Navigating the rollercoaster of launching a startup that is also a new-to-market service in Australia has taken a lot of guts (and a touch of crazy).
For us, launching Nourishy has been about cultivating a mindset that embraces innovation and fearlessly pursues groundbreaking ideas. This mindset has been hugely important, as there have been many hurdles along the way, and without the right motivation and self-belief, we never would have made it this far.
The idea is planted
It all began when my sister mentioned a Canadian company freeze-drying breast milk.
Inspired by the concept, I reached out to Milkify, the pioneers in the field in the US, with one thought: “We want to do what you’re doing in Australia, in the safest way possible.” And so began the Nourishy start-up story.
Battling self-doubt
As we delved deeper into the start-up world, we encountered stringent regulations and moments of self-doubt. The challenges seemed insurmountable, and doubts kept us awake at night. Yet, our unwavering motivation to make a difference fueled our resilience.
We knew giving up wasn’t an option, and we found a way through the hurdles.
The key is to expect self-doubt, but let your passion drive you forward. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and remember that resilience is your greatest ally.
A winning mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset was crucial, especially when faced with the decision to relocate our family and business to Brisbane. We chose to focus on the positives, to tackle challenges with a solution-focused approach. This mindset has been the driving force behind getting to where we are with Nourishy.
I remember saying to my husband, “We can only focus on the positives about our new home and the business. It has to work.”
We prioritised talking about the good things and celebrated all the small wins.
As supportive as our friends and family were, we couldn’t help but sense an: “are you out of your minds?” undertone. This was often from high-earning professionals who couldn’t really understand why we would take such a risk.
So, we’ve made a point of speaking with other founders and entrepreneurs who ‘get it’.
If you’re facing challenges, try to keep a positive outlook, celebrate achievements along the way, and surround yourself with like-minded people who understand the value of risk and reward.
Constantly learning
Setting up a freeze-drying service for human milk has brought many complexities with it – particularly when it comes to technical expertise, compliance with regulations, and maintaining the highest levels of safety.
We’ve learned to prioritise tasks, set boundaries for family time, and embrace the mantra that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Success takes time, so try to prioritise effectively and establish clear boundaries. Adapt your strategies as you learn and grow, maintaining a balance between business and personal life.
Eyes on the prize
For us, this is ultimately about making a meaningful difference in the lives of families in Australia.
Launching a start-up demands dedication, resilience, and a steadfast belief in the cause. If you’re on the start-up journey, stay dedicated to your vision and build a strong support network.
The satisfaction of making a positive impact will overshadow moments of doubt, stress, and overwhelm. We’re so glad we took the leap and can’t wait to see what other adventures are ahead for us on this start-up journey.
