Today we’d like to introduce you to Zander Mukanos
Hi Zander, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I think life is so special because all of the paths we walk are uniquely ours, filled with moments that shape us and choices that define us. Every single step we take brings us closer to who we’re meant to be. Here’s a glimpse into mine.
I grew up in Chino Hills, California, a place I’ll always be grateful to call home. It was quiet and homey, a space where family played a central role in my life. My parents instilled in me the importance of connection and encouraged me to dream big while staying grounded in strong values. My grandfather, a photographer, influenced me deeply—his ability to find beauty in the ordinary and capture moments of love and connection left an impression that still shapes how I view the world. Those early years were filled with close family ties, meaningful traditions, and a sense of community that allowed me to grow while remaining close to vibrant cities full of opportunity.
That strong foundation turned into ambition during my teenage years. I discovered an entrepreneurial spark when I began buying and reselling new and vintage streetwear. It wasn’t just about turning a profit—it was about recognizing an opportunity, learning through action, and embracing the thrill of creating something from scratch. That experience taught me the value of adaptability, problem-solving, and seeing possibilities where others might not.
During the pandemic, like so many others, I found myself in a place of uncertainty, craving moments of calm and reassurance. Simple affirmations—small reminders that it’s okay to pause and breathe—became my anchor. Those moments planted the seed of an idea: What if that sense of comfort could be made more accessible and intentional? By the tail end of the pandemic, that idea began to take shape, and as I moved through college, I kept refining it, layering in everything I had learned.
When I attended USC’s Marshall School of Business, I began taking all of the tools and lessons I learned—not only from classes but also from the people around me—and refining that vision. One of my first entrepreneurship classes tasked us with generating a concept for a company and developing it as though we were preparing to bring it to market. My concept was PorchSafe, a smartphone-controlled package locker designed to eliminate theft while doubling as a sleek piece of porch furniture that fit seamlessly into any home. That project challenged me to think practically—how to balance bold ideas with real-world application—and taught me how to refine a vision into something functional.
In another class, I was part of a team tasked with growth hacking for Digiphy, a startup innovating in digital connections. We brainstormed creative use cases, expanded SEO through content strategy, and developed ideas for integrating the brand into larger platforms like tech conferences. That experience solidified my ability to collaborate and creatively problem-solve, giving me the confidence to take on more ambitious challenges.
So throughout college, I found myself taking all of the tools and lessons I learned—not only from classes but also from the people around me—and using them to refine an idea that had been growing in my mind for quite some time. Those lessons and experiences gave me the confidence to create something deeply personal—an idea that felt both meaningful and full of possibility. That’s how Myneral was born.
One of my most cherished memories with my grandfather was a day we spent creating my first product prototype. With his toolbox, we hand-engraved my logo, figured out how to make a makeshift keyring and chain, and brought a small idea to life. I cherish that moment deeply. It reminds me that what we create isn’t just about the product—it’s about the connections, the shared dreams, and the courage to start, no matter how imperfectly.
For me, the concept of the “crazy idea” has always been essential. I’m someone who’s constantly dreaming, imagining new possibilities. It’s easy to dismiss something because it sounds far-fetched, but the world is built on ideas that once seemed impossible. Crazy is what drives innovation, creativity, and progress. If you feel a calling, embrace it. Life becomes infinitely more meaningful when you’re chasing something you truly believe in.
Looking back, every part of my journey has shaped who I am today. My dream is to create something that brings positive light to others’ days. I’ve wanted to make people smile my whole life, and I hope that Myneral can continue to be a way for me to do that. More than anything, I want to create a legacy rooted in love and gratitude—a way of giving back to a world that’s given me so much.
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?
The most meaningful journeys in life rarely follow a straight path. The road to building Myneral has been far from easy, but it’s in those moments of struggle where I’ve discovered the most about myself.
I remember nights early on, overwhelmed by self-doubt and wondering if I was capable of bringing this idea to life. Staring at my phone screen until 3 a.m., trying to create videos that would have a genuine impact, only to see them get 100 views. I once did a pop-up event, ecstatic at the opportunity to share my product with others, and I didn’t sell a single keychain. Barely anyone even asked me about it. Those moments were humbling and tough, but they forced me to reflect on why I started. I reminded myself that this wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about bringing light to others. That clarity always pulled me forward.
