Austral Herbs

Greenstorm Foods

Managing Director

Greenstorm Capital

Greenstorm Capital is an entrepreneur-led single-acquisition investment fund (aka 'Search Fund') with a group of experienced business mentors & investors, looking to acquire an Australian business to operate for the long term.

Australia's first female-led traditional search fund - Search begun in January 2022 for a great Australian-based SME with EBITDA between $2-5M in a stable industry. With Paige leading as CEO and ambitions to grow over a 5-10 year period.

Greenstorm Capital was renamed to Greenstorm Foods and acquired Austral Herbs in April 2023

Founder/Entrepreneur (Searcher)

Epilepsy Action Australia

Operational management of well-established not-for-profit organisation based in Sydney with nation-wide operations. Leading technological advancements and process developments.

Presented to the Board on General Management & Operations, Finance, HR, Fundraising & Education departments and Special projects. Reported to the Finance, Audit, Compliance & Risk Committee.

Implemented 2 new CRMs across Fundraising and Client Services. Saving in excess of $500K | Revised financial reporting inc. re-designed chart of accounts | Updated financial and compliance reporting | Managed fundraising initiatives | Managed remote working project

Operations Manager

Antares Solutions

Sydney-based Microsoft IT Consulting Firm with ~50 staff. 
Finance | HR & People | Internal Processes | Internal Systems | Inter-Department Processes | Internal Recruitment | Office Management | Accountable for Organisational Efficiency

Part of 6-person Leadership team | Process & System development focus | Working within the EOS framework for strategy and business improvement | Implemented Employee system BambooHR and improved Recruitment, Onboarding, Employee/Manager communications and Performance Management across the business.

Longtail UX Pty Ltd

Company Secretary

Career FAQs

Airbrushing Around

Airbrush Face Painting & Tattoos for events, corporate, sporting clubs etc.
Owner/Operator:  Business Operations | Managing/Training Staff 15+ Casuals | Supply Management, Stock control | Marketing: Flyers, Website etc

Founder/Operator

WebPaige Designs

Basic HTML Web Design with Dreamweaver | Graphic Design for Print and Online using Adobe Suite | Target Market: Sole Traders & Small Businesses 

Achievements:
●	Designed, developed & maintained 12+ websites
●	Learnt key skills for communicating and managing expectations with a variety of clients
●	How to create a sales pipeline and generate own business

Designer

Encore Beauty

Office Manager

Founder at Greenstorm Capital

Co-Owner of Greenstorm Foods, CEO of Austral Herbs - Australia's leading Organic Herbs & Spices import & wholesale distributor, for over 25 years.

As Australia's first female-led Traditional Search fund, Greenstorm Capital, was founded in 2022 to find and acquire a business in Australia. Acquiring Austral Herbs in 2023, I'm currently focused on continuing the owner’s legacy and transitioning the business into its next stage of growth.

Passionate about leading great team with great processes and making a great business more than what's on paper.

I’ve been named a finalist for the Young Organic Leader of the Year Award.

It still feels a little surreal to see my name alongside others who are doing incredible things in the organic space.

When I stepped into this industry just over two years ago, I knew I wanted to run a company that put people and principles first. 

What I didn’t know was just how much I’d learn along the way. 

From navigating the day-to-day challenges of running a certified organic business, to building a team culture that truly supports people.

For me, this nomination isn’t just about leadership [although that’s a large part of it]. 

But to me it’s more about the shared effort of a team who shows up every day to deliver consistent quality, uphold organic standards, and serve our customers with care.

I’m grateful to the Australian Organic Limited Organic Industry Awards for recognising the next generation of leaders and even more grateful for the mentors, peers, and my team who’ve shaped this journey so far.

There’s still so much more to learn and do. But I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

#OrganicLeadership #YoungOrganicChampion #OrganicIndustry #AustralHerbs #SustainableBusiness

Paige Kohalmont

So you bought a business… now what? I share lessons on leadership, team-building & making post-acquisition ownership less chaotic | CEO at Austral Herbs

Some news from the Central Coast…

I’ve been named a finalist in the Outstanding Young Business Leader category at the Business NSW - Central Coast Awards!

