Lepa is the founder of two fast-growing food brands, Burek on Wheels and Baba’s Milk, rooted in her Serbian heritage and powered by grit, community, and love. After the passing of her father and during the uncertainty of COVID, she left her career to honour tradition in the most tangible way: by hand-rolling burek and delivering comfort to her neighbourhood.
Since then, she’s grown her side hustle into a thriving catering business, launched a viral Balkan-inspired choccy milk, and found new meaning in motherhood, grief, and entrepreneurship. In this interview, she shares how rituals like coffee and Balkan music keep her grounded, why success looks different now, and how kindness became the core of her business philosophy.
You launched Burek on Wheels during COVID, while navigating grief and raising two young kids. What gave you the courage to take that leap—and how did it change your relationship to work and motherhood?
Losing my father in 2019 was a defining moment – it made me pause and reflect on what truly mattered. I was grieving, raising two young kids, and questioning my purpose. When COVID hit, like many people, I felt an urgency to do something meaningful. Buying a food truck was a leap of faith, but it felt right. It was my way of reconnecting with my roots, honouring my dad, and bringing a bit of comfort and soul to others through food – and it also got me out of the house!
Starting Burek on Wheels was more than just a business move, it was healing in a way. It changed the way I approached both work and motherhood. I stopped striving for perfection and started embracing presence. It’s made me a more grounded mother and a more intentional business owner.
Your businesses are so deeply tied to your heritage and family—what does it mean to you to honour that legacy while building something of your own?
It means everything. Growing up in a Serbian household, food was how we expressed love, culture, and care. My mum taught me everything I know. They were the original custodians of our family’s recipes, and now I get to carry that torch. Every burek I roll, every can of Baba’s Milk that’s opened, is a love letter to her and to where I come from. It’s not just about keeping tradition alive, it’s about evolving it in a way that feels authentic to me and relevant for the world today.
Running two fast-growing brands and being a solo founder is no small feat. How do you manage your energy, creativity, and family time with so much on your plate?
Honestly? Some days I nail it, and some days I don’t. But I’ve learned to embrace the juggle and find flow in the chaos. I work hard to keep my energy aligned with purpose. I remind myself that everything I’m building is for my kids and our future. I also know when to step back. Creativity doesn’t come when you’re burnt out, so I give myself space – whether it’s a walk, time in the kitchen without distractions, or just hanging with my kids. My work and life don’t exist separately, they’re intertwined, and I’ve made peace with that.
What daily habits or rituals help you stay grounded—whether in the kitchen, in your business, or at home with your kids?
Coffee!! I start most mornings with a strong coffee but I pair this with…music! I absolutely love Balkan music, so I sing and dance around to it every morning, it puts me in such a great mood. Cooking is also a grounding ritual for me – when I’m in the kitchen, I’m fully present. I also prioritise little moments with my kids, it keeps me connected. And laughter. We laugh a lot in our house—it’s medicine.
Has your definition of success changed since starting Burek on Wheels and Baba’s Milk? What does a meaningful work-life balance look like to you today?
A thousand percent. I used to think success meant status or scale. Now, it’s about alignment and joy. If my businesses are making people feel something -whether it’s nostalgia, connection, or pride – then I’m doing my job. Work-life balance, for me, isn’t a perfect split. It’s about integration. It’s about showing up for my kids and my customers with heart. It’s knowing that I can pause work to be at school pick-up and still feel proud of what I’m building.
You’re actively involved with Be Kind Friday and committed to giving back. How do acts of community care and kindness shape your approach to business and leadership?
Be Kind Friday started as a way to give back, but it’s become a cornerstone of how I lead. Kindness isn’t a strategy – it’s a value. Whether I’m feeding people through Burek on Wheels, writing a note on a Baba’s Milk delivery, or donating profits to causes close to my heart, it all stems from the belief that businesses can be vehicles for good. I want to show my kids that leadership isn’t about power – it’s about impact, empathy, and being of service to your community.
