Coworking with Alissa Miky

On Wednesdays, we wear pink spotlight Retail Brew’s readers. Want to be featured in an upcoming edition? Click here to introduce yourself.

Alissa Miky is founder and CEO of marine plant beverage brand OoMee.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? I like to say that my job is part scientist, part storyteller, and part taste tester. At OoMee, that means taking a centuries-old Japanese wellness secret and turning it into a joyful, modern beverage. My job is to bridge cultures, build a brand that makes people feel special, and make sure every touchpoint, from flavor to packaging to retail experience, sparks curiosity and delight.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? Most people see “Founder and CEO of a seaweed-tech company” on my LinkedIn and assume my work is all product development and retail strategy. What they don’t see is that a surprising part of my job involves moving between completely different worlds from deep scientific conversations about marine polysaccharides and agar’s physiological effects, to high-level brand storytelling as a former national TV anchor with 15 million viewers. Another unexpected layer: I also support Formula 1 Japan as a promoter, helping with sponsorship strategy and hospitality experiences.

What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? I’ve lived many lives—newscaster, Formula 1 promoter, marketer—but OoMee is the project that feels like my soul’s work. It came from one of the darkest chapters of my life, when I was navigating a mental and physical health crisis and looking for something that could help me feel grounded again. Rediscovering the marine ingredients I grew up with in Japan, and realizing how powerful they could be for modern American wellness needs, was a turning point. Building OoMee has been a way to bring that ancient Japanese wisdom to people who have never experienced it before, offering satiety, balance, and a sense of calm in a world that constantly demands more of us.

Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about right now, and why? Marine ingredients are having a major moment, and we’re still at the very beginning of the wave. We’re seeing seaweed, algae, and other marine botanicals show up everywhere: beauty, home cooking, supplements, and now beverages. In Japan, these ingredients have been pillars of wellness and longevity for hundreds of years. In the US, consumers are finally discovering how functional, sustainable, and nutrient-rich they are. That shift is opening the door for entirely new categories—OoMee included—that celebrate the ocean’s power in a modern, accessible and sustainable way.

What’s your go-to coffee order? A matcha! I actually mix it with OoMee; it keeps me full, stabilizes my energy, and helps me stay incredibly focused on work. It’s the perfect morning ritual: clean energy, no crash, and no mindless snacking. Highly recommend trying it to start your day feeling balanced and sharp.

Worst piece of advice you’ve received? “Be a quiet woman.” It’s a phrase I heard more times than I can count. Japan still faces real challenges with gender expectations. Having strong opinions is often seen as disruptive. Being independent can be judged as “too much.” Women are still encouraged, implicitly or directly, to shrink themselves, to stay quiet, to fit into a mold that someone else designed. But I no longer believe in that version of myself. I love who I am now: a woman who moves between cultures, a bridge between Japan and the world, someone running across continents to bring health, innovation, and happiness to people. I’ve learned that expressing my voice doesn’t require fighting or shouting. I can advocate fiercely and peacefully. I can lead with empathy while still being bold. I can disagree with grace and still stand firm in my truth. And I take pride in that.

What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? When I was 15, my greatest love was magazines inspired by Britney Spears. In Japan at that time, her bright, energetic personality influenced an entire wave of magazines and musicians and I was completely captivated by that world. Today, my love has shifted to something very different: secondhand scarves. I’ve always preferred simple fashion, but simplicity can easily become boring or predictable. That changed when my grandmother gave me a vintage scarf. Since then, I’ve fallen deep into the charm of secondhand scarves. Now I’m always on the lookout, collecting them from vintage and secondhand markets wherever I travel.