MICHELLE PUYANE, OWNER OF CHALAIT MATCHA
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND WHY MATCHA?
My story starts with a familiar struggle: making healthy choices when you’ve got a hectic schedule! I spent long hours working in finance, traveling as often as I could with the limited spare time. On one fateful trip to Kyoto, my husband and I started scheming: How could we get Japan’s best matcha minus the red-eye flight? That’s how Chalait was born, with a dream for making this specialty drink more accessible while honoring its age-old traditions.
Chalait is a purveyor of fine Japanese matcha green tea. We are here to share our passion for matcha and introduce this remarkable tea to the rest of the world.
When did health and wellness become such a pillar in your life?
Health and wellness have always been an important aspect of my life. Growing up, my parents taught me healthy habits and to take good care of myself. As I have gotten older, I have embraced the healthy lifestyle even more. Nothing in life is more valuable than good health.
How has it been running a business as a mom, with now 2 young children?
Challenging! Owning a business is very demanding because you’re always ON. Even when you’re off, you end up thinking about how to improve your business. Balancing 2 young children while building a business requires a lot of organization and prioritization. On the flip side, running my own business also gives me freedom and independence.
In terms of “mantras”, what do you live by to get everything you do done, and remain involved in your growing family?
In terms of “mantras”, what do you live by to get everything you do done, and remain involved in your growing family?
Do the best that you can and that will be good enough. Many of us (especially moms) tend to juggle many things at once, and too often we feel disappointed when something isn’t done the way we intended to. This feeling isn’t conducive to growth and happiness, so it is essential to forgive yourself and recognize that you did your best.
GIVE US THE BACKSTORY OF HOW YOU BECAME A FRIEND OF JASON SCOTT:
Jason became a regular at Chalait when we first opened! He would stop by for an iced matcha every morning before heading into work. Over the years, we have gotten to know each other and found that we share many of the same philosophies such as sustainable sourcing practices and our appreciation for simplicity and quality.
GIVE US THE BACKSTORY OF HOW YOU BECAME A FRIEND OF JASON SCOTT:
Jason became a regular at Chalait when we first opened! He would stop by for an iced matcha every morning before heading into work. Over the years, we have gotten to know each other and found that we share many of the same philosophies such as sustainable sourcing practices and our appreciation for simplicity and quality.
WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO JS PIECES?
Lately, I have been dressing up the white Margot Pants and matching Katie Tank. It totally works with heels and a coat in the winter and keeps me cozy all day when I'm running from meeting to meeting. I love the simplicity of the pieces because they can work with anything in my wardrobe and I can style them to be my own. I really appreciate the quality of tailoring and fabrics used.
Give us the backstory of how you became a friend of Jason Scott:
Jason became a regular at Chalait when we first opened! He would stop by for an iced matcha every morning before heading into work. Over the years, we have gotten to know each other and found that we share many of the same philosophies such as sustainable sourcing practices and our appreciation for simplicity and quality.
Learn more about Michelle's business, Chalait Matcha here
