Meet Zander Mukanos | Founder of Myneral

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

Hi Zander, what principle do you value most?
For me, the principle that matters most is compassion. While compassion is often defined as a ‘sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress along with a desire to alleviate it,’ I believe it goes beyond simply understanding someone else’s pain. Compassion is the active motivation to help, comfort, and support others—a value that brings positivity and healing into the world.

Over time, I’ve come to see compassion as the foundation of how I want to live my life, and it’s a principle I find essential for a few reasons. At its core, compassion can be as simple as kindness. We live in a world of over 8 billion people, each living their own unique lives, each facing struggles that often remain unseen. The smallest gestures of compassion—a smile, holding a door open, acknowledging a barista by name—can have a profound impact. You never know what someone is going through, and sometimes a small act of kindness is enough to lift their day.

Through Myneral, I’ve seen firsthand how even the smallest acts of compassion resonate with others. Part of Myneral’s social media presence is sharing positive messages, like reminders to ‘be kind to yourself, you’re still just figuring it all out.’ While these messages might seem simple, they’re reminders I use for myself as well. Over time, I’ve noticed how these small acts of kindness make a difference for others. I’ve received comments from people saying, ‘You don’t understand how much this means to me,’ and others reaching out to say, ‘I was literally just spiraling… and this just made me feel so much better.’ These messages were a turning point for me, realizing just how far compassion can reach, even in small ways.

For me, compassion means recognizing that we’re all trying our best, each of us navigating our own challenges. It’s about choosing to support others without judgment or jealousy. In my life, I’ve always been driven to make others happy, and I’ve found that compassion is one of the most powerful ways to do that. It’s about celebrating others’ successes, offering a shoulder when they need it, and cheering them on in their journey without feeling the need to compare or criticize.

Compassion is ultimately an outlook on life. It’s a choice to see others as individuals doing their best and to support them, even in small ways. When each of us acts with compassion, those small gestures build up, creating a ripple effect of positivity and kindness. I believe that living with compassion—through small gestures like a smile, a compliment, or simply being present—is one of the truest paths to fulfillment. In the end, compassion is more than empathy; it’s actively seeking to bring a bit more warmth into the world. And for me, that’s what makes life meaningful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Myneral is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my heart, my journey, and my belief in the power of small moments to create meaningful impact. The idea for Myneral came to me during the COVID pandemic, a time when the world felt overwhelming and uncertain. I found comfort in simple, calming messages, like the ones you’d see on TikTok saying, ‘Everything is going to be okay.’ Those small reminders had a profound effect on me, and I wondered: What if I could take that feeling and create something tangible, something people could carry with them every day to bring a little light into their lives? That’s how Myneral was born.

What sets Myneral apart is its authenticity and purpose. The brand isn’t just a product; it’s an embodiment of my values—compassion, resilience, and a desire to help others. Myneral is about bringing positivity into people’s daily lives in a way that feels genuine and accessible. The first product, the Affirmation Crystal Keychain, was designed to create small moments of intentional self-care. It allows users to interact with affirmations that provide motivation, self-love, or wisdom, turning an everyday object into a source of encouragement. But Myneral’s mission goes beyond that—it’s about fostering connection, showing people that even the smallest reminders can make a profound difference.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Starting Myneral felt like taking the first step without seeing the whole staircase, stepping into the unknown and trusting that I could figure it out along the way. There have been sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt, and countless challenges, but I’ve learned that growth often comes from embracing uncertainty. Myneral itself was a risk—a leap of faith driven by purpose. I wasn’t just creating a company—I was creating something I hoped could bring positivity into the lives of others. That hope and alignment with my values have made every step of the journey meaningful, even as the path continues to unfold.

Through this experience, I’ve learned the importance of persistence and balance. Success isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about staying true to your mission and being willing to grow through the challenges. For me, grounding rituals like grabbing my morning coffee have been essential. They give me a moment to reset, to remind myself of why I started, and to approach each day with clarity and intention.

What I’m most proud of is the way Myneral has connected with others. Hearing someone say, ‘Thank you, I really needed this,’ or seeing how a simple affirmation has brightened someone’s day is what keeps me going. Myneral isn’t just a business—it’s a way to make people smile, to bring positivity into the world, and to remind others that they’re not alone.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about Myneral, it’s that it was created with heart. It’s a brand rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a belief in the power of small acts of kindness. Myneral is a reflection of my desire to make the world a little brighter, one moment at a time. And while the journey hasn’t been easy, it’s been deeply rewarding. I’m excited to see where this path leads and to continue creating something that helps people feel a little more grounded, a little more seen, and a little more hopeful every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town for a week, I’d want to show them the spots I frequent regularly—the places that feel like part of my life. I think there is so much LA has to offer, however, to keep it simple, I’d break it into an ideal day.

