For Elizabeth Nikac, the birth of her daughter was more than a life-changing moment; the spark ignited a deeper purpose. With over a decade of experience in nursing, Elizabeth shifted her focus to educating and empowering families during one of the most transformative periods of their lives: pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
Driven by compassion and a calling to serve, Elizabeth founded her own educational practice to provide nurturing, culturally sensitive, and accessible childbirth education. Her mission? To ensure every mother feels supported, informed, and cared for during the vulnerable stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
“I aim to reach as many mothers as possible, assisting them in having a positive birth experience and providing support for postpartum care as well,” Elizabeth shares.
A Journey of Growth and Grit
While she excels in patient care, Elizabeth admits the business side of entrepreneurship has been a learning curve. Balancing motherhood and business ownership, she often finds time to build her practice during her toddler’s nap and bedtime hours. Through connections with mentors and fellow healthcare professionals, she’s grown her small practice from the ground up, embracing the challenges with resilience and gratitude.
“It’s empowering to learn something new and build something meaningful, even if the process is slow and steady,” she says.
More Than a Class, A Lifelong Support System
What sets Elizabeth apart is the heart she pours into her work. Her relationship with clients doesn’t end when the class is over. Many families she supports stay in touch long after their babies are born, a testament to the genuine connection she builds with each family.
Her curriculum, built from scratch, incorporates traditional and modern teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles. She’s also introduced virtual classes to serve families nationwide, making her services even more accessible, especially during the pandemic.
Rooted in Culture and Community
As the oldest child of a close-knit Albanian household, Elizabeth’s nurturing nature was shaped early on. Her Albanian heritage remains central to her mission and vision.
“Family has always been important in our culture, and that value is at the core of everything I do,” she says.
Elizabeth donates 10% of every class fee to support families with babies in NICUs throughout NYC hospitals. She also offers discounts to Albanian families and dreams of translating her curriculum into Albanian to extend her impact even further.
Looking Ahead
Her long-term vision includes expanding her reach nationally and internationally, building partnerships with healthcare providers, and integrating even more cultural representation into her offerings. She hopes to continue promoting Albanian values while creating inclusive spaces for all families.
Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
To those in the Albanian-American community thinking about starting their journey, Elizabeth offers heartfelt advice:
“If a dream is placed in your heart by God, trust that you will be given the tools to bring it to life. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.”
You can learn more about Elizabeth Nikac at @liz_rnmsn on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elizabeth Nikac?
Elizabeth Nikac is a nurse with over a decade of experience who founded her own childbirth education practice after the birth of her daughter. She grew up as the oldest child in a close-knit Albanian household.
What does Elizabeth Nikac offer families?
She teaches childbirth education classes, in person and virtually for families nationwide, using a curriculum she built herself, and supports mothers through pregnancy and postpartum.
How does Elizabeth Nikac give back?
She donates 10% of every class fee to support families with babies in NICUs at NYC hospitals and offers discounts to Albanian families.
Discover more Albanian-owned businesses in our New York business directory.
Learn more about the community in our guide to Albanians in New York.
Author: Val Demiri
Valbona is an editor and writer at ALB Connection, where she covers the people, businesses, and culture shaping the Albanian diaspora. A journalism graduate of the University of Iowa, her work spans community profiles, success stories, and features on Albanian life across the US, Europe, and beyond. She is drawn to stories that celebrate Albanian achievement and keep the community connected across borders.