I wouldn’t say I’ve fully reached “success” yet—far from it. Myneral is still young, and the path ahead is long. For so long, I tied my idea of success to external markers: numbers, recognition, milestones. But this journey has taught me to redefine success as something deeper. It’s about the connections I’ve made, the moments when someone tells me Myneral helped them get through a tough day. Those small but meaningful moments remind me that I’m on the right track, even if I haven’t “made it” yet in a traditional sense.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth every twist and turn. It’s taught me resilience, gratitude, and the value of staying true to my purpose. It’s reminded me that even in life’s toughest moments, there’s room to grow, to connect, and to make a difference. And that’s a lesson I carry with me every day as I move forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Myneral?
At its core, Myneral is about creating something meaningful—something that brings light to people’s lives when they need it most. It’s more than a product or a business; it’s a reflection of my own journey and a mission to help others. Myneral is built around fostering moments of positivity, resilience, and connection through simple yet impactful tools, like our Affirmation Crystal Keychain.
What sets Myneral apart is its authenticity. The affirmations and messages we share—whether through the keychain or on social media—are exactly the kinds of reminders I felt I needed during my toughest times. They’re also messages I use every single day. Those little boosts of positivity make all the difference—it’s like a small hug when you need it most. A word hug, if you will. Myneral comes from a deeply personal place, born out of my own challenges and the belief that even the smallest moments of hope can have a meaningful impact.
I believe what makes Myneral unique is how it bridges the gap between the brand’s broader mission and the tangible connection people have with the product. I wanted to create products that allowed people to interact with positivity in a more genuine, accessible way. The keychain was the first tool I envisioned—something simple yet meaningful that people could carry with them every day. It’s designed to be a personal and interactive way to turn moments of self-doubt into small routines of intentional self-care. But Myneral as a brand represents something far greater—a vision for how positivity can weave into people’s daily lives and remind them of their strength, resilience, and worth.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Myneral reflects a broader purpose rooted in spreading positivity. It was born from my own struggles and my desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s daily lives. The brand is an extension of me—how I try to go about life with a smile, a sense of optimism, and a focus on lifting others. I want Myneral to radiate that same energy. Seeing the ways people interact with the product, hearing how the affirmations have impacted their lives, and reading messages from people who’ve been touched by my social media posts—it’s all incredibly rewarding. It constantly reminds me of my “why” and keeps me driven to grow the brand while staying true to its purpose.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s this: Myneral is more than just a wellness brand, and it’s more than a keychain. It’s a company rooted in compassion, built on the belief that no matter what you’re going through, there’s hope. Myneral is a reminder that the small, intentional moments in life can make it brighter—not just for yourself, but for those around you. It’s a reflection of the way I see the world, and it’s a mission I’m deeply committed to.
Myneral is still growing, and I’m excited for what’s to come. There are more products on the horizon, new projects in the works, and endless opportunities to make an even bigger impact. But no matter how much we grow, the heart of the brand will always remain the same: to uplift, to connect, and to remind people that even in life’s toughest moments, they have the strength to carry on. That’s what we’re here for—and I truly hope that anyone who interacts with Myneral feels not only supported but inspired, knowing they’re never alone in their journey.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Honestly, there is. Myneral has become more than a brand to me—it’s a way to share pieces of myself with the world. Whether through the affirmations, the messages on social media, or my personal reflections, I’ve found a way to express thoughts that feel deeply meaningful, in the hopes that they might offer even the smallest perspective shift to someone out there. So, I want to leave readers with something I wrote—a reflection that has stayed close to my heart:
Go outside and just look. Look at the people walking around, the birds flying through the air in perfect formation. Notice the window that’s half open, where a faint TV hums in the background, and just think. Think about how beautiful these little things are in life—the way the waves form in the ocean, or how the wind chooses just one leaf to spin round and round in a circle. When you stop and recognize the simplicity and beauty in these everyday moments, and begin to romanticize the small, overlooked details of life, that’s when you truly start living.
Every house you drive by has someone’s entire life bottled up inside it. The different colored homes on every block each tell a story. Take off the lens that causes you to rush past life’s true beauty, and just breathe. Breathe and appreciate how remarkable this existence is. We only get one life, and it’s so important to savor it and make the most of every moment.
Pricing:
- Affirmation Crystal Keychain
- $19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.my-neral.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.neral/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@my.neral