This one feels special. 

Not because of the title, but because it’s a reflection of the people around me. 

The Austral Herbs team, our suppliers, and the community that makes what we do possible.

Leadership, for me, has always been about listening first, creating space for others, and learning as I go.

It’s also special because the Central Coast is where I consider home. 

After spending 18 months in Armidale when we first bought Austral Herbs, moving the business here was a big step and one that’s created a real connection for me personally. 

To now be recognised in this community feels like a full-circle moment.

Any recognition like this is only possible because of the amazing people beside me.

It’s a privilege to be included alongside so many brilliant leaders from our region, and I'm looking forward to celebrating the night!

#BusinessNSWAwards #CentralCoastNSW #YoungBusinessLeader #AustralHerbs

I’m looking forward to speaking at this year’s EtA Central Forum in Sydney.

On Thursday 18 September, I’ll be joining a panel of women who are each at different stages of the search journey, from starting out to running a company post-acquisition.

I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned from my own path: from searching for a business to now leading Austral Herbs as CEO.

It’s always a privilege to contribute to a community that has played such a big role in my own journey. 

If you’re attending the Forum, I’d love to see you at the session [and happy to chat afterwards too!]

🗓️ Thursday 18 September 2025

🕚 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

📍 Main Stage – EtA Forum Sydney, Doltone House

#ETAF #SearchFunds #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #BusinessLeadership #PostAcquisition

Austral Herbs is officially on LinkedIn!

We’ve been doing the work quietly behind the scenes for a long time.

Now we’re finally showing up here too.

If you’re into sourcing, supply chain, or just appreciate the magic of good ingredients, give us a follow → Austral Herbs

We’ll be sharing more about what we do, how we do it, and why we care.

#AustralHerbs #OrganicBotanicals #B2BSupply #NaturalProductIndustry

For the last 2.5 years under new ownership, we’ve been refining how we do things at Austral Herbs. 

The organic chamomile in your bestselling sleep blend?

The native wattle seed giving your gin its signature finish?

The calendula petals in your premium skincare line?

There's a good chance they all started in our warehouse.

We're Austral Herbs, owned and operated by Greenstorm Foods. 

One of Australia's largest certified organic botanical importer & distributor.

Since 1996, we've been the quiet backbone of the natural products industry.

The buyer who tracks down rare botanicals from trusted growers.

The quality expert who ensures batch-to-batch consistency.

The logistics coordinator who ships your urgent order same-day.

We've built something rare in this industry:
3400+ SKUs; a variety of plant parts, cut and bag size. 
We keep things moving with clear updates, consistent quality, and strong supplier relationships. 
Relationships that survive market shifts and seasonal changes.

So why are we here now?

Because after nearly three decades of supplying the industry, it's time to step forward.

To share what we've learned about quality, sourcing, and the partnerships that actually matter.

To connect directly with the formulators, procurement teams, and brand builders who understand that ingredients are everything.

This is our first LinkedIn post.

But we're not new to the conversation.

Welcome to Austral Herbs.

#OrganicBotanicals #B2BSupply #AustralHerbs #OrganicSupply #BotanicalSupplier #NaturalProducts

Open article: Austral Herbs | LinkedIn by linkedin.com

It’s easy to get fixated on the search.

I’ve seen it happen often, and I felt it myself at times.

Sometimes we forget the reason we’re here: to actually run a business.

For me, the search was 100% new skills.
Constant learning. 
Constant challenges I’d never faced before.
[And if I’m honest, it was exhausting].

Stepping into the CEO role felt different.
More natural. 
More aligned with what I’m meant to be doing.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy [by no means whatsoever].

Leading a business has its own set of challenges.

But they’re challenges I’d choose every day over the ones in the search phase.

That’s why I’m looking forward to this year’s EtA Central Forum in Sydney, where I’ll be on a panel with other entrepreneurs at different stages of the journey; from just starting out, to deep in due diligence, to me at the operator stage.

