Get inspired by Rosy McEvedy, founder of IV League Drips, as she shares her entrepreneurial journey this Founder Friday.
As a business owner, your goal should be to build systems that allow you to scale without compromising quality. If everything relies on you, growth will be limited.
Rosy McEvedy
Building a business from scratch is tough. Rebuilding it twice after devastating losses? That takes a level of grit and determination that few possess.
This week’s Founder Friday is about resilience, reinvention, and sheer perseverance. Meet Rosy McEvedy, the founder and director of IV League Drips, a company that has revolutionized the wellness space in Australia with IV vitamin therapy. But Rosy’s journey to success wasn’t smooth.
Before IV League became the thriving business it is today—with over 165 licensees across the country—she faced gut-wrenching setbacks. From a failed business partnership to being scammed out of thousands, she lost everything not once but twice. Many would have thrown in the towel. Instead, Rosy doubled down. “I refused to let those experiences define me,” Rosy says. “If anything, they made me more determined. I knew I had something valuable to offer—I just had to find the right way to do it.”
Here are the 10 biggest lessons she learned along the way—in her own words.
1. Resilience is everything
“If there’s one quality that has defined my journey, it’s resilience. I’ve lost everything in business twice — once from a failed partnership, an experience I’m sure many small business owners can relate to, and the second time from a marketing scam. I refused to let these setbacks define me. Instead, I rebuilt, relying on passion, expertise, and sheer determination.
When things go wrong in business, it’s easy to feel defeated. But failure is only failure if you stop trying. The key is to keep moving forward, learn from mistakes, and use setbacks as fuel – and lessons – for future success.
Expect challenges and failures. Instead of fearing them, prepare for them. Develop a mindset that sees obstacles as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks.
2. Start small but dream big
The hard truth is that scaling a business doesn’t happen overnight.
IV League Drips started as nothing but an idea and sheer determination – a desire to introduce Australians to a new approach to wellness. I began by visiting gyms, pharmacies, and wellness centres, pitching my services face-to-face. For 18 months, I worked tirelessly and rarely took days off to build credibility and a loyal customer base from the ground up.
The hard truth is that scaling a business doesn’t happen overnight. Too many entrepreneurs focus on rapid growth before establishing strong foundations. Instead, focus on delivering exceptional service and building genuine relationships. Growth will follow.
Focus on the customers you have now and build loyalty before worrying about scaling. Word-of-mouth marketing is invaluable — deliver a service so good that people can’t help but recommend you.
3. Choose your business partners wisely
One of my biggest setbacks came from trusting the wrong people. I lost my savings twice due to failed partnerships and scams. When I first started a business at 26, I entered a partnership with someone I hadn’t known for long enough. . Unfortunately after six months we wanted to take the business in different directions and the relationship soured.
The right business partners will complement your strengths, share your values, and contribute to your long-term vision — not just short-term gains.
These experiences taught me the importance of due diligence and the value of surrounding yourself with people who share your vision and ethics.
Before entering into any business agreement, do thorough background checks. Seek legal advice, set clear expectations, and always have contracts in place.
4. Hard work will outweigh talent
Overnight success is a myth
Growing up, I watched my mother rebuild our lives after the devastating loss of my biological father. She had been working for his business and, upon his passing, suddenly found herself with no job and no support, still, through sheer determination, she overcame every obstacle. Her work ethic became a core part of who I am.
While natural talent can give you an advantage, hard work is what separates success from failure. Being willing to put in the long hours, make sacrifices, and do the less glamorous tasks is what builds a lasting business. Because if all else fails, you know you have your own back – and the ability too.
Be prepared to put in the work. Overnight success is a myth — behind every thriving business are years of dedication and persistence.
5. Innovation comes from experience
I first discovered IV vitamin therapy while travelling in the U.S. and immediately saw an opportunity to bring the concept to Australia. My background in pharmacy and nursing gave me the confidence to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and wellness. But the ‘how’ of it was something else entirely.
The best business ideas don’t always come from sitting in a brainstorming session — they come from lived experiences, observations, and personal passions. Look for gaps in the market where your unique skills and expertise can make a difference and don’t be afraid to act on them.
Stay curious. Travel, explore different industries, and expose yourself to new ideas. You never know where your next big opportunity will come from.
6. Build Systems For Scalability
One of the biggest turning points for IV League Drips was introducing a licensing model in 2021. This allowed us to expand quickly while maintaining quality and consistency. We now have over 165 licensees, all qualified medical professionals delivering a trusted service.
As a business owner, your goal should be to build systems that allow you to scale without compromising quality. If everything relies on you, growth will be limited.
Create processes and systems early on. Whether it’s training manuals, automation tools, or delegation strategies, ensure your business can grow without you needing to micromanage every aspect.
7. Know Your Numbers
Take the time to learn financial basics.
No matter how passionate you are about your business, you can’t ignore the financials. Cash flow is king, and one of the biggest reasons businesses fail is poor financial management. In my early days, I made mistakes by investing in the wrong people. Learning financial literacy was crucial in turning things around.
Understanding your profit margins, expenses, and projections isn’t just for accountants — it’s for every entrepreneur who wants to build a sustainable business.
Take the time to learn financial basics. Work with a trustworthy accountant, track expenses religiously, and always plan for unexpected costs.
8. Surround Yourself With Mentors & Supporters
My father, Bryan, was a major influence in my business journey. As a global business CEO, he helped shape my management style and approach to leadership. Having experienced mentors and a supportive network can make all the difference in navigating the ups and downs of business.
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Seeking advice from those who have been there before can save you from costly mistakes and accelerate your success.
Find mentors who have achieved what you aspire to. Join business networks, attend industry events, and never be afraid to ask for guidance.
9. Adapt & Evolve
The wellness industry is constantly changing, and staying ahead means being adaptable. What worked five years ago may not work today, and businesses that refuse to evolve get left behind.
Whether it’s new technologies, shifting customer expectations, or industry regulations, staying informed and being willing to pivot is crucial for long-term success.
Keep learning. Regularly reassess your business model, stay on top of trends, and be willing to innovate when necessary.
10. Passion Fuels Perseverance
At the core of it all, my passion for wellness and helping people has kept me going through the toughest times. When you genuinely love what you do, setbacks become easier to navigate because you believe in the bigger picture.
Passion alone won’t make a business successful, but it will give you the motivation to push through challenges and keep improving.
Choose a business that aligns with your values and interests. When things get tough (and they will), passion will be the reason you keep going. Success in business isn’t about luck — it’s about persistence, smart decisions, and learning from every failure. My journey with IV League Drips has been filled with highs and lows, but every challenge has shaped the entrepreneur I am today.
For anyone building their own business, remember: resilience, hard work, and the right people around you will take you further than you ever imagined.”
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