Inspiring Conversations with Meredith Mills-merritt of The Original Southside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Mills-merritt

Meredith, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Meredith Leah Mills-Merritt, a consumer brand builder, CEO, entrepreneur, and investor with a passion for creating brands that prioritize “better for you” products and sustainable environmental impact. I’m the founder of MMG Consulting, a global consulting business where I work with the development of spirits, beauty, and other consumer goods. I also serve as the founder and CEO of The Original Southside, overseeing all aspects of business operations, advertising, brand partnerships, and the development of new RTD products.

As someone who’s always thinking about what consumers will want next, I’m dedicated to producing delicious, craft-style cocktails without compromise. My drinks, described as my “love letter” to warm summer evenings, are crafted for sharing with friends and loved ones, embodying a taste for the good life. I’m passionate about helping brands—and people—succeed. My strategic expertise and guidance have earned me a reputation as a sought-after consultant and thought leader. I currently reside in Los Angeles with my husband, Matthew, an advertising executive and photographer and our dog, George.

I was born and raised in Oklahoma. Then I went to Southern Methodist University for undergrad and grad school in Dallas, Texas. I completed my MBA at the Cox School of Business and then moved to LA to to work. Shortly after moving to the west coast, I went back to school at University of Southern California and earned a Master’s in Consumer Behavior while working full time.

My professional journey began in the prestige beauty industry, where I worked for a mix of Fortune 500 and start-up brands, gaining rigorous training in brand management and product innovation. I started The Original Southside as a passion project, working on it during nights and weekends after my “9-5.” This side hustle became my innovation playground, propelling the brand forward.

The Original Southside and I were honored to join two exclusive incubator programs sponsored by the USC Lloyd-Greif Entrepreneurship Center, which helped further develop the brand.

With my background in prestige marketing and love for the finer things, I set out to create a unique product with high ingredient standards. Drawing parallels between alcohol and skincare, I focused on eliminating harmful ingredients often found in RTDs and alcoholic spirits. After years of seeing unnecessary additives in beauty supplements and skincare products, I was determined to take a different approach with my RTD products.

This commitment to quality inspired me to found The Original Southside, where we craft intensely delicious, craft-style cocktails without compromise.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges were incredible learning experiences. Early on, we faced production delays that threw off our timeline.

Another big challenge was finding the right partners to meet our product’s unique needs and ingredient/production standards (certified organic, etc.). We initially worked with a co-packer that lied to us, and couldn’t actually meet critical / non-negotiable requirements. We had to pivot quickly, find a new partner, and adjust our timeline, which also delayed our ability to pursue organic certification for the first batch.

There were also unexpected hurdles, like federal paperwork and alcohol distribution logistics, all while I was still juggling my day job. It was a crash course in staying flexible and learning to pivot fast, and while it wasn’t easy, those early setbacks helped shape the foundation of what we’re building today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Original Southside?
Founded on the principle of drinking better, The Original Southside combines best-in-class, certified organic ingredients with a delightful 10% ABV, creating a new class of ready-to-drink (RTD) bar quality gin-based cocktails in ready to serve cans. Many drinks in the RTD and alcoholic spirits category contain a laundry list of bad ingredients: GMOs, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, and chemical additives. We contain none of those ingredients, providing bar quality convenience and a better for you alternative.

The Original Southside is inspired by family tradition, reimagining a cherished recipe into a premium ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail for today’s ingredient-conscious consumer. We are entering the market with a commitment to redefining the RTD experience, creating intensely delicious, craft style cocktails with all of the convenience and none of the compromise.

Based on Leah’s Summer Cooler—a refreshing mix of gin, lemonade, and mint—The Original Southside uses best-in-class ingredients, sweetened with 100% real cane sugar, to deliver a satisfying drinking experience that aligns with modern health and wellness goals.

As an early mover in the gin RTD market, The Original Southside offers a unique flavor profile in a fast-growing category. Since launching in Spring 2024, the brand has focused on expanding distribution to key markets like California, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, driving significant growth.

With a commitment to transparency, cleaner ingredients, and premium craftsmanship, The Original Southside has positioned itself as a lifestyle brand. Strategic partnerships with names like BLADE, Bridgehampton Polo, and The Florida Panthers, along with events like fashion shows, tastings, and Food & Wine festivals, have strengthened its connection to consumers who value intentional choices, quality, and moderation.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality behind The Original Southside’s success is trust—trust in our product, our mission, and our ability to deliver what modern drinkers want. Today’s consumers are all about moderation—drinking “less but better”—and our 10% ABV cocktails strike the perfect balance between mocktails and full-strength cocktails. They’re crafted to let people enjoy social moments without compromising their health goals, all while delivering amazing flavor and a little fun.

We also focus on what really matters: real juice, natural ingredients, and premium packaging. Flavor is everything, and we’ve designed a product that stands out in a crowded market by prioritizing both taste and aesthetic. Our sleek design doesn’t just look good; it creates a lifestyle vibe that makes people feel good too.

Pricing:

• $18.99 – $19.99 Shelf Price
• Available In Store + Online

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drinksouthsides.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinksouthsides/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/theoriginalsouthside

Image Credits
Photographers: Beth Saravo, Ryan Scott Graham