It’s a chance to reflect on what makes this path so unique and why the real reward, at least for me, is in building and leading, not just searching.

Hope to see you there!

#ETA #SearchFunds #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #LeadershipJourney #PostAcquisitionLeadership

Creating a workplace where people and business both thrive has always been a non-negotiable for me.

That’s why I’m so proud to share that Austral Herbs has been named a finalist in the Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under category at the 2025 Business NSW - Central Coast Awards.

This recognition feels especially meaningful because it reflects the culture we’ve been building every day; one centred around trust, flexibility, and putting people first.

Whether it’s shorter work weeks, open feedback loops, or simply finding better ways to support one another, it’s these collective efforts that make our workplace what it is today.

We’re still learning and improving as we go, but being named a finalist here is a reminder that we’re heading in the right direction.

A huge thank you to the incredible team at Austral Herbs and I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved together!

#BusinessNSWAwards #EmployerOfChoice #CentralCoastNSW

When I first stepped into this industry, I was surprised by how much depth there is to something as simple as a herb or dried botanical. 

Ashwagandha, turmeric and echinacea aren't just familiar names on a shelf or found in amongst your grandma's spice rack.

Each has powerful properties that can influence stress, inflammation, or immunity [among many other effects].

What I’ve learned is that this power also comes with responsibility.

It’s not enough to just stock herbs. Businesses like ours have to ensure every batch is traceable, certified, and consistent. 

Because in B2B, it’s not only about product but about building and maintaining trust.

That’s the standard we hold ourselves to at Austral Herbs, and it’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be part of this space and lead this team everyday.


#PostAcquisitionLeadership #B2BLeadership #HerbalBusiness #CertifiedOrganic #NaturalHealthAustralia #BusinessOperations

Herbs seem harmless.

But some have powerful medicinal actions.

Here are 3 potent herbs:

1. Ashwagandha: An Adaptogen that supports stress and energy levels ⚡️

2. Turmeric: Strong anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties 💪

3. Echinacea: Popular immune system booster 🛡️

B2B buyers need to know: not all herbs are interchangeable.

Traceability and consistent potency matter more than ever.

That’s why we certify every batch at Austral Herbs.

Which herb is most popular with your customers right now?

#PotentPlants #CertifiedHerbs #HerbalBusiness #NaturalHealthAustralia #FunctionalBotanicals #HerbalSourcing
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Please note: This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Austral Herbs does not provide medical advice. Individual experiences may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Most bottlenecks don’t appear overnight.

They show up as small signals — a glitch in the process, a team member’s comment, a customer’s question/feedback — and grow if you don’t act.

When we spot them, we don’t push harder or work longer hours.

We step back and figure out what will actually solve the problem.

Every time something feels off, we flag it.

We review what we’re trying to achieve and brainstorm better ways to do it.

Once we identify a potential improvement, we trial it, tweak if needed, and repeat until it works.

Then we:

• Document it in Guru [kind of like our shared brain for processes].

• Assign one person to own it [usually the department head].

• Set a 12-month reminder to review it again.

Keeping it simple and aligned with our values is non-negotiable:

Team First
Quality and Consistency
Aligned Efficiency
Customer Loyalty

If it doesn’t fit those, we don’t keep it.

Because fixing inefficiencies isn’t a one-time project but an ongoing discipline.

What’s one small system improvement that’s made the biggest impact in your business?

#SystemsAndGrowth #PostAcquisitionLeadership #BusinessOperations #ProcessImprovement #B2BLeadership #AustralHerbs #SmallBusinessLeadership

Paige Quoting Fixing Inefficiencies Isn't a One-Time project, But An Ongoing Discipline

I’ve been to the ETA Forum every year for the past four years.

Each time, I’ve walked away with something different:

– Year one: I was still in the thick of the search, scribbling down notes as fast as I could.

– Year two: I was a brand-new CEO, still wearing rose-coloured glasses and without any battle scars [yet].

– Year three: I’d stepped into the CEO role, and suddenly the conversations hit differently. And community seems more valuable than ever.

