Meet Marissa Gámez: Navy Veteran, Matcha Maven, and Founder of Míra Matcha!

We're thrilled to introduce you to Marissa Gámez, a San Antonio native who wears many hats – proud small business owner of Míra Matcha, Navy veteran, 2nd generation Mexican-American, philanthropist, and health advocate!

Marissa's journey to entrepreneurship is anything but ordinary. Let's jump right in and hear her story in her own words.

Hi Marissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.

My name is Marissa Gámez, and I am a San Antonio Native, Proud Small Business Owner of Míra Matcha, Navy Veteran, 2nd Generation Mexican-American, Philanthropist, and Health Advocate.

I recently turned 30 and never thought I would have my own business, but I do feel like I’ve lived several lives in my 20s to get me to where I am today. I joined the U.S. Navy after completing two years of college, where I was eventually stationed in Bremerton, Washington, where I served on the U.S.S. Nimitz.

I was in the nuclear field, but I realized that nuclear propulsion wasn’t my passion after four years. On my way out of the Navy, I was lucky to temporarily work with the JAG Corps alongside the Pacific Coast Defense Team, which sparked my interest in the legal field. From there, I returned to school and completed my Bachelor’s Degree and then my Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology.

I have been blessed to work in Legal and Contracts across two Fortune 500 companies following the completion of my degrees. Still, I eventually decided to use my skills to improve my community. In 2022, I took a step back from Corporate life. I stepped into my current role at a local magazine and marketing agency where I get to stay super involved in community events, help others with their local businesses daily, and create amazing connections with people all over the Alamo City.

Meeting San Antonians from all walks of life piqued my interest in owning my own business, but I wasn’t sure what direction I would take. In September of 2022, my life partner, now business partner, and I took a trip to Mexico City, where we drank our daily matcha latte, took in the culture, and brainstormed. We wanted to bring the flavors of our heritage to San Antonio but couldn’t figure out how to do so. Then it hit us – let’s combine what we love with what we know while being mindful of health and financial accessibility.

We decided to take Matcha, a traditional Japanese product, and add our Latin touch, providing familiar flavors and the many health benefits of Matcha. With Míra Matcha Latte Mixes, you are saving money instead of going to the coffee shop every day, saving time, and not compromising your health goals by filling your body with sugar and syrups. You are making a healthier decision every time you drink Míra Matcha instead of choosing other sources of caffeine!

Today, we are doing pop-ups all over San Antonio while we explore the next steps of moving into a commercial kitchen and getting our product online and in stores! But we are so excited and thankful for the experience so far. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My biggest struggle towards the beginning of this Míra Matcha journey was just being able to get out of my comfort zone. I’m generally more introverted, so talking to strangers at markets was something I would have to get a pep-talk for in the car before heading in.

Some days are better than others, managing my anxiety, but I’m growing each day! If you’ve met me at a market you probably would never have guessed I struggle I with this, I give my full energy into making sure everyone who comes across my table feels welcomed and informed! Then I go home for a 3-hour nap to recharge my “social meter.” But it is worth it!

My decision to start drinking matcha in the first place was linked to my anxiety – coffee always gave me the jitters and a huge crash. So I started opting for matcha due to its L-theanine properties that provide longer-lasting clean energy without side effects. It simultaneously reduces stress and improves cognitive function without inducing drowsiness.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Míra Matcha?Míra Matcha specializes in latin-inspired matcha latte mixes, we have three flavors so far – Coconut Horchata, Lavender Agave and Mexican Vanilla! What make us stand out from others is that we don’t use any pure-cane sugar, we opt for Monkfruit and Allulose so that our latte’s don’t compromise health goals or leave anyone out from enjoying a tasty and nutrient packed pick-me-up.

Regarding the inspiration for Mira Matcha’s branding, “Míra” means “look” in Spanish. With matcha’s benefits, including a clean and calmer “caffeine high” and increased focus, I thought an eye would be authentic to matcha’s benefits and an ode to our Latin culture, where an eye symbolizes protection against negative energies and brings good luck.

We are also working on other ideas when not at markets or mixing matcha; I can’t wait to share new flavors and products as time goes on for my fellow matcha lovers!

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?As someone who always has a plan, the COVID-19 crisis forced me and the rest of the world to adjust. Seeing everything shut down around me made me realize you must focus your time and energy on something that matters to you.

I think without COVID-19, I wouldn’t have realized my potential outside of corporate work, which would eventually lead me down the road to developing more skills I would need to create Míra Matcha.

From Navy Veteran to Matcha Maven: Meet Marissa Gámez, Founder of Míra Matcha

San Antonio boasts a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, and Marissa Gámez is a shining example. This multi-talented native is a Navy veteran, 2nd generation Mexican-American, philanthropist, and now, the proud owner of Míra Matcha, a company specializing in delicious and healthy Latin-inspired matcha latte mixes.

Marissa's journey to matcha mastery wasn't always planned. In her own words:

"Turning 30, I never thought I'd be running my own business. But looking back, my 20s were a whirlwind that prepared me for this!"

From the Navy to Matcha Lattes

Marissa's diverse background includes serving in the U.S. Navy and pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice & Criminology. She then leveraged her skills in the corporate world before deciding to make a difference in her community. Working at a local magazine and marketing agency exposed her to San Antonio's vibrant entrepreneurial scene, sparking her own business aspirations.

A Match Made in Mexico City

A trip to Mexico City with her life partner (now business partner) proved pivotal. They yearned to bring the flavors of their heritage to San Antonio and discovered the perfect medium: matcha. Their vision: combine their love for matcha with familiar Latin flavors, creating a convenient and healthy alternative to sugary coffee shop drinks.

Míra Matcha offers unique flavors like Coconut Horchata, Lavender Agave, and Mexican Vanilla – all sweetened with Monkfruit and Allulose for a guilt-free indulgence. The name "Míra" (meaning "look" in Spanish) is a nod to matcha's focus-enhancing benefits and a symbolic eye in their branding reflects their Latin heritage and a shield against negativity.

Finding Her Voice, Building a Brand

Marissa admits stepping out of her comfort zone was a challenge.

"I'm generally more introverted, so talking to strangers at markets was something I would have to get a pep-talk for in the car!"

The Future of Míra Matcha

Marissa and her partner are busy with pop-up markets while laying the groundwork for an online presence and expanding their product line. They're excited to continue sharing their love for matcha and the rich flavors of their heritage with San Antonio.

So, next time you're craving a delicious and healthy pick-me-up, keep an eye out for Míra Matcha at a local market. You might just meet the inspiring Marissa Gámez and discover your new favorite matcha late!