We’d start with coffee at Maru, a place I’ve been going to for a while. I’m really into espresso, and the quality of their drinks is second to none. If my friend hasn’t been before, I’d recommend an iced flat white—it’s my go-to. After grabbing coffee, we’d take some time to walk around Beverly Hills, through the courtyard at the Maybourne and taking in some of the iconic spots nearby. It’s the kind of area that feels classic LA but still has its quiet corners.

For breakfast, we’d head to Beverly Glen Deli. This place just feels like home. It’s cozy with a menu that has absolutely everything you could want without trying too hard. I love places like that—they’re familiar in the best way, where you can relax and enjoy good food in a warm atmosphere.

After breakfast, I’d want to be active and get outside, so we’d go play tennis. For me, the perfect spot is Rustic Canyon in the Palisades. It’s one of my favorite places to unwind. The whole feeling there—from the trees to the sounds of kids playing on the playground—makes time feel like it slows down. The energy of the place is what makes it special.

Afterward, we’d swing by the Brentwood Country Mart for a snack. I’d usually go for something from Frida, but if my friend was visiting for the first time, I’d have to recommend the chicken tenders from Reddi Chick—they’re just classic. After grabbing some food and maybe another coffee, we’d get changed and head out to Malibu for a walk. I typically choose Malibu Road. This place is my go-to when I need to clear my head. It’s quiet, beautiful, and grounding. There’s something about being by the ocean that makes everything feel a little more manageable.

We’d definitely stay for the sunset. Watching the sun go down is one of those rituals that feels like it resets everything. It’s calming and grounding, and for those moments, all the noise fades away. For dinner, we’d head to Taverna Tony’s in Malibu. The food is incredible, and the atmosphere is just right—warm and inviting. On the way back, we’d stop at Hotel Bel-Air for tea and cookies to wind down the night. This is probably one of my favorite spots in all of LA. It’s so serene, and ending the day with rejuvenation tea and a jar of cookies feels perfect.

That would be my ideal day, and it’s exactly what I’d want my best friend to experience while visiting. It encompasses many of the places I love. Of course, LA has so much more to offer. Over a week, I’d want to show them other neighborhoods and spots that make LA so special. We’d grab breakfast on Sycamore at Tartine, explore the beautiful architecture of Los Feliz, and check out the iconic landmarks that define the city. LA is truly an amazing place to be, with so many different ecosystems to explore. A week wouldn’t feel like enough, but this day? It’d be a great start.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I often think about how our journey through life is shaped by so many people. Every experience, every connection, every stop along the way leaves an impact on who we become. For me, my shoutout belongs to the people who have been my foundation—my family, my friends, and those who have supported me unconditionally through every crazy idea and dream I’ve dared to pursue.

First and foremost, my parents. My mom and dad are my role models, the people I look up to as an example of the life I hope to lead one day. They’ve taught me the importance of compassion, hard work, and believing in myself. From a young age, they supported my wildest dreams. Whether it was a kid from California wanting to play ice hockey or starting a company after graduating from USC, they believed in me, even when the path wasn’t clear. Their love and encouragement have been constant, and as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized just how much of who I am comes from them. I often find myself reflecting on the small things I used to take for granted—the family dinners every night, cozy nights watching TV by the fireplace, or traditions like reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. Those moments weren’t just part of my childhood—they’re the foundation of the values I carry with me today. For all of that and more, I am forever grateful.

My brother also deserves a special shoutout. He’s not just my sibling; he’s one of my best friends and biggest inspirations. In my eyes, he’s the coolest person I know. He’s shown me so much about the world and has always been someone I could look up to. His influence and support have shaped me in ways I can’t fully express, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up with him by my side.

Lastly, I owe so much to my friends—the ones who’ve stood by me every step of the way. They’ve been there, cheering me on through every crazy dream I’ve chased. They’ve believed in me, even when I’ve doubted myself, and their encouragement has meant the world to me. I don’t think I say it enough, but their support is something I carry with me every day.

At the end of the day, everything I do, I do for the people I love. My journey is a reflection of their unwavering belief in me, and I strive every day to make them proud. Whether it’s family, friends, or the people who’ve shaped us in ways we might not even realize, it’s the connections we build and the love we share that make life truly special.

Website: https://www.my-neral.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.neral/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-mukanos-b0410a170/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@my.neral