This year feels new again because I’ll be on the other side of the panel.

I don’t see it as having all the answers [far from it].

But I do see it as a chance to share what I’ve learned so far and just as importantly, to listen.

So if you’re attending in September, please come with questions.

The best part of this forum has always been the open conversations.

#ETAForum #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #SearchFundJourney #BusinessLeadership

🎤 Meet Your Day 1 Lineup!

From macro trends to the realities of running a HoldCo, the EtA Forum Day 1 line-up is stacked with people who’ve done the deals, scaled the ops, and backed the next wave of entrepreneurs.

Here’s who will take the stage on Thursday 18th September:

✅ Josh Beaver & James Frank in a fireside chat: Inside an Industry HoldCo

✅ Alix Doherty, Jason Shepherd GAICD, Jake Maisey & Zeljko Nikolic on a panel: Governance, Coaching & Mentorship in EtA

✅ Carmel Williamson, Ashley Alfs (Detwiler) Alfs, Paige Kohalmont, Kylie Wright & Jason Andrew sharing the real stories in: Searching & Operating in 2025

✅ Pete Seligman is taking us inside The Entrepreneur’s Journey — an interactive session where you choose how the story unfolds

✅ Plus: a keynote from Warren Hogan from Judo Bank, and a few surprises we’re keeping under wraps for now 😉

The full agenda is now live at etaforum.com.au

And if you want to connect with more entrepreneurs, operators, and investors, join us this September at EtA Forum Sydney.

🗓️ 18–19 September 2025
 📍 Sydney
 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/guKG2S86

#EtAForum #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #SearchFund #PrivateEquity #SMEs #InvestorCommunity #EtACentral #OperatorInsights  #SydneyEvents

You don’t have to wake up at 5 am to be a good leader.

Most of my team starts at 7.

I start at 8 [well apart from my morning coffee emails].

It’s not about laziness or commitment levels. It’s about what works in the season I’m in.

Some mornings it’s daycare drop-off.

Some mornings, it’s a quick coffee with my husband before the day takes over.

Some mornings, it’s catching up on sleep.

I’ve read enough leadership books to know the 5 am club, green juice at sunrise, yoga and “two hours of deep work before the kids wake up” is a thing.

And for some people, it works.

But right now, as much as it’s a work in progress, my version of success looks like:

- Running a business I’m proud of
- Being there for my 4-year-old and husband
- Keeping myself [somewhat] sane in the process

Some days I’m in the office until 6 and still home to cook dinner.

Other days, I leave at 4 and finish my work later that night.

The flexibility allows me to be at my best.

There’s no point building a business that burns us out.

You don’t have to follow someone else’s routine to lead well.

Find the version that works for you, in the phase you’re in.

What does your version of success look like right now?

#PostAcquisitionLeadership #PeopleFirstBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #SmallBusinessLeadership #LeadershipReflections #SearchFundOperator #B2BLeadership #AustralHerbs

Nothing makes you stop and reflect quite like seeing your name on a finalist list.

The part where you sit down and really assess:

– What have we actually achieved?
– Where are we strong?
– And where do we need to do better?

Writing the submissions for the Young Organic Leader of the Year meant turning the mirror back on myself and on Austral Herbs.

It’s not always comfortable.
But it’s valuable.

Because the process forces you to benchmark against the best in the sector.

It sparks fresh ideas for how we can innovate and grow.

And it reminds you that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but being willing to ask the tough questions.

That’s why I see the finalist nod as less about recognition, and more about reflection.

If you’ve ever entered something like this, how did the process challenge you?

#OrganicIndustry #LeadershipInPractice #YoungOrganicChampion #OrganicBusiness #SustainableGrowth

I’ve never been a “TGIF” person.

Even before we introduced a 4-day workweek, I hated the way people spoke about their weeks like they were something to survive.

“Happy hump day!”

“Only two more sleeps until Friday!”

“Ugh, Monday…”

To me, that always felt like wishing your life away [Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been there].

I get that not everyone loves their job.

