OUR STORY

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An unusual encounter between two women from different worlds:
A Viennese and a Tyrolean, who grew up in the same rural area and belong to a minority, lived parallel lives without ever crossing paths. One studied in Sweden, the other in Denmark, completely unaware of each other’s existence.

Years later, we ended up working in a YouTube agency in Vienna, albeit in different departments. It was there that we discovered our shared goals in life and a mutual desire to offer Vienna something truly unique—something that didn’t quite exist yet.

The idea was born to create events and dinners that look like the ones only known to influencers, but make them affordable and accessible to everyone. Our first event, held on a stunning rooftop pool typically closed to the public, became the foundation for our journey. From that moment, we dug deeper, expanding our vision to offer not just events, but curated experiences that foster community and connection.

Van (short for Vancic) and Mepo (short for Melisa Popanicic) was born — two women, each bringing our unique strengths and perspectives to create something extraordinary: VAN MEPO

MELISA POPANICIC

Born in Wörgl, Melisa’s journey has been one of curiosity, creativity, and boundless energy. After completing her graduation, she moved to Odense for studies and later went to do her master’s degree at the prestigious Copenhagen Business School (CBS). With a passion for data and storytelling, Melisa began her professional career as a Data Analyst and Insights Engineer at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, honing her skills in uncovering trends and making data-driven decisions.

Beyond her analytical expertise, Melisa’s creative spirit led her to become an influencer, where she showcased her unique perspective to an engaged audience. With viral reels, one garnering 13.2 million views and a dedicated following of 18K, she mastered the art of connecting with people through captivating visuals and authentic moments.

Her talent for capturing life’s beauty didn’t stop there. Melisa works as an event content creator, documenting weddings and release parties amongst others, with a keen eye for detail and emotion. She later started an Account Manager role at a YouTube agency, where she helped clients craft strategies that resonated with their audiences and amplified their presence on the platform.

Fluent in German, Serbian, Vlaski, Danish, and English, Melisa is a true global citizen who seamlessly bridges cultures and perspectives. Her journey reflects a unique blend of analytical prowess, creative vision, and a genuine passion for connecting people through meaningful experiences.

ALEXANDRA VANCIC

Born and raised in Vienna, Alexandra’s path has been marked by ambition, adaptability, and a knack for turning ideas into reality. Her journey began with business studies in Sankt Pölten and Brussels, followed by two master’s degrees, one of which she earned at Lund University in Sweden. Along the way, Alexandra gained international work experience in Switzerland, working in consulting, and in Austria, excelling in both corporate and agency marketing.

Entrepreneurial at heart, Alexandra launched her first startup in Sweden—a subscription box business—where she combined her business acumen with her innovative mindset to deliver a unique customer experience.

Her strength lies in finding solutions, a skill she honed during her years in sales and business development, helping clients identify their needs and achieve their goals.

Her diverse career also led her to a YouTube agency, where she worked closely with clients to uncover insights and strategies tailored to their unique objectives. But Alexandra’s versatility doesn’t stop there—she also owns a pilates studio in the heart of Vienna, balancing her entrepreneurial ventures with her passion for movement and well-being. As a pilates instructor, she embodies a holistic approach to life, promoting both physical and mental balance.

Fluent in German, Serbian, Vlaski, English, French, and Italian, Alexandra’s linguistic skills reflect her global outlook and commitment to continuous learning. With an impressive Duolingo streak of over 1,800 days, she embodies persistence and determination, qualities that define her personal and professional journey.

OUR VALUES

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Both women are deeply driven by the desire to create something unique. Their ability to think outside the box fuels their vision for offering Vienna experiences that didn’t exist before.

COMMUNITY CENTERED VISION

Their commitment to fostering connection makes their events unique. Their goal is to build spaces where people feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose, beyond just attending an event.

AESTHETIC APPRECIATION

Their shared love for aesthetics is reflected in their work— Together, they infuse beauty and style into everything they create

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE AND MULTICULTURALISM

Having lived and worked across Europe, both women bring a wealth of global experience and cultural sensitivity to their projects. Fluent in multiple languages, they can cater to diverse audiences, ensuring inclusivity and a cosmopolitan touch in everything they do.

DATA DRIVEN CREATIVITY

Melisa’s analytical expertise from her roles in data analysis and insights engineering complements Alexandra’s experience in sales and business development. Together, they craft events rooted in understanding audience needs, backed by data, and delivered with creative flair, ensuring relevance and impact.

INCLUSIVE ELEGANCE

Their events are designed to feel exclusive and elegant, yet remain affordable and accessible to everyone. They intentionally create spaces that welcome and celebrate all cultures and people, ensuring diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of every experience. They are keen on keeping their events handicap-accessible.