Being a mother to two daughters and a CO CEO to Australia’s largest performing arts company, Elysia Krstevski has now added ‘entrepreneur’ to her list of accomplishments. A natural problem solver with a keen desire to help people, Elysia found a solution to a common problem faced by parents – the challenge of heating breastmilk while on-the-go. Having experienced the stress of needing to warm milk while out and about, Elysia set out to not only solve the problem for herself but to revolutionize the way parents warm and feed milk while on the move.
When did you start your business?
The idea was sparked during the lockdowns but our launch was April 2023
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
Despite the huge progress made in technology and convenience over the years, it’s surprising that we still depend on, microwaves, cafes and drive-throughs to provide us with hot water for heating baby formula or breastmilk. This realisation dawned on my business partner and husband, Chris, and me, as we were shocked by the lack of innovation in the baby space. We wanted Meke Baby to be a fresh, bold brand that champions inclusivity and convenience.
What are you most excited about in your business?
At the heart of our vision for Meke Baby is the desire to build a supportive community for parents, regardless of where they are in their journey of parenthood. Our goal is to make their lives easier by offering a range of practical ideas and initiatives. We’re so excited by our ideas on how we can best serve and support parents, and we’re committed to putting them into action.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Embarking on an ecommerce journey is a total rollercoaster, so much to learn on the job and constantly taking risks, it’s certainly not a 9-5 job. As a mum of toddlers, and working full-time, I had to dedicate the wee hours of the night to realise my vision. The Meke Milk Warmer, in particular, posed unique challenges, given the necessity to conduct extensive safety and compliance testing, which required a lot of effort, research and dedication on my part. All in all, it’s a lot of work, but the end result is worth every sleepless night.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Despite encountering a few challenges along the way, this project has proven to be one of the most fulfilling ones I’ve ever tackled. My advice for those starting out would be to create your brand first, I had a brand before I had a product because I knew what I wanted to stand for as a brand and those values. Also stay in your own lane and don’t lose sight, ignore what others are doing noone can copy you or your story.
Additionally, I’d recommend that women not shy away from communicating directly with the manufacturers. While it’s important to seek advice and support, it’s also essential to build a strong relationship with the manufacturers and cut out the middleman. This is because the manufacturers are usually willing and eager to support you in the process and can contribute greatly to your success.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
Being part of a community that understands the ups and downs of your journey is an incredible opportunity for recognition and support. It’s invaluable to be surrounded by individuals who can empathise and relate to your experiences, both good and bad.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
WINNING!!!! So honoured to receive that recognition
What surprised you most about the awards?
Winning !!!
How did the awards help you in your business?
Acknowledgment is incredible proof to support the brand. The badge on a product is significant.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Customers look at awards, it’s an additional element of trust to support your brand.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
Riding the waves of this experience has been thoroughly enjoyable, and it’s provided ample opportunities for personal growth, self-reflection, and tackling new challenges. There are certain elements of satisfaction present within this venture that I haven’t experienced elsewhere.
What’s happening next in your business?
Going back to the brand, our story and sharing that with our community
What are your big plans for the future?
Prioritising out customers, staying true to who we are and focus on what we are good at!
