From a Supermarket Aisle to the Breakfast Table: How Cristina Bartoli Built Amuesly for Busy Families

There is a very specific moment most parents know well. You are standing in the cereal aisle, half distracted, half hopeful, scanning shelves full of bright boxes and buzzwords, trying to convince yourself that this one might be okay. And then you realise none of it really reflects how you want to feed your family.

That moment is exactly where Cristina Bartoli found herself. And instead of settling, she decided to act.

“I was surrounded by unhealthy, catchy but impersonal options that didn’t reflect what I wanted for myself and my kids,” Cristina says. “I thought to myself, I can do something about this… and here we are.”

That quiet supermarket aisle thought became Amuesly, a granola and muesli brand designed for real families, real mornings and real life.

Not Reinventing Breakfast, Just Making It Better

Amuesly is not about overcomplicating food. It is about making breakfast, snacks and even desserts feel easy, nourishing and flexible.

“Amuesly offers a healthy option for breakfast, snacks, and desserts,” Cristina explains. “Our granola and muesli are homemade and free from preservatives. Simply pair them with milk, yogurt, fruit, whatever you feel like.”

In other words, it works whether you are sitting down for a calm breakfast or eating straight from the jar while calling out for missing school shoes.

Built at Home, Tested by Kids

Like many parent-led businesses, Amuesly did not begin in a test kitchen. It began at home, with family and friends as the first focus group.

“I’ve always relied heavily on family and friends,” Cristina says. “My son Giovanni is my toughest critic. He’s been rating my dishes every day since he could talk.”

If you have ever had a child reject dinner with one look, you will understand how valuable that kind of feedback is.

“In the first few months, I focused on creating simple yet delicious recipes and gathered feedback from all my friends,” she adds. “Everything else came easily.”

Raising Kids While Building a Brand

Building a business while raising kids is rarely neat or predictable, and Cristina is refreshingly honest about that.

“Raising kids is a daily challenge. There’s always something unexpected,” she says. “But it also gives you a whole new perspective on life, as you’re constantly catering to their needs.”

Rather than slowing her down, motherhood became a creative driver.

“I was surprised by how many ideas came from raising my kids and how much it fuelled my imagination,” Cristina explains. “They’re also my biggest supporters. I love when they proudly say, ‘My mum is a granola chef.’”

Honestly, if that is not a founder milestone, we do not know what is.

The Confidence That Came From Going Solo

One of the most defining moments in Cristina’s journey was the decision to continue Amuesly on her own.

“I started the business with two friends and partners,” she shares. “Going solo was definitely challenging. I love them and we’re still very close, but finding success on my own gave me a real sense of confidence.”

It is a reminder that growth does not always mean going faster. Sometimes it means backing yourself.

Choosing Quality Over Speed

In a world obsessed with fast growth, Cristina has taken a deliberately thoughtful approach.

“I’ll be honest. For now, I’ve chosen to prioritise quality over growth, even turning down some exciting business opportunities,” she says. “I have a few ideas for when the time is right, but I’ll always want to stay personally involved in the production side of the business.”

For parents reading along, that philosophy probably sounds familiar.

The Market Moment That Made It Real

One of the moments that confirmed Amuesly was resonating came from an unexpected place.

“At the start of this adventure, I was often at the Bondi Farmers Market testing and launching Amuesly,” Cristina recalls. “When I eventually stopped going every weekend, many customers reached out asking where we’d gone. They wanted to restock their granola.”

That is the moment every founder remembers. When your product becomes part of someone’s routine.

A Founder Tip for Parents With Big Ideas

Cristina’s advice for other parents considering their own ideas is refreshingly simple.

“If you have a big idea, always go for it. If you believe in it, it’s often easier than it looks,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to take the plunge, and if you’re as lucky as I am, your kids and family will be right there cheering you on.”

Where to Find Amuesly

You can explore Cristina’s little big adventure at https://amuesly.com or follow along on Instagram at @amuesly, where she shares recipes, videos and behind the scenes moments, all tested at home first.