Joining me on this episode is Emily Elyse Miller, Founder of the rule breaking cereal brand, OffLimits.
OffLimits is a counterculture cereal brand featuring out-of-the-box flavors and relatable cartoon characters. OffLimits currently offers two flavors (and characters!) that are both gluten-free and plant-based.
DASH, is the first ever female cereal character, brings equal parts Intelligentsia coffee and cacao, turning milk to cold brew; and ZOMBIE is infused with adaptogens to max your relax with out of this world vanilla, pandan, and Ashwagandha flavors.
In this episode you’ll hear how Emily turned her love of art and design into a cereal brand, how collaborations are a driving force behind the brand and how to pitch ideas and partnerships.
Starting a business is a wild ride, and Emily Elyse Miller, founder of the OffLimits cereal brand, knows all about it. Her journey is a mix of perseverance, self-education, and embracing failure. In a world that can seem glossy on the outside, Emily keeps it real, breaking down what it's really like to launch a business as a female founder—and why you should just go for it, even if the odds are stacked against you.
Pushing Past the Fear of Asking for Money
For many founders, especially women, raising money can feel like a daunting hurdle. Emily admits, "I really don’t like asking for money, but that’s a hump that you just have to get over." The reality is that rejection is part of the process. The statistics don’t lie—it can be more challenging for women to secure funding. "Of course, there are tons of success stories," she says, "but prepare yourself for how tough it is. Be okay with hearing 'no'—a lot."
Learning the Industry
Emily didn't just jump in blindly. Before launching OffLimits, she spent a year immersing herself in the industry, reading everything she could and talking to experts. It wasn’t about knowing everything—just about understanding enough to move forward with confidence. "I educated myself on the space," she explains. That foundation gave her the knowledge to navigate the ups and downs of building a brand.
The Power of Focused Storytelling
When it comes to marketing, Emily's approach is simple: "Just focus on one story, go super hard with it." In a world where everyone is vying for attention, staying true to a single narrative helps cut through the noise. For OffLimits, it’s all about having fun with cereal and challenging traditional breakfast norms. "Be real. Be silly," she advises. It's the authenticity that resonates with people.
Advice for Aspiring Female Founders
Emily encourages women to just go for it, especially if they’re stuck in a rut. "If you’re unhappy with what you’re doing and you have an idea, other people probably feel the same way and want it too." It’s important to stay focused and not get distracted by the allure of shiny brands that seem perfect from the outside. “Things are really hard for everyone, especially after last year,” she adds. There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success, and comparing yourself to others—whether it's brands or Instagram influencers—isn’t helpful. "It's like comparing yourself to a picture of Kendall Jenner," she jokes.
Embracing Failure as Part of the Journey
Failure is something Emily views as an essential part of the process. "I don't trust anyone who gets it right the first time," she says. If you don’t experience setbacks, you might not know how to handle challenges when they inevitably arise. She believes failure needs to be normalized. “It’s how you learn. Just get it over with, and accept that it's part of life." Emily’s philosophy is refreshing in a world that often glorifies success while glossing over the struggles that come with it.
For her, rejection emails are just part of the grind. "Out of hundreds of rejections, maybe one or two people will invest," she says. Even then, the journey doesn’t end. The reality is that the entrepreneurial grind never stops, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is crucial.
Staying Grounded in the Grind
While hustle culture may make it seem like you need to be constantly chasing the next big thing, Emily finds balance by being kind to herself. "Being normal and being kind to myself has been more what I try and do daily, more than the physical things that make me feel better." It’s about finding those little things that keep you grounded amidst the chaos.
The Magic of Intentional Connections
When it comes to building collaborations or partnerships, Emily’s advice is to truly understand who you’re talking to and what’s in it for them. It’s not just about why the collaboration benefits you. “Understand why it’s a great collaboration, not just why it’s good for you,” she emphasizes. This approach makes your connections feel genuine rather than transactional.
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
For Emily, OffLimits isn’t just about cereal—it’s about challenging norms, staying authentic, and pushing through the inevitable roadblocks of entrepreneurship. Her journey reminds us that success is messy, filled with setbacks, and never as polished as it looks from the outside.
So if you're sitting on an idea, feeling uninspired in your current role, or simply wondering if you have what it takes, remember Emily's words: “Keep on that grind, keep on hustling.” You don’t need an MBA to be successful—just a strong vision, a willingness to embrace failure, and the courage to start.
