My Journey to ĀIO Tallow

Over two years ago, I found myself seeking a solution for my dry skin after spending a season in Tasmania where my partner is from. My skin had dried out, and while visiting my sister on the Sunshine Coast, I decided to create a tallow based blend to help soothe and nourish it. The results were immediate and incredible. I loved it so much, I made a small batch to gift to the women in my life before heading to Sri Lanka. My first batch went to my sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, and a few other women in the family.

Their response was overwhelming—they loved it and encouraged me to make more. But life had other plans as the year to follow would see me living in Thailand. When i did get back to australia for a brief visit I was able to top everyone up and then I was off again.

At the start of 2024, I moved home to Aotea (Great Barrier Island), where I reconnected with my roots. One day, while visiting my cousin, I noticed a large pot on the stove. “What's in there?” I asked. “Hinu,” he replied—tallow. I was thrilled! and excitedly asked if I could have some. The next day, I collected 1kg of tallow gifted to me in a recycled yogurt tub.

Once my other ingredients and equipment arrived, I began crafting a new blend. This tallow came from a cow raised on the outer Māori island of Rangiahua, and I made this batch with love, gifting it to family on the island and my sisters. The response was the same—everyone loved it.

I shared the experience on Instagram, offering to make and sell a small batch. To my surprise, within hours, all 12 units sold. Encouraged, I returned to my cousin to collect some more. However, as often happens in my life, I was off traveling again. After 5 months I found myself back in Tasmania, shared about my tallow creams again and sold out within days. I sold over 50 units in just two weeks, and the idea of turning this into something more official began to take shape.

In late 2024, with the support of my partner and community, I decided to fully commit to turning this passion into a business. And so, ĀIO Tallow was born.

The name “ĀIO” was a gift from a dear cousin given to me at the start of 2024 to actually write a poem. After both of us lost our mothers, I chose to write a poem about the peace that comes from being home on our whenua (land), connected to our Tupuna (ancestors). Circle round to the end of the year and the birth of this creation- ĀIO felt perfect for what I wanted this brand to represent: peace, connection, and love.

ĀIO Tallow was created from a place of love and gratitude, and I’m proud to offer something that is made with care, from where I am from. Each batch is small, sustainably crafted, and deeply nourishing. Even though it’s not always easy to run a business from a remote island—where sourcing ingredients, navigating weather-dependent power, and dealing with extra costs can be a challenge—it’s all worth it. I’m grateful to share something that’s done wonders for me with you.

Thank you for being part of this journey.
Ngā mihi nui, Dommy x