And yes, I know this comes from a place of privilege; loving what I do, working with people I respect, and having the power to shape my work environment.

But if you do have some say over how your business runs or how your team operates, surely the goal should be building something no one dreads walking into on a Monday?

That’s a big part of why we introduced the 4-day workweek.

Not because we want everyone frolicking on their “Reset Day”, but because I believe the way we work shouldn’t drain you.

I don’t expect every week to be sunshine and perfect workflows.

But I do hope our way of working gives people enough space to actually enjoy the work they do and not drag themselves through it.

Anyone else’s favourite day a Monday? Any takers?

#PeopleFirstLeadership #4DayWorkWeek #BusinessCulture #SmallBusinessLife #WorkplaceWellbeing #ModernLeadership #EmployeeExperience #AustralHerbs #SustainableWorkplace #BusinessOwnerThoughts

"How can I help you achieve that?"

It’s the question I ask at the end of every check-in.

Not because I think my team needs me to handhold.

But because I never want them to feel like they’re doing it alone.

Every quarterly check-in starts with a quick review of the last quarter.

No surprises; An overview rather than feedback [they should know that already].

Then we look ahead:

→ What does the business need this quarter?

→ What projects are on the horizon?

→ How can we communicate and work better together?

I always give each team member something to focus on [a sort of north star].

It’s usually something I know they’re capable of, even if they haven’t realised it yet.

But I never want “here’s your goal” to be the end of the conversation.

We’re building this business together, and I am always evolving my approach to these types of conversations.

And I want to be the type of leader who doesn’t just set the direction but walks the road with my team.

How do you structure your team check-ins to create alignment without micromanaging?

#PeopleFirstBusiness #PostAcquisitionLeadership #TeamLeadership #SearchFundOperator #SmallBusinessLeadership #AustralHerbs #B2BLeadership #LeadershipCheckIns

I never want my team wondering what I’m thinking.

When you’re running a business, clarity is everything.

I keep communication open in all the ways that work for us - emails, face-to-face chats, Teams messages, weekly management meetings, ad-hoc problem-solving sessions, daily toolbox check-ins, even over lunch with my husband [some of our most productive conversations happen then].

It’s not about hovering over every task but about making sure no one’s left guessing.

My team knows I’ll be direct, and they’re comfortable asking for clarity whenever they need it.

Keeping everyone focused, aligned, and aware of our business goals means we’re all rowing in the same direction.

Without that clarity, you burn time and energy fixing avoidable mistakes, and trust erodes fast.

The real work is making sure they know the destination and have the tools, trust, and support to get there.

Because when everyone knows where we’re going and feels confident in how to get there, it’s not about mind-reading.

It’s about shared direction and empowered action.

How do you keep your team aligned without overcomplicating communication?

#PeopleFirstBusiness #SmallBusinessLeadership #LeadershipReflections #PostAcquisitionLeadership #TeamAlignment #BusinessGrowth #B2BLeadership #AustralHerbs

Bad days don’t make you a bad leader, but ignoring them might.

There are days I don’t feel like the best version of myself.

Maybe I’m running on no sleep. 
Or I’ve got a migraine creeping in. 
Or it’s one of those weeks where everything needs my attention at once.

And I’ve learned [sometimes the hard way] that those are not the days to hold performance reviews or dive into difficult conversations.

Because the person on the other side deserves the most present, patient version of me.

Not the frazzled, overloaded one who’s just trying to get through their calendar.

So here’s what I do instead:

– I postpone the meeting if I need to.
– I prep ahead of time to get clear on what needs to be said and why.
– I let the other person know what to expect, so they’re not blindsided.
– I remind myself that the how of the conversation matters just as much as the content.

I still don’t get it right every time. 
But I know I’m improving. And that’s the part I try to focus on.

Being a good leader doesn’t mean getting it perfect.

It means caring enough to keep getting better.

#PostAcquisitionLeadership #PeopleFirstBusiness #LeadershipGrowth #SmallBusinessLeadership #SearchFundOperator #B2BLeadership #TeamCulture #AustralHerbs

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