With a young child 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 first hand how this lack of preparation made the already overwhelming process of pregnancy and birth even more stressful. She regretted not packing for the hospital and realizing that many mothers face these same challenges, she came up with the vision of Alle Ana Gift Packs: a convenient and practical solution that helps mums feel supported, nurtured and prepared as they await their baby’s arrival. Essential Kit gift bundles are designed to save time and ease the stress of packing for the hospital by providing all essential items in one convenient package – allowing busy moms 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 create your business?
When I was pregnant with my second baby, my life took a turn. Along with the joys of waiting, I was suddenly asked to take over the manager’s position at work. Juggling a toddler and new managerial responsibilities left me low on energy and the extreme fatigue of pregnancy took its toll. Despite my best efforts, I neglected to prepare my hospital bag. With my first pregnancy, I had taken the time to carefully select toiletries and travel-sized essentials to maximize space, making sure I had everything I needed. But this time, exhaustion got in the way of my shopping. I had packed clothes for both me and the baby, along with plenty of diapers. However, I found myself without vital personal care items like shampoo, body wash, hair brush – something I never thought I would be without.
When labor started, I imagined a quick delivery. Instead, I faced a five-day hospital stay filled with unexpected complications. Every day, I regretted not packing these essentials. My husband, determined to support me, ran back and forth from the hospital to our house, tirelessly collecting what I needed. As each request piled up, I felt a mixture of guilt and gratitude, knowing that he was directing traffic to bring me the basics I’d forgotten. In those exhausting moments, my perspective changed. I realized that many mothers face similar challenges, caught in the whirlwind of preparation while managing their families and careers. This challenging experience sparked a vision: to create an “all-in-one box for moms.” This will include personal care essentials and travel comfort items, providing everything a mother might need during her hospital stay – all in a convenient package. I wanted to ensure that new moms could focus on one of life’s most beautiful experiences without the added stress of forgetting the basics. What started as a trial period turned into a mission with a goal. 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 get started in the first place?
Starting my business has been a difficult journey. As a full-time employee and mom to a busy three-year-old and six-month-old, it was hard to find time to work on my dream. I found time by working late nights and early mornings, often relying on caffeine and determination. Even when I felt exhausted, the idea of creating a hospital bag gift box to support other moms kept me going. I realized how overwhelming it could be to prepare for a new baby while dealing with everyday life. The thought of making this experience easier for moms-to-be motivated me through late night brainstorming sessions and many cups of coffee.
What really inspired me was seeing other mums on social media succeeding while balancing small business in NZ and family life. Their stories of resilience and entrepreneurship encouraged me to keep going, reminding me that I was not alone. It’s incredible to think that what started as a personal mission has turned into a product that can help so many others. I hope that every mom who receives an Essential Hospital Bag gift box feels supported and empowered as she begins her pregnancy journey. Although it has not been an easy road, helping others is worth every late night struggle!
Innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you in your business?
The most important breakthrough for my business came from the insights I gained through feedback from other mothers highlighting how my product successfully addressed the challenges mothers-to-be face. I recognized that many moms-to-be lead busy lives, and by incorporating travel-sized products into the Hospital Bag Essentials Gift Box, I was able to minimize over-packing and reduce the stress of carrying unnecessary items to the hospital. This thoughtful innovation not only made the experience more convenient and tailored to moms’ needs, but also saved time by providing all essential items in one ready-to-use package, eliminating the need for last-minute shopping.
Another breakthrough was turning my business idea into reality amidst the challenges of everyday life with two young children. With my baby waking up 5 to 6 times a night, managing a full time job and balancing other responsibilities, starting this business seemed almost impossible. However, the unwavering support of my husband and close friends made it all possible. Their encouragement and help were instrumental in helping me achieve my dream.
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 juggling the demands of running a business and the need to maintain a visible social media presence while being a full-time mom of two young children. To combat this, I’ve taken steps to create a more sustainable routine.
I now work a flexible job that gives 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 have learned the importance of scheduling mental breaks to help me disengage and focus 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 love our activities together, like going to 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.
