| Tell us about your company: |
| MIILS is a next-generation cereal protein shake brand to bring taste, convenience, and fun back into the protein aisle. We’re the first in the U.S. to launch single-serve, resealable pouches with real crunchy cereal inclusions inside. Our mission is simple: help busy, passionate, and successful people stay fueled with clean, non-GMO ingredients, 22g of protein, and flavors that actually taste amazing. |
| What inspired you to start your business? |
| We started MIILS because we were frustrated by how limited the options were for protein and meal replacement. Everything felt boring, overly clinical, or just didn’t taste very good. We wanted something that was convenient but also fun – something you’d actually look forward to drinking every day. That’s where the idea of combining the nostalgia of cereal with the functionality of protein came from. MIILS is built on the belief that fueling your body shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should be as enjoyable and effortless as ripping open a pouch, adding milk, and shaking it up. |
| What are your proudest achievements so far? |
| We are incredibly proud of how far MIILS has come in such a short period of time. We launched in February 2025 and within months secured national distribution at Urban Outfitters, placement at Pop Up Grocer, and confirmed expansion with Sprouts’ Innovation Program for 2026. On top of that, one of my proudest achievements is proving that our unique pouch format really resonates. It’s validating to see something we imagined in R&D become a product people genuinely enjoy, while opening doors with major retailers and investors. |
| What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs: |
| I’m a firm believer that the journey matters more than the outcome. Half of success in business is simply taking the first step—starting and turning an idea into reality. Too many people wait for the perfect moment or perfect plan, but the truth is you learn everything by doing. Every conversation, every setback, every small win—they all add up and shape not only your business, but also you as a founder. |
| Please share a memory or thought about your alma mater: |
| What stands out to me most about USC is how it gave me the courage to think bigger. It wasn’t just about what I learned in the classroom—it was the people I met, the late nights working on ideas, and the sense that anything was possible if you put yourself out there. That mindset has carried into MIILS, where collaboration and connection have truly been the heartbeat of building the brand. No one builds a business alone; you grow by surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, inspire you, and bring fresh perspectives. Some of the biggest breakthroughs for MIILS didn’t come from me sitting alone with a notebook, but from conversations—with co-founders, creators, and customers. Every connection adds a layer of insight and energy that shapes the brand. That’s why I believe success in business isn’t just about the product, but about the ecosystem of people who believe in it with you. |
Alumni Emporium 