When we started Matchali in 2020 our vision was to create a community centred around our love for matcha, its taste, health benefits and traditions. This International Women’s Day we celebrate the strength of the Matchali community, which has supported us as our business has grown and faced many different challenges the past few years has thrown at us. On a personal level both of us have also become mothers during this time and we have learnt to balance all the pressures of pregnancy, children and work. We know that a lot of our community understands these pressures and also draw some balance from matcha and the friendships that share in that moment together. We want to thank each and everyone of you for inspiring us, giving us the confidence to believe in ourselves and for being part of our community.
How do you intend to make the most of this International Women’s Day celebration?
Cara:
It’s my first International Women’s Day as a mother of two. I will take this day to reflect on the power of women and all that we can achieve.
Laura:
My husband’s birthday is on International Women’s Day, together we celebrate the strong feminine energy that surrounds us at home and at work.
Who is your female icon?
Cara:
I am fortunate to have been surrounded by strong women in my family and friendship circles. I draw different inspiring qualities from each, from my Mother & Sister I learnt the power of women, from friendships, I have learnt the power of independence and the power of creativity and that pursuing and harnessing this can be achieved whilst growing a family.
Laura:
My Grandmothers on my maternal and paternal sides and my Mother. They showed me how strength, passion and independence are all important qualities to have as a woman - and to exercise these with empathy, tenderness; always a good sense of humour and in style!
How has Matchali been influenced by your experience as mothers, and how have you incorporated those experiences into your business?
Cara:
It has trained me to be more organised. I need to be 100% present when at work and at home. It has been challenging at times to manage being a new mum whilst running a business, it takes planning and careful attention to ensure you are optimising your time. Sometimes I need to learn how to switch off from work when I am at home and enjoy that time with my husband and kids without feeling guilty and vice versa.
Laura:
Becoming a mother has trained my patience and understanding, being able to empathise better and see things with a greater perspective. This has made me more open to different ideas as well as helped me immensely in understanding our customers and team better. This also contributes to having more patience in problem solving.
How do you hope to continue growing and expanding Matchali whilst also prioritizing your role as mothers?
Cara:
Prior to having children we opened multiple pop-ups in prime locations across the city, which was labour and capital intensive but an important step in the development of the brand and product. Whilst pregnant we decided to consolidate our learnings into one flagship store on Moon St. This has given us a foundation to develop our brand offerings and look to the future. In the works is our wholesale business which we are excited about as it offers the ability to grow organically and continue to enable our community to access great matcha around Hong Kong.
Laura:
It’s a constant learning process – I hope to find balance between motherhood and work whilst nurturing both. Other women around us constantly inspire us and show us how to juggle being a mother and run a successful business. We try to be present and spend quality time either with our families or while working.
