The BellaMatcha Journey: From Inspiration to Creation

Introduction: Meet the Founder

Hello everyone,
My name is Silvano Palmeri, and I am the founder of BellaMatcha. BellaMatcha was born in Sacramento, CA, in March 2024, but the journey leading to its creation began long before that.

The First Encounter with Matcha

My first experience with matcha was at a Starbucks, where I tried a matcha latte. I wasn’t impressed. Determined to give matcha another chance, I returned and tried their matcha lemonade. It was an improvement, but still not quite right. Luckily, I had a lemon tree in my front yard and the internet to consult with. I decided to experiment, picking fresh lemons and using matcha powder I ordered online to make my own matcha lemonade. The result? I instantly fell in love.

Perfecting the Recipe

Matcha lemonade quickly became my drink of choice, rivaled only by hibiscus tea. Over time, I explored matcha lemonades from various cafes, but none could replicate the taste of my homemade version. When my lemon tree was out of fruit, I ventured into using store-bought lemons, farm-sourced produce, and even bottled lemon juice. Each attempt produced varying results, but the closest to perfection came from using lemons I ordered from Zava Ranch. They became my go-to source for recreating my beloved matcha lemonade.

A Gap in the Market

As my love for matcha grew, so did my curiosity about the beverage industry. I began searching for a ready-to-drink (RTD) matcha lemonade to stock in my fridge, only to be met with disappointment. While matcha lattes were plentiful, matcha lemonades were nowhere to be found. That’s when the light bulb went off: there was a gap waiting to be filled. BellaMatcha became the solution—introducing the first RTD lavender matcha lemonade, crafted with organic, ceremonial-grade matcha to deliver a refreshingly unique experience.

Finding a Passion for Matcha

Before my matcha experiments, I’d been exploring ideas for starting my own business. However, I struggled to find something I was genuinely passionate about. With matcha, that changed. I began learning about its nuances—different grades, how to use them, and which brands offered the best quality. I delved into the differences between first-harvest (Ichibancha), second-harvest (Nibancha), and third-harvest (Sanbancha) matcha, as well as the importance of its origin. I discovered that the cultivation and processing methods used in Japan, such as shading, steaming, and stone grinding, were essential for creating the highest-quality matcha powder.

Taking the Leap

Armed with this knowledge, I decided to take the leap. I began researching the process of developing a commercial beverage and connected with a company that offered everything from formulation to packaging. After an initial consultation, I decided to move forward that very same day. I had a vision: to create a lavender matcha lemonade that combined premium ingredients with a calming yet refreshing flavor profile.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Every few weeks, I received a new sample to test and provided feedback for improvements. After months of iterations, I discovered a major setback: the matcha being used in my beverage was a blended powder sourced from China. This revelation was devastating, as it didn’t align with the brand’s core values or my vision of offering authentic, high-quality matcha.

Staying True to the Vision

Determined to stay true to my principles, I took matters into my own hands. I outlined specific criteria for the matcha: it had to be organic, first-harvested, stone-ground, and sourced from Japan using traditional methods. With these strict requirements in place, the formula finally began to take shape.

Building the Foundation of BellaMatcha

While the formula development was underway, I worked with marketing advisors, business consultants, and graphic designers to build the foundation of BellaMatcha. It was a whirlwind of creativity and problem-solving, but every step brought me closer to the launch of a product I was truly proud of.

The Heart of BellaMatcha

BellaMatcha is more than just a beverage; it’s a reflection of my journey and commitment to quality, authenticity, and balance. It’s a product born from a passion for matcha and a desire to share its beauty and benefits with the world.

A Sip of Positivity

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Here’s to taking an ASIP of BellaMatcha and letting positivity radiate within!