As a new brand, that needed to earn trust, I gifted my product to anyone and everyone who was a new parent. I didn’t discriminate – I reached out to people like Kayla Itsiness, Gretta van Reil, Alex Volkonovski’s wife, fashion designers, and every day parents with no social presence.
Elysia Krstevski
A crying baby, a downpour, and a missing solution sparked a Melbourne mom’s journey to entrepreneurial success.
Elysia Krstevski, a new mother facing the challenges of breastfeeding and stage 4 restrictions, found herself in a frustrating situation. Cafes and feeding rooms were closed, and without a microwave available, warming her baby’s milk became a major hurdle. This experience ignited a spark in Elysia. Determined to find a better way, she embarked on a mission to create a portable milk warmer for parents on the go.
Launching Meke Baby
Elysia, an overwhelmed mother grappling with stage 4 restrictions, found herself in the painful throes of mastitis, which made breastfeeding excruciating. The closure of cafes and inaccessibility of feeding rooms exacerbated her difficulties, leaving her without a safe way to warm her backup breast milk. “We were grocery shopping and I realized I had no way to heat up my daughter’s milk and I couldn’t breastfeed because of the pain. “Parents’ rooms and cafes were closed, so I didn’t have access to a microwave. My daughter Armani was screaming, it was pouring rain, so I didn’t want to run back to the car… the whole thing was a disaster. I remember thinking to myself, I never want to be in this position again.
“That night, I turned to Google, desperate for a solution. But what I found was disappointing – there was no portable milk warmer that was both safe and practical. I knew I wasn’t alone in this struggle, and I was determined to find a better way to heat milk on the go. I was a mum with a problem, and I was determined to find a solution. I knew I wasn’t alone, and I found a solution that could help everyone else, I was committed to creating a brand that would support parents in more ways than just a product.”
Filling a Niche
We understand that every family is unique, with individual needs and preferences that may vary.
At the core of Elysia’s brand lay a clear set of values that had guided her decisions from the very beginning. She knew that by staying true to these values, she could create a brand that truly made a difference. “When faced with challenges or crossroads, I returned to these values to ensure that my actions aligned with my purpose.
“My values are centered around prioritising convenience, innovation, and relevance, while staying focused on the needs of parents and the broader impact on society. I strive to create an exceptional experience for all stakeholders – from consumers and partners to customers – by being real people with real emotions – real parents. As a brand, our priority is to deliver only high-quality, and that goes from everything to product, content, customer service or a simple conversation.
“With my core values clearly defined, I was able to stay true to my mission and purpose. As a new brand, that needed to earn trust, I gifted my product to anyone and everyone who was a new parent. I didn’t discriminate – I reached out to people like Kayla Itsiness, Gretta van Reil, Alex Volkonovski’s wife, fashion designers, and every day parents with no social presence. I wanted to get my product out there, gather feedback, and wasn’t concerned about the financial return. I just wanted it out there.”
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Elysia received messages like ‘this is genius’ and ‘my husband loves it, total game changer.’ “I then had the husband reach out to me separately, I knew I was onto something special – something that would revolutionize the way parents feed on the go. When Kayla Itsiness replied and loved my product, I was over the moon! I literally screamed and ran into the lounge to tell my husband and mother-in-law. It was a moment that validated I was on the right path.”
When Elysia launched Meke Baby, she carved out a distinct niche, filling a market gap by offering a unique product that wasn’t readily available. Committed to staying true to her values and vision, Elysia refused to take shortcuts for short-term gains. “we carved out a distinct niche for ourselves and we are laser focused on our plans, product development, and the needs of our community. We understand that every family is unique, with individual needs and preferences that may vary. That’s why we’re dedicated to staying connected with our community, listening to their needs, and ensuring that our brand and purpose resonate with them.
“I’m driven by clear direction and a sense of purpose. I won’t be swayed by distractions or side tracked from our mission. Meke Baby is a brand that’s committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of parents and families, and I’m dedicated to staying the course.”
Balancing Act: Mom, CEO, and Entrepreneur
As a wife to an amazing husband, Chris, and mother to two beautiful girls, Armani and Giselle, Elysia navigates the complexities of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. In addition to being CEO of a performing arts company and an entrepreneur, her schedule often demands 18 hours of work a day, making it a wonder she hasn’t lost her sanity.
“I still find myself feeling like I’m spinning too many plates. I’ve come to realize that I was living a double life, trying to manage everything and maintain a sense of balance. But the truth is, it’s been a constant struggle. That’s why I created the podcast “A Double Life”, a platform where women can share their stories and challenges of trying to do it all. By sharing our experiences, we can bring awareness to the real issues that are not always on display.
“This journey has taught me that entrepreneurship is not always what it seems on social media. There’s no highlight reel or perfect formula for success. It’s messy, imperfect, and often overwhelming. But by sharing our stories, we can break down the stigma around admitting our struggles and offer support to those who are going through similar challenges.”
Elysia once read a quote in a book that has stayed with her: “Don’t judge an entrepreneur by the final product.” This quote resonated deeply with her, highlighting that no matter how perfect a person’s life may seem, the reality is filled with struggles, long hours, and immense hard work. Elysia advises choosing an industry one is passionate about and not letting wealth or materialistic gains be the sole driving forces.
“Choose an industry that you’re passionate about, and don’t let wealth or materialistic gains alone drive you. When times get tough, it’s your “why,” passion, and purpose that will get you through. And remember, there is only one you. People can copy your idea, content, and website, but no one can be you.”
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