The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Starting something new, especially something as sensitive and personal as handling breast milk, comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest was educating people about what freeze-drying breast milk actually involves, and reassuring them that it’s both safe and effective. Because it’s a relatively new concept in Australia, there was a lot of myth-busting and trust-building in the early days.
Navigating regulations, ensuring we met the highest standards and managing the logistics of running a service that supports parents across the country also pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. But the biggest challenge has been internal: overcoming self-doubt and trusting that this vision matters. Every time a parent tells me how this service has made their life easier or helped them continue their breastfeeding journey, it reminds me exactly why I keep going.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The biggest pro is the sense of purpose. Knowing that I’m building something that directly supports and uplifts other parents is incredibly fulfilling. I get to pour my values into the work, be creative and make decisions that align with what matters most to me and my family. The flexibility to shape my own schedule is also a huge plus, especially with young children.
But it definitely comes with its challenges. The pressure is constant and the mental load can be heavy. You don’t get to “clock off” in the same way, and the responsibility of carrying a vision forward, often through uncertainty, can be overwhelming. It’s also easy to blur the boundaries between work and life, which I’ve had to learn to navigate more consciously.
Still, the growth, both personal and professional, is something I wouldn’t trade. It stretches you, humbles you and reminds you every day of what you’re capable of.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’d love to see freeze-dried breast milk become a mainstream option for parents across Australia – something that’s as familiar and accessible as pumping or storing milk in the freezer. We’re working on expanding our reach, making the service more accessible in rural and remote areas and continuing to support donor milk initiatives that help vulnerable babies get the best start in life.
Looking ahead, my hope is that Nourishy can be part of a broader shift in how we support parents – offering more flexibility, less guilt and more confidence in whatever feeding journey they choose. I’d also love to collaborate more with hospitals, maternal health services and Indigenous health organisations to ensure that this support reaches every corner of our community.
At the heart of it all, my dream is simple: to keep listening, keep learning and keep creating something that genuinely helps parents feel seen, supported and empowered.
Visit the Nourishy website to find out more. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube.
