With a toddler to care for during her second pregnancy, along with additional responsibilities at work, Iveta van Zylwe found herself with less time to prepare for the birth of her son. She experienced firsthand how this lack of preparation made the already overwhelming process of pregnancy and birth even more stressful. Regretting not packing the essentials she needed for hospital, and realising that many mothers must face these same challenges, she came up with the vision for Alle Ana Gift Bundles: a convenient and practical solution to helps mums feel supported, nurtured and prepared as they await their baby’s arrival. Their essential kit gift bundles are designed to save time and alleviate the stress of packing for hospital by providing all the necessary items in one convenient package – allowing busy mums to focus on caring for their little ones. Here Iveta talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, the challenges she has overcome, the pros and cons of running her own business, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The Passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
When I was pregnant with my second baby, life threw me a curveball. Alongside the joys of expecting, I was suddenly asked to step in as a manager at work. Juggling a toddler and new managerial responsibilities left me with little energy, and the extreme fatigue of pregnancy took its toll. Despite my best efforts, I found myself neglecting the preparation of my hospital bag. With my first pregnancy, I had taken the time to carefully select travel-sized toiletries and essentials to maximise space, ensuring I had everything I needed. But this time, exhaustion hindered my shopping trips. I had gathered clothes for both myself and the baby, alongside nappies galore. Yet, I found myself without vital personal care items like shampoo, body wash, hair brush -something I never thought I’d overlook.
When labour began, I imagined a quick delivery. Instead, I faced a five-day hospital stay filled with unexpected complications. Each day, I regretted not having packed those essential items. My husband, determined to support me, ran back and forth from the hospital to our home, tirelessly gathering what I needed. As every request piled up, I felt a mix of guilt and gratitude, knowing he was navigating traffic to bring me the basics I had forgotten. In those exhausting moments, my perspective shifted. I realised that many mothers must face similar challenges, caught in the whirlwind of preparation while managing their families and careers. This challenging experience sparked a vision: creating an “all-in-one box for moms”. This would include essential travel-size toiletries and comforting items, providing everything a mother might need during her hospital stay-all conveniently packaged. I wanted to ensure that new moms could focus on one of life’s most beautiful experiences without the added stress of forgotten essentials. What began as a trying time transformed into a purpose-driven mission. By addressing this common need, I aimed to make the journey to motherhood a little smoother, giving women one less thing to worry about as they welcome their little ones.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Launching my business was a challenging journey. As a full-time employee and a mom to a busy three-year-old and a six-month-old baby, finding time to work on my dream was hard. I made time by working late at night and early in the morning, often relying on caffeine and determination. Even when I felt exhausted, the idea of creating a Hospital Bag Essential Gift Box to support other mums kept me going. I understood how overwhelming it could be to prepare for a new baby while dealing with daily life. The thought of making this experience easier for expectant mums motivated me through late-night brainstorming sessions and many cups of coffee.
What truly inspired me was seeing other mums on social media succeed while balancing their small New Zealand businesses and family life. Their stories of resilience and entrepreneurship encouraged me to keep going, reminding me I wasn’t alone. It’s incredible to think that what started as a personal mission has turned into a product that can help many others. I hope that every mum who receives a Hospital Bag Essential Gift Box feels supported and empowered as they start their pregnancy journey. Though it wasn’t an easy path, helping others makes every late-night struggle worth it!
The innovation: What was your biggest breakthrough for you in your business?
The most significant breakthrough for my business emerged from the insights gained through feedback from other mums, highlighting how my product successfully addressed the challenges faced by expectant mothers. I recognised that many expectant mums lead busy lives, and by incorporating travel-sized products into my Hospital Bag Essential Gift Box, I was able to minimise overpacking and reduce the stress of carrying unnecessary items to the hospital. This thoughtful innovation not only made the experience more convenient and tailored to the needs of mothers but also saved them time by providing all essential items in one ready-to-go package, eliminating the need for last-minute shopping trips.
Another significant breakthrough was turning my business idea into reality amidst the challenges of daily life with two small children. With my baby who was waking up 5 to 6 times a night, managing a full-time job, and balancing other responsibilities, starting this business felt nearly impossible. However, the unwavering support of my husband and close friends made it all feasible. Their encouragement and assistance played a crucial role in helping me bring my dream to life.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and life as a small business owner is a constant challenge, especially when I find myself drawn into the demands of running a business and the need to maintain a visible presence on social media while being a full-time mum of two small children. To navigate this, I’ve taken steps to create a more sustainable routine.
I now work in a flexible job that allows me the time I need to focus on my business without sacrificing family time. This flexibility has been invaluable in helping me manage my responsibilities more effectively.
Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of scheduling mental breaks to help me disengage and concentrate on my family. Sundays have become my designated day off, where I make a conscious effort to step away from social media and fully immerse myself in quality time with my husband and children. We cherish our activities together, such as attending church, visiting the park, or enjoying the simple pleasures that bring us joy. These moments are essential for recharging and ensuring that I can be fully present in both my personal and professional life.
