Meet Nilou Shahryari | Founder of ONO Overnight Oats

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nilou Shahryari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nilou, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite affirmation is the concept of impermanence. Basically, the thought that nothing in your life is permanent and is instead constantly changing. All things good or bad will eventually alter in some way. This has allowed me to remove part of my emotions when something doesn’t go as planned, or the opposite, becoming too attached to something positive. It’s allowed me to think wholly about situations and not ponder too long on aspects I don’t have control over. I try to instill this thought process in both business and personal situations.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Prior to starting ONO, I worked at Halo Top on their international marketing team until their acquisition, and two months later covid hit. The job market tanked of course and I found myself with a lot of time on my hands. I didn’t fully ever decide that I was going to launch ONO it was almost a passion project that started in the middle of the pandemic when I had a lot of time on my hands. I had been making a rendition of ONO for years for my own breakfast and saw there was a gap in the market for high protein, convenient, and delicious overnight oats on shelves. Before I knew it, ONO had spiraled into a full-on business, which I was dedicating my attention full time.

Our product is different than most overnight oats as we have 25 g of protein which is about double the other brands on the market, we also have lions mane for an added functional benefit, and lastly have really focused on providing indulgent and nostalgic flavors. It’s been absolutely thrilling seeing strangers try and order our product, that has definitely been the most exciting aspect. Hearing feedback from people saying they love the flavors and how easy it has made their mornings, is the best feeling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in San Diego practically my whole life. Top must dos I would recommend are Windandsea Beach, Coronado, Temecula for wine tasting, and Little Italy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents deserve all the credit in the world. They moved to the States from Iran when I was 4 years old, solely so that I could have opportunities that they were not afforded. Everything I do thank them and make them proud for the struggles they had to endure.

Website: www.eatovernightoats.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/overnightoats

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilou-shahryari-1a937791/