We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Nayebkhil recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Celebrating small successes and building a dedicated team.

To me, success in a business, especially one like Maui Matcha, involves a combination of factors. Firstly, it’s crucial to celebrate even the smallest successes along the way. These victories may seem minor, but collectively, they build the foundation for long-term success. I’ve always believed that acknowledging and appreciating the milestones, no matter how small, creates a positive and motivated work environment.

When I opened my first store in Lahaina, I attributed its success to two key elements. Firstly, the concept itself was a breath of fresh air in the shopping center, offering a new perspective on what was already available. I made a deliberate effort to cater to both tourists and locals, with a primary focus on fostering local support.

Secondly, and perhaps equally important, was the team I had the privilege of working with. I made it a priority to hire individuals who not only believed in the vision of Maui Matcha but also supported me and the company throughout its development. Their dedication and passion were instrumental in bringing the concept to life and creating a positive customer experience. I’ve learned that success is a collaborative effort, and having a team that shares your vision and is committed to achieving goals is invaluable.

It’s about fostering a positive and collaborative culture that propels both the company and its employees forward.

Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My background in psychology and nutrition has always fueled my passion for mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the cultural significance and health benefits of matcha, I took off on a journey to create a brand that not only provided exceptional products but also contributed to the holistic well-being of our community.

The inception of Maui Matcha was a response to a personal need for high-quality, non-bitter ceremonial matcha, which I believed was lacking in my community. No one was offering the kind of matcha experience that I craved – a blend of authenticity, smooth but rich flavor, and a lack of bitterness. This realization prompted me to introduce something unique, not just as a product but as a lifestyle choice that promotes well-being.

I was driven to create a brand that goes beyond the ordinary – one that not only offers an exceptional matcha experience but also prioritizes the overall well-being of our customers.

One of the aspects I am most proud of is our community and the customers who have been with us throughout this journey. Since the Lahaina fires, it has been challenging to get back up and running as we were before. However, even in the face of adversity, I continue to celebrate small successes along the way. The outpouring of love and support from Maui and our customers around the world has been truly heartwarming.

The challenges we’ve faced have only strengthened our connection with the community. I am immensely proud of the resilience and spirit of our Maui community and grateful for the ongoing support from customers who have become a part of the Maui Matcha family