Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meredith Mills-merritt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Meredith, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

The kindest, most thoughtful thing that anyone has ever done for me was something my husband, Matthew, recently did. The backstory is – I LOVE a fresh pair of sheets on the bed… Don’t we all, though?!

Changing the linens isn’t my favorite thing to do, but what IS my favorite thing is getting in bed after a long day and having the most perfect, crisp pair of sheets waiting for me. I’m a simple woman, what can I say.

We typically have a housekeeper come help us out 2 Wednesdays per month, we’re both on the road and in the office running around like crazy. Matthew knew that I was getting home late on a Thursday and knew how much I LOVED when they changed the sheets so he slept ON THE COUCH that Wednesday night. Is it possible for someone to love you too much? I told him how much I appreciated it and then proceeded to tell him never to sacrifice a night of sleep on the couch even for me!

It sounds so simple (and borderline insane) but it was the most thoughtful thing that anyone had ever thought about doing for me and just goes to show that it doesn’t have to be an expensive or complicated gesture. Truly an example of – if he wanted to, he would!

Meredith, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a consumer brand builder, CEO, entrepreneur and investor focused on building brands with a “better for you” focus and sustainable environmental impact.

I’m the founder of both MMG Consulting, a global consulting business where I work on a number of different things like spirits, beauty, and other consumer goods. Additionally, I’m the Founder and CEO of Southside Beverage Holdings, Inc. (The Original Southside) where I drive all business operations.

As a leader constantly thinking about what consumers might want next, I’m proud to dedicate myself to producing delicious, craft-style cocktails without compromise. I’ve got a real passion for helping brands (and people) succeed and am so fortunate to do what I do.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

This started as a passion project during COVID, so I used up my savings, a number of different credit cards, and even early withdrawals from my 401k. I was still working a full time job in the early development days so I was fortunate to be pulling a paycheck from somewhere else. I’m sure reading this puts people into a panic, but in my eyes it was the only way to maintain control from an early stage. There is little reward without risk!

My family and friends have also been my biggest supporters, and I’m proud that we’re still majority family owned. We brought on some new investors in our friends and family fundraising round and that’s been instrumental for us and our growth over the last 12+ months.

Any advice for managing a team?

For me, reminding myself of how I felt under poor management practices was key. Even before starting Southside Beverage Holdings, I held various leadership positions at a number of different companies, both large and small.

It’s fairly simple and literally goes back to the “OG” rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That being said, sometimes you will find yourself in a situation where people can mistake your kindness as weakness – so there’s a bit of a fine line there.

All in all, taking the time to invest in your team, getting to know each individual, and understanding what motivates them makes all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drinksouthsides.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinksouthsides
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theoriginalsouthside/

Image Credits

Image Credits: Beth Saravo @baeth (instagram) and Ryan Scott Graham @ryanscottgraham (instagram)