Melanie McNamee's Design-Forward Inflatable Pool Brand

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I’m Melanie McNamee, the founder of LYKKE Designer Inflatable Pools—Canada’s first high-quality, design-forward inflatable pool brand. Simply put, we make the most beautiful inflatable pools in the world.

LYKKE was born out of frustration with uninspired, flimsy inflatable pools that didn’t match the aesthetics or quality that adults deserve. So, I set out to reinvent the category. Our pools are crafted from luxurious, recycled, buttery-soft heavyweight PVC, offering a rigid structure that blends durability with effortless style. The result? A pool that looks as good as it feels.

Since launching in 2020, LYKKE has sold out multiple times and gained national recognition, with features in HGTV’s Scott’s Vacation House Rules, House & Home Magazine, the National Post, Our Homes Magazine, and CBC Life.

Beyond building a brand, I’m committed to helping other female entrepreneurs break through barriers, trust their instincts, and take bold action. If I’ve learned anything on this journey, it’s that a great idea, executed fearlessly, can change an industry.

Who are your customers?

Our customers are primarily style-conscious women and families who want to elevate their backyard experience with a pool that complements their outdoor aesthetic. They’re design-savvy, love high-quality products, and appreciate the nostalgia of inflatable pools—but reimagined for modern living. Many are busy moms, interior design lovers, and people who value beautiful, at home experiences.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before launching LYKKE, I worked as a project manager for over 10 years in the tech sector. While I always had the drive to start my own business, I never found the right idea—until 2020. My background in managing complex projects, timelines, and logistics gave me the skills to successfully bring LYKKE to life.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

Like many parents, I was searching for an inflatable pool that my husband, daughter, and I could enjoy together during the summer of 2020. Everything I found was either covered in cartoon characters or collapsed under adult weight. That was my lightbulb moment.

I realized that there was a gap in the market for beautiful, functional inflatable pools designed with adults in mind. So, I decided to create something better. After a year of research, product development, and testing, LYKKE was born—and we sold out completely in our first season!

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, but I didn’t always know what kind of business I wanted to start. I’ve always been fascinated by brand-building, consumer psychology, and creating products that bring people joy. Finding a problem that I could solve in a way that aligned with my values and creativity was the missing piece.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Since LYKKE was launching during the pandemic, digital marketing was our main focus. I leaned into Instagram, influencer partnerships, and PR outreach to spread the word. We positioned LYKKE as more than just an inflatable pool—it was a lifestyle upgrade.

One of the biggest wins early on was getting featured in National Post and HGTV, which validated the brand and gave us immediate visibility. From there, word-of-mouth and organic social media buzz took off.

Did it go as planned? Yes and no. We sold out much faster than expected, which was incredible—but also a challenge because demand outpaced our inventory. That led to a waiting list and pre-orders, which ended up creating even more excitement.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges has been managing inventory and supply chain logistics. As a product-based business, balancing demand with manufacturing timelines can be tricky—especially during peak summer months.

I’ve learned that having strong supplier relationships, forecasting early, and setting customer expectations is key. Running out of stock can be a great problem to have, but only if you’re prepared to scale.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

There are so many moments I’m proud of, but if I had to choose one, it would be being recognized as a finalist for Entrepreneurial Leader in the Start-Up category by the Women’s Business Network of the National Capital Region (WBN).

Beyond that, every time a customer sends a message saying “this is the inflatable pool I didn’t know I needed”, it reminds me why I started this business. Seeing LYKKE pools in beautiful backyards, at summer parties, and even in magazine features is surreal.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

Yes! Having recently hit seven figures in sales has been a proud milestone for LYKKE. Seeing something I created grow into a business that truly solves a problem for people across North America is both humbling and rewarding. It’s a reminder that LYKKE isn’t just about selling pools—it’s about bringing joy, nostalgia, and elevated backyard experiences into people’s lives.

Beyond the numbers, the most fulfilling part has been hearing from customers who say their LYKKE pool became the highlight of their summer. That’s what keeps me motivated to keep building, innovating, and expanding the brand.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

At LYKKE, we’re just getting started. Our focus is on continuing to scale and refine our brand while making sustainable, stylish backyard luxury more accessible than ever.

You can expect more restocks of sold-out fan favorites and the launch of new pool styles. Our goal is to redefine backyard living, making it effortless, beautiful, and within reach for everyone.

As we grow, we’re also prioritizing sustainability and innovation, ensuring that every product we create not only enhances outdoor spaces but is built with quality and longevity in mind. The future of LYKKE is big, bold, and designed to bring joy—one backyard at a time.

What is your top productivity tip? 

Make decisions quickly and trust your instincts. Perfectionism kills momentum. I’ve learned that taking action—even if it’s not 100% perfect—beats waiting for the "perfect" moment. Whether it's launching a new product, testing a marketing strategy, or sending that email, speed and decisiveness give you a competitive edge.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I set clear boundaries and protect my energy like it’s my most valuable asset—because it is.

Burnout happens when you try to do everything, all at once, all the time. I focus on the highest-impact tasks and cut out unnecessary noise. Also, I schedule non-negotiable personal time—whether it’s a workout, a walk, or unplugging in the evenings.

Biggest lesson? Rest is productive. You can’t grow a business on an empty tank.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I see work and life as interconnected, not separate. Instead of striving for “balance,” I aim for harmony. Some days, business needs more of me; other days, my family comes first—and that’s okay.

I’ve also built LYKKE in a way that aligns with my lifestyle. I work on my own terms, intentionally designing my business to support my life, not the other way around.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

No one has it all figured out.

When I first started, I thought successful entrepreneurs had some kind of secret formula. The truth? Everyone is figuring it out as they go. The key is to start before you’re ready, stay adaptable, and keep learning.

Also—you don’t need permission. If you have an idea, go for it. The only way to know if something will work is to test it in the real world.

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:

Yes! Being both an entrepreneur and a mom has taught me how to prioritize like never before.

My biggest advice? Drop the guilt. Some days, my business needs more of me. Other days, my family does. I remind myself that I’m building something that gives my child a front-row seat to what’s possible when you go after your dreams. That’s powerful.

Also—get help where you can. Whether it’s outsourcing tasks, asking for support, or letting go of perfection at home, don’t try to do it all.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

AI has completely changed the game for me.

I used to swear by Canva for everything creative, but AI is now just as crucial. From automating tasks to generating content and streamlining decision-making, AI saves time, energy, and brainpower.

If you’re not using AI in your business yet—start now. It’s the ultimate productivity and creativity booster.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Start before you're ready.

So many people wait for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect skill set. That time will never come. The fastest way to learn and grow is to just start.

Also, play the long game. Success isn’t instant—it’s about showing up consistently, learning from mistakes, and refining as you go.

And finally—trust yourself. If you have an idea that won’t leave you alone, there’s a reason for that. Go for it. 🚀

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