Name: Katie

Name of company (if applicable): Mantra Matcha

IG handle: @mantramatcha

FB URL: Shop Mantra Matcha

Kid(s) and Ages (If applicable): 3 kids. Sloan is 5; Mazie is 3; Naomi is 1.

Where do you live/are you located? We  live in the suburbs of Chicago

How and why did you start your business?

Having been in the fitness industry for the last 7 years, health has been a top priority of mine. And as a mom of 3 girls, I always had a coffee on hand. Between work, parenting, and lot of caffeine, I still found myself exhausted. One day I was in Starbucks and noticed someone drinking an eye-catching venti green drink, which turned out to be matcha. Matcha is superfood powerhouse form of green tea loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and a variety of health benefits (such as increased metabolism and steady energy without the crash). I then learned Starbuck’s matcha is nothing more than sugar, genetically modified ingredients, and low-grade matcha green tea powder. Other matcha I found online was not much better. And the quality ones I did find, tasted almost like grass. This is when the idea my company was born.

The business concept of Mantra Matcha was brought to life in a business incubator, The Hatchery, which is located in Chicago. Through this incubator, our matcha recipes came to life with a team of great people that also formulated products for companies such as Kraft & Starbucks. Our signature packaging had design input from the same people behind RX Bars. It’s been surreal seeing the business come from a seed of an idea to a fully-operation company today!

When did you start your business? How has the pandemic affected it?

We launched last June 2021. The pandemic affected us in the beginning with the struggle to not be face to face with consumers but have found ways around it and learned the benefits to continue to build the brand around an online sold product.

How might your business change when the pandemic is over (if at all)?

We don’t believe it will change much, as we will continue to meet the needs of our consumers through online sopping.

What would someone be surprised to learn about your business?

Matcha, can be made in 100’s of different ways and isn’t only used with water. The ways you can incorporate Matcha into your day are endless including food recipes, drinks, smoothies, etc.

What is one piece of advice for new business owners that you wish someone told you beforehand?

Don’t let the set backs deter you. Something is going to come up at almost every step of the way and instead of letting it upset you, find the positive and ways you can move around it to keep going!

When you have time to yourself, what do you like to do that isn’t business related?

I love a great workout! I feel it is so important to take the time to take of yourself and workout or do something to keep your mind and body moving daily.