her supply chain includes micro-businesses and Indigenous producers in remote areas, adding another layer of complexity to logistics and stock management. Nevertheless, Tahlia’s commitment to working with these communities and delivering quality products to customers drives her to stay organised.
“We work with small suppliers, and while supply can be challenging, our customers understand that many of these products are small-batch and handmade.”
Investing time in reviewing inventory systems and ensuring clear communication with suppliers is essential. Whether you’re managing 50 SKUs or 5,000, inventory management is crucial. Regularly review your processes, communicate clearly with suppliers, and invest in tools that help you stay on top of stock levels. The smoother your operations, the smoother your customer experience.
Collaboration with Indigenous Communities: More Than Just Business
One of the most inspiring aspects of Kakadu Plum Co.’s journey is its commitment to collaborating with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities. From the very beginning, Tahlia knew that working alongside Indigenous Australians was essential to creating an authentic and respectful brand.
“I instinctively knew that if I was going to explore Kakadu plum, I had to work with the people who have known this ingredient for thousands of years.”
Her partnership with Elder Bruno Dann has been a cornerstone of Kakadu Plum Co.’s success. Together, they’ve co-authored The Australian Ingredients Kitchen, a cookbook that brings native ingredients into everyday Australian kitchens while honouring Indigenous knowledge.
The book is about how we can all work together—non-Indigenous and Indigenous—collaboratively, sharing this love for what is growing on our land.
This collaboration isn’t just about business; it’s about respect, education, and creating opportunities for Indigenous communities. The bottom line? Authenticity matters. If you’re working with or drawing inspiration from a particular community or culture, ensure that your collaborations are genuine, respectful and mutually beneficial. Building strong, respectful relationships can add immense value to your brand and foster trust with your customers.
Purpose Meets Process
Tahlia Mandie’s Kakadu Plum Co. is a shining example of how ecommerce businesses can grow sustainably while staying true to their purpose. She’s built a thriving business by staying true to her mission of celebrating and showcasing Indigenous products and bush foods, while nailing the fundamentals of ecommerce. The big takeaway? Success in ecommerce isn’t just about sales—it’s about building trust, staying focused, and running a tight operational ship. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, Tahlia’s shows us that that balancing purpose with process is not only possible, but profitable.
