If you live in the south of Australia, where Michael Stavrou does in Melbourne, escaping up north or overseas for winter, is always in the back of your mind. As a proud Greek Aussie, he never imagined his trips to Mykonos would inspire the creation of a range of local sun care products that are a ray of sunshine globally – Mykonian Sun.

Talk us through how Mykonian Sun came to market?

It all began with identifying a gap in the market for premium sun care products that prioritize both efficacy and quality. We formulated a range of high-quality sun care solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern consumers.

Additionally, the inspiration behind Mykonian Sun stemmed from my personal connection to Greece, where every visit evokes the essence of a summer holiday escape. So many Greeks call Australia home! This emotional tie fuelled our passion to create products that capture the essence of a Mediterranean summer, lifestyle, natural beauty and holistic well-being, while being Aussie made.

What have been the biggest challenges in getting a start-up off the ground?

A new business inevitably comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when motivation to keep going is hard when things get difficult. For Mykonian Sun, some of the most significant hurdles included establishing the right foundations from the very beginning including investor funding, appointing a team with a creative flair for different parts of the business such as marketing and design, and to literally build brand awareness from scratch in a very competitive market.

How important has having a complete digital strategy been for Mykonian Sun?

From establishing a strong online presence through e-commerce platforms and social media channels to leveraging data analytics for targeted marketing and customer engagement, our digital strategy has enabled us to reach and connect with consumers on a global scale. One thing I have learned – continually upskill in digital and social media!

Why is Australian-made important to the success of your business?

The “Australian made” label holds significant value for Mykonian Sun. It reflects our commitment to quality and integrity, as products manufactured in Australia are held to high regulatory standards and undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. Additionally, the “Australian-made” designation resonates with consumers both domestically and internationally, who associate it with quality natural ingredients, sustainable practices and ethics. By proudly calling out our Australian made heritage, we feel we instil trust and confidence in our brand.

Where do you hope to be with the business this time next year?

There is the obvious business success that we want to achieve – growth of existing lines into new markets and the development of new products to add to the range.

Ultimately, we aspire to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving sustainable growth and making a positive impact on the world. Looking after the planet is up to us all.