Meet Philippa and her delicious organic granola brand

Meet Philippa, the founder of Phil's Granola, a business she launched in 2021 with a mission to bring healthy and delicious granola to Greece. While we typically feature women who are bringing an essence of Greece to the U.S., this time we’ll explore a different journey—how Philippa's experiences and studies in the U.S. inspired her to create a thriving brand back in Greece. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Philippa (aka Phil) and I was born and raised in Athens, but I spent a significant part of my life in the US. After studying, I worked in the US for a few years, where I gained valuable experience and developed a deep appreciation for its vibrant, fast-paced culture. In 2020, I returned to Athens and started Phil’s Granola, combining my passion for healthy, high-quality foods with the skills and entrepreneurial mindset I developed in the States. This journey has allowed me to bridge the best of both worlds, offering nutritious products made with organic ingredients while staying rooted in my Greek heritage.

How was the US experience for you and how did it influence your next steps?

It was a transformative experience for me. I completed my undergraduate degree at Babson College, where I developed a strong entrepreneurial mindset, and later, I pursued my master’s degree at Columbia, which deepened my understanding of business on a global scale. The diverse and fast-paced environment of the US shaped my thinking and opened up new perspectives. It wasn’t just about the academics but also the exposure to different cultures, ideas, and ways of doing business.

One of the most rewarding aspects was the friendships I made along the way, especially with people from different countries and cultures. My international friends brought new perspectives and broadened my worldview, helping me appreciate the diversity of ideas and experiences.

The entrepreneurial culture, especially at Babson, instilled in me the belief that I could turn my passions into a viable business. Overall, my time in the US helped me gain the confidence and skills to pursue my own venture. When I returned to Athens, I was ready to launch Phil’s Granola, and I brought with me the values I learned during my time there: innovation, quality, and the importance of community. Those experiences continue to influence my decisions as I grow my business.

How did Phil’s Granola start? What is your main goal for the future?

Phil’s Granola has its roots back in my college days. I first started baking granola with my best friend while studying. My best friend was from Venezuela, and we experimented with different flavors and ingredients, and soon, making granola became something I truly loved. After sharing it with friends and receiving great feedback, the idea of turning it into a business stuck with me. When I returned to Athens in 2020, I saw an opportunity to create a brand that focused on high-quality, organic granola, and that’s when Phil’s Granola officially began.

Looking ahead, my goal is to expand Phil’s Granola internationally. I want to continue innovating with new flavors and products while maintaining our core focus on quality ingredients. I also hope to inspire people to prioritize healthy eating and make Phil’s Granola a trusted, beloved brand. Ultimately, I envision it becoming a staple in households that value nutrition, taste, and mindful eating.

What are the joys and challenges of being a woman entrepreneur?

One of the greatest joys is seeing an idea that started small—like baking granola in my college dorm—grow into a business that resonates with people. There’s a deep sense of pride in building something from the ground up and knowing that the products I create bring value to others. I also love the creative freedom that comes with running my own business, from developing new flavors to shaping the direction of Phil’s Granola.

However, there are challenges as well. As a woman in entrepreneurship, you sometimes have to push harder to be taken seriously, especially in a male-dominated industry. Balancing work and personal life can also be difficult, as running a business requires constant attention and energy. Yet, these challenges have made me more resilient and determined. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, stand by my vision, and surround myself with people who support my journey. Every obstacle has ultimately been a lesson, helping me grow not just as an entrepreneur, but also as a person.

You have developed an amazing range of granola flavors with a focus on high-quality organic ingredients - why is this important for you and how do you come up with the recipes?

Thank you so much! The focus on high-quality organic ingredients has always been at the heart of Phil’s Granola. It's important to me because I believe that what we eat should not only taste great but also nourish our bodies. When I started making granola, it was all about creating something healthy that I would feel good about eating every day. I’ve carried that philosophy into the business—I want to offer people a product that’s made with care, using the best ingredients possible. Organic ingredients are key because they not only contribute to better health but also align with my commitment to sustainability and supporting ethical farming practices.

As for the recipes, they often come from a mix of personal inspiration, my Greek roots, and experimenting in the kitchen. For example, the Tsoureki edition was inspired by my love for traditional Greek flavors—Tsoureki is something I grew up with, especially during holidays, and I wanted to incorporate that comforting flavor into the granola. The Christmas edition was about capturing the festive spirit and warmth of the season. I enjoy blending familiar tastes with unexpected ingredients, always aiming for a balance of flavor and texture. A lot of it is trial and error, but that’s part of the creative process, and it’s something I truly enjoy.

Which one is the most popular flavor and which one is your favorite flavor of Phil’s granola?

Our most popular flavor is definitely Almond Vanilla. It has a classic, comforting taste that people seem to love, and it’s become a staple for many of our customers. As for my personal favorite, it’s Hazelicious Choco. I love it not only for its rich, chocolatey flavor but also because it’s made with olive oil, which gives it a unique texture and taste. Plus, using olive oil ties back to my Greek roots, and I enjoy incorporating such a healthy, local ingredient into the recipe.

Your favorite place in Greece and favorite Greek food/ingredient

Although I love every part of Greece and find something unique in each place, my favorite has to be Kythera Island. It’s a peaceful, beautiful escape, and I always feel connected to nature there.

As for my favorite Greek ingredient, it is olive oil. Not only is it a staple in Greek cuisine, but it’s also incredibly versatile and healthy. I love using it in all my recipes.

Would you like to share a favorite recipe with us?

I know it might sound a bit unconventional, but trust me on this one! One of my current obsessions is super simple: take a bowl of Greek yogurt, drizzle a bit of olive oil and maple syrup on top, add some Hazelicious Choco (or any granola with chocolate), and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. The combination of creamy yogurt, rich chocolate granola, the smoothness of olive oil, and the hint of salt creates an unexpected and delicious flavor balance. It’s a surprising mix, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked!