Rising Stars: Meet Stamie Karakasidis of los angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stamie Karakasidis.

Hi stamie , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When my kids hit their teenage years, I had a lightbulb moment: this stage of life is truly transformative! But instead of dreading it like so many parents do, fearing the moody, unpredictable phase, I wanted to flip the script—for my kids, for myself, and for every parent and teen out there.

I started thinking, “How can I make this time easier, healthier, and more positive?” That’s when the idea for Mewd vitamins popped into my head. Right place, right time—I pitched it to my amazing partner, Michael Canepa. Between us, we have six kids, so we knew firsthand what teens need. We brought in the brilliant Lauren Keoppe, our master head of R&D, an terrific designer who captured our branding that represents the California lifestyle and things took off from there.

I knew that the right nutrients could be a game-changer for teens navigating this wild ride of adolescence. So, I set out to create a supplement that wasn’t just another vitamin but a powerful ally for teens during these critical years.

Mewd vitamins are packed with essentials like B-vitamins, Vitamin D (which so many of us are lacking), iron, and zinc. But what really sets them apart is the inclusion of L-Theanine, L-Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in tea leaves, particularly green tea. It is known for its calming and relaxing effects without causing drowsiness, making it a popular ingredient for stress relief and mental clarity. It can help with mood, focus, calmness, and so much more. Today’s teens are under so much pressure—from school and sports to relationships and life stress. I figured, if I could create a gummy that tastes great and easily fits into their daily routine, it could make a world of difference and they would remember to grab their two mewd gummies before they start their day.

My goal with Mewd is simple: to help teens feel balanced, focused, and healthy from the inside out. And to give parents peace of mind, knowing our product is all natural, made in the USA, gluten free, vegan free which ensures their kids are getting the nutrients they need to thrive in a healthy way. When our kids are at their best, the teenage years don’t have to be something we just survive—they can be years we truly enjoy and celebrate.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The idea for Mewd vitamins was born during the uncertainty of 2020—a time when everything felt a little off. But even in the midst of a global pandemic, I was determined to bring this vision to life. It wasn’t easy, but I thrive on challenges, and this journey was one of the most rewarding learning experiences I’ve ever had. The supplement market is very over saturated market and to stand out you have to be different and I knew this was not going to be an easy task.

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted Mewd to be Made in the US, Vegan and as healthy and natural as possible. That meant meeting daily with experts, trying out 65 different formulas, and finding the right manufacturer right here in LA. This wasn’t as simple as it sounds—most manufacturers are geared towards massive orders, which made it challenging to find a partner who shared my vision for quality and sustainability. Did you know some vitamins are made in china and shipped to the US for sale. I didn’t want that for mewd. I wanted original formulas with the best ingredients that our kids would love.

Branding was another crucial piece of the puzzle. I had a clear vision of what Mewd should look and feel like, and I was committed to finding the right creative designer who could translate that vision into reality. From the color and flavor of the vitamins to deciding between a recyclable pouch or bottle, every detail mattered to me. Luckily my girl Kerri, in Australia killed it!

This process was a true learning journey. Each step required thoughtful decisions and creative problem-solving. But that’s what I love about being an an entrepreneur, stimulating my brain and pushing myself to make this dream happen. The result? A product that I’m incredibly proud of, knowing that every aspect of it was carefully crafted with teens and their well-being in mind.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Full-time business owner specializing in real estate sales and investment, with a passion for continuous learning and growth, particularly in developing my e-commerce venture, Mewd Vitamins. Oh, and I always make time to laugh and go to Greece!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

My advice for finding a mentor or networking is to stay attentive to the people around you, as well as to the content you consume, like podcasts and YouTube channels. Pay attention to those who genuinely inspire you; they can help guide you toward the right connections and conversations. Trust your instincts—when you meet the right person, you’ll feel it. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask someone for a coffee; those informal conversations can often lead to the most valuable relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.mewdvitamins.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stamiela
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stamie-karakasidis-1096ab38
• Other: http://www.instagram.com/mewdvitamins