Meet Milena De Vera | Food Culture Entrepreneur & Business Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Milena De Vera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Milena, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“The risk of riskless living is the greatest risk of all.” I came across this quote in high school while attending a hybrid charter school called iLEAD Exploration. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People played an influential role in shaping the school’s approach to lifelong learning, and this book—particularly this quote—shifted my entire outlook on life.

Although the word “empowerment” can feel overused in today’s media, it perfectly describes the freedom I felt from my limiting beliefs as I read that quote. In that moment, I realized the power I hold in directing my life through mindful proactivity. With this newfound confidence, I understood that no matter what life threw at me, I could overcome it. I am incredibly grateful I learned this life lesson before my senior year of high school, as I was part of the graduating class of 2020.

Since the pandemic, life has been anything but certain. Despite this, I continue to view resilience in the face of uncertainty as a muscle I can strengthen through active and calculated risk-taking. Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamt of owning my own bakery/café. While that dream has yet to become a reality, the journey continues to excite me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m passionate about making my long-held dream of owning a bakery/café a reality. What sets me apart is my approach—centered on creativity and community. My Instagram account, @shyokupan, is a testament to this passion. It’s a vibrant space where I share my journey in baking, from the golden crust of fresh bread to the delicate art of pastries. It’s also a place where I celebrate the stories and creations of others, fostering a sense of connection. I envision my bakery/café as an extension of this, where people not only savor great food and drinks but also feel a deep sense of belonging—just like the community we’ve cultivated online. I believe food has a unique power to unite people, and creating an environment where memories are made, both in person and digitally, excites me the most.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey filled with its share of challenges. It hasn’t been easy, especially navigating through an uncertain world, but I’ve learned to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth. A lot of this mindset was shaped during my time at iLEAD Exploration, where I was encouraged to take calculated risks and proactively pursue my goals.

One of the boldest risks I took was launching my gluten-free/dairy-free donut business, Hoops By Nana (with ‘Nana’ as my nickname), as part of a high school project. I invested my savings into establishing a fully certified and permitted cottage food operation, which became an invaluable learning experience. Through this venture, I had the privilege of collaborating with organizations I deeply care about, including The College Board, promoting Khan Academy’s SAT prep, and Williams Sonoma, where I participated in a charity bake sale to support No Kid Hungry. Unfortunately, like many businesses, mine encountered unforeseen challenges during the pandemic, leading to its closure.

The resilience I built during this time has kept me focused on my vision, despite the setbacks. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come overnight—perseverance and adaptability are essential. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. After closing my business, I pivoted, gaining hands-on experience in the food and beverage industry while continuing my education. Currently, I am a senior at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, working toward a bachelor’s degree in Operations & Information Management.

What I want the world to know about my story is that it’s driven by passion and a desire to create something meaningful. My brand is about more than just baked goods and coffee—it’s about building a community where people feel welcome, inspired, and connected. I’m excited for the journey ahead and the impact I hope to make, both through the flavors we craft and the stories we share.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
On my mother’s side, I am of Japanese, Russian, and Korean descent, while on my father’s side, I have Filipino and Spanish heritage. With such a diverse background, I feel a strong connection to the rich, vibrant cultural melting pot that is Los Angeles. My friends and family who visit always seem to share this appreciation.

If I were to plan a full week for them, I’d make sure they experience the best of LA—a perfect mix of food, drinks, nature, and culture. Here’s what our itinerary might look like:

Day 1 – Arrival & Cultural Eats:

We’d kick things off with a relaxed afternoon. After they’ve settled in, we’d head to one of my favorite local cafés for light bites and great coffee, choosing from historic districts like Little Tokyo, Koreatown, or Chinatown. Each of these neighborhoods is home to cozy mom-and-pop spots that offer an authentic taste of LA’s diverse food culture. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s culinary scene.

Day 2 – Exploring Nature:

To get a feel for LA’s natural beauty, I’d take them on a hike to Griffith Observatory. The trail offers stunning views of the city and mountains, with plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way. We’d pick up a light lunch from “The Trails Café” to enjoy at the top while soaking in the landscape. For dinner, we’d unwind at one of my favorite laid-back spots, “Canter’s Deli,” for a classic LA experience.

Day 3 – History & More Nature:

We’d start the day exploring LA’s art and history at “The Getty,” where there’s always something inspiring to see. The museum’s gardens and architecture alone are worth the visit. Afterward, we’d enjoy the picnic we had packed while watching one of LA’s signature pink and golden sunsets.

Day 4 – Relax & Rejuvenate:

This day would be all about relaxation. We’d start with a morning stroll along the beach, breathing in the fresh ocean air, followed by a healthy and refreshing lunch at a local juice bar or salad café. In the afternoon, we’d visit a quiet garden or park for some peaceful downtime. The evening would end with wine and live music at a cozy spot like “Sam First,” perfect for winding down and reflecting on the week.

Day 5 – Day Trip Adventure:

Time for a road trip! We’d take a drive down to Orange County for a day of exploring beach towns, shopping centers, or neighboring cities with vibrant food scenes. For lunch, we’d stop at a hidden gem along the way. After a full day of adventure, we’d head back to LA for a casual night out at “Kuro Artisanal Pizza,” where the vibe is laid-back and the pizza unforgettable.

Day 6 – Markets & Local Flavors:

We’d start the morning at a local farmers’ market, sampling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products. It’s always a treat to see what local vendors have to offer and pick up some goodies. Later, we’d enjoy an early dinner at a nearby restaurant before indulging in some incredible vegan Indonesian ice cream from “AWAN” or “626 Ice Cream” to round out the day.

Day 7 – Farewell Brunch & Chill:

On the final day, we’d savor a leisurely brunch at “Great White,” a popular spot in Larchmont known for its cappuccinos and banana bread. The rest of the day would be easygoing—maybe revisiting a few favorite shops or exploring spots they loved during the week. We’d finish with a cozy dinner at home or at a beloved neighborhood eatery, reflecting on the memories we made throughout their visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey hasn’t been made in isolation, and I owe so much to the incredible support system I’ve had along the way. I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to iLEAD Exploration, where I transitioned from a hybrid to fully online learning during the pandemic. The flexibility of online education, combined with iLEAD’s personalized approach, empowered me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. My Educational Facilitator, Jennifer Maurer, was especially instrumental during this time. She not only guided me through the challenges of independent study but also provided emotional support that helped me stay resilient and proactive in the face of uncertainty. Mrs. Maurer wasn’t just a teacher—she was a mentor who truly believed in my potential, and her encouragement made all the difference. The unwavering support from her and the iLEAD community gave me the confidence to keep pursuing my dreams. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, guidance, and belief of those who recognized my potential, even in the most uncertain times.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shyokupan/

Other: I’m always excited to share LA’s unique culinary and art scene, so feel free to reach out anytime on Instagram or at Shyokupanblog@gmail.com!

Image Credits
Milena de Vera & Kanna Inoshita