Brewing Dreams Together: Millikin Alumni MaryHelen and Robbie Maida Build a Life Through Entrepreneurship

MaryHelen arrived at Millikin with plans to pursue Theatre, while Robbie came to campus as a student-athlete on the Men's Volleyball team. Like many students, both discovered new interests and adjusted their academic paths along the way.

"I loved the community at Millikin, my classes, and the friends that I gained during my time on campus," MaryHelen said.

After exploring several majors, she ultimately found her home in the Communication program. Robbie, meanwhile, transitioned from Business studies into Sport & Recreation Management, a field that better aligned with his interests and career goals.

While their academic journeys evolved, another important chapter was unfolding in an unlikely way.

The pair initially matched on a dating app during MaryHelen's first semester at Millikin but never connected beyond the match. Months later, they met in person at a campus gathering and eventually began spending time together.

"We hung out once and then were just glued together," MaryHelen said.

The relationship continued to grow throughout their college years. Three years later, they were living together, raising a puppy, and laying the foundation for their future business ventures.

In April 2024, while MaryHelen was taking graduation photos on campus, Robbie surprised her with a proposal in front of Shilling Hall, and the couple was married in the fall of 2025.

Turning a Dream Into a Business

The idea for TMRW's Brew emerged during MaryHelen's senior year.

The couple had long dreamed of opening a coffee shop. MaryHelen had worked in coffee shops since she was 14, while Robbie developed a passion for coffee through their shared experiences exploring local coffee shops on their travels.

The challenge was finding an affordable way to get started.

A conversation with MaryHelen's mother sparked the idea of opening a mobile coffee trailer rather than a traditional storefront. Within weeks, the couple was researching equipment, forming an LLC, and investing their savings into the venture.

"We used all of our savings, borrowed a little money from family, and jumped right in," MaryHelen said.

TMRW's Brew officially opened in September 2024 and now operates throughout the Midwest at fairs, festivals, markets, and community events.

The business name itself reflects the couple's commitment to family. Robbie developed the concept by combining the couple's initials with those of their beloved dogs, creating a name that symbolizes building a better tomorrow together.

Learning Entrepreneurship Through Performance Learning

Both alumni credit their Millikin education with helping prepare them for business ownership.

MaryHelen points to the support she received from Communication faculty members Dr. Sarah Drake and Dr. Nancy Curtin, now serving as Millikin’s Interim Provost. Both encouraged her entrepreneurial ambitions and provided opportunities to incorporate her business plans into class projects.

"I really was able to grow my business because of what I learned there," she said.

Robbie found value in the business and management concepts he encountered through coursework in the Tabor School of Business and Sport & Recreation Management program.

"It was only a short amount of time that I was in the (Tabor) school, but in that short amount of time, I was able to learn about how to run a business," Robbie said.

Those lessons became invaluable as the couple navigated startup costs, scheduling contractors, meeting health department requirements, and balancing full-time work with entrepreneurship.

One of the most meaningful parts of their entrepreneurial journey has been returning to Millikin as business owners.

TMRW's Brew now visits campus multiple times each semester, serving coffee while reconnecting with faculty, staff, and students.

"We both honestly missed Millikin a lot," MaryHelen said. "We thought it would be so cool to come share what we built with everyone on campus."

The couple hopes their presence demonstrates what is possible for current students.

In addition to TMRW's Brew, MaryHelen recently launched Planning for TMRW, a wedding and event planning business inspired by years of experience in the event industry and a senior internship completed while attending Millikin.

The internship allowed her to develop practical planning and coordination skills that she now uses while helping couples create memorable wedding experiences.

Together, the two businesses have enabled the couple to pursue careers centered on creativity, service, and community connections.

The experience has also strengthened their relationship.

"We absolutely love working together," MaryHelen said. "I think there is something so gratifying about building something together and growing together as business partners and life partners."

Robbie agrees.

"If you are doing what you love with who you love, it makes it pretty easy to do it," he said.

The couple's long-term vision includes expanding TMRW's Brew into a permanent brick-and-mortar coffee shop while continuing to operate the mobile trailer that helped launch their dream.

MaryHelen also hopes to continue growing Planning for TMRW and expand the number of weddings and events she coordinates each year.

As they look ahead, both remain grateful for the experiences that shaped them during their time at Millikin.

"I feel like I grew so much as a person while being there," MaryHelen said. "There were many ups and downs while being in college, but I obviously met the love of my life and made multiple lifelong friendships."