Today we’d like to introduce you to Annemiek Mackie
Hi Annemiek, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Annemiek, the founder of The Matcha Lab, and my story started in Barbados in 2021.
It all began in Barbados when my sister-in-law introduced me to matcha while I was studying nutrition. I fell in love instantly. Matcha’s unique flavor and impressive health benefits struck a chord, and I knew it would be a part of my life. However, sourcing quality matcha in Barbados was nearly impossible. With every trip abroad, I’d search for high-quality matcha, but nothing quite met the standard I envisioned. That’s when it hit me: why not bring my own matcha brand to life?
The Matcha Lab was born out of a passion for excellence. I wanted to ensure our matcha was the best possible—organic, ceremonial-grade, and sourced directly from Kyoto, Japan. After testing numerous samples, I finally found “the one”: vibrant green, rich in aroma, and silky smooth in taste. It was everything I’d been searching for.
Launching The Matcha Lab was both thrilling and intimidating. Initially, I had no idea what to expect—Barbados wasn’t exactly a matcha hotspot. I thought, worst-case scenario, I’d have a lifetime supply of matcha for myself! But to my surprise, people responded. Slowly but surely, the brand started to grow, building a loyal community of matcha lovers who shared our passion.
Expanding to the U.S., specifically Miami, was always the ultimate goal. I was born in Stuart, Florida, and Miami has always been like a second home to me. I’ve spent years between Miami and Barbados, and I even lived in Brickell, working in marketing, just before COVID-19 came and changed everyone’s life! Bringing The Matcha Lab to Miami felt like a full-circle moment—a way to merge two parts of my life—my brand that was founded in Barbados with the vibrant culture of the city I’ve always felt connected to.
In July 2024, we finally launched The Matcha Lab in the U.S., starting in Miami. We’ve been fortunate to participate in wellness events around the city, introducing people to our carefully crafted matcha. The response has been incredible, and it’s fulfilling to see Miami embracing The Matcha Lab. It’s more than just a business; it’s a celebration of both my homes and a tribute to the quality, community, and passion that define us.
Today, we have a dedicated following in Barbados and are steadily growing in the U.S., particularly in Miami, where we hope to build even deeper connections. I’m grateful for every customer, café, and partner who has joined us on this journey. For us, The Matcha Lab isn’t just about selling matcha—it’s about sharing something special, connecting with people, and making a little corner of the world just a bit more vibrant.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? What’s that?? Hahaha! The road has been anything but smooth, to say the least. There have been plenty of bumps along the way, and I’ve had to figure out so much on the fly. Building The Matcha Lab has been a journey full of trial and error, and honestly, sometimes it felt like learning things the hard way was the only way!
One of the most challenging experiences was when someone actually stole my brand. They took the name, the logo, photos—everything. It was devastating to see something I had poured so much heart and soul into just… taken like that. Going through the process of reclaiming what was mine and protecting The Matcha Lab was a huge hurdle. It was frustrating and exhausting, but ultimately it made me stronger and more protective of my vision.
There have been countless other moments where I’ve felt like I was stumbling in the dark, but with each challenge, I learned something valuable. Despite the bumps, I can honestly say it’s always felt “right.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Matcha Lab?
At The Matcha Lab, our mission is simple: to share the highest quality matcha with the world while fostering a community that values wellness, mindfulness, and authenticity. We specialize in sourcing only the finest organic, ceremonial-grade matcha directly from a single organic tea farm in Kyoto, Japan. Our matcha is vibrant, smooth, and packed with flavor—qualities that come from the meticulous care taken in its cultivation and processing. We’re deeply committed to providing a product that not only tastes amazing but also aligns with the wellness-focused lifestyles of our customers.
What truly makes us stand out is the love, passion, and dedication we pour into every aspect of The Matcha Lab. The Matcha Lab isn’t just a brand; it’s a labor of love, and that passion is woven into our matcha.
Beyond the product itself, The Matcha Lab is built on community and connection. We love partnering with like-minded cafes, restaurants, and wellness spaces to bring matcha experiences to life. Whether it’s through wholesale partnerships, pop-up events, or wellness gatherings, we aim to build a community around matcha—connecting people who share an appreciation for wellness, quality, and a mindful lifestyle. It’s been especially exciting to expand into the U.S. market recently, with Miami as our launchpad. Miami has always felt like a second home to me, so to see The Matcha Lab embraced by the community here has been incredibly fulfilling.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the loyal, enthusiastic following we’ve built. Our customers genuinely love our matcha as much as we do, and there’s something so special about knowing we’re a part of people’s daily rituals and wellness journeys.
For your readers, I’d want them to know that The Matcha Lab isn’t just another matcha brand—it’s a brand with a story, a purpose, and a passion for creating something meaningful. We offer our matcha online, supply to cafes and wellness spaces, and host community-focused events. Each time you enjoy a cup of our matcha, you’re getting the absolute best of what matcha has to offer, backed by a brand that truly cares about quality, health, and community.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has definitely played a role in my journey with The Matcha Lab, in both good and challenging ways. I was lucky to discover matcha at a time when I was studying nutrition, which aligned perfectly with my passion for wellness and set me on this path.
On the flip side, I’ve faced tough moments too, like when someone copied my entire brand—the name, logo, photos, and story. It was disheartening, but it taught me resilience and helped me sharpen my focus on what makes The Matcha Lab unique.
In the end, both the fortunate and challenging moments have shaped my business and brought me closer to my vision. Every twist and turn has been part of the journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Pricing:
- Our 50g bags of organic, ceremonial grade matcha are $45- and last you about a month if drinking a latte everyday!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thematchalab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchalab/
Image Credits
Ana Paola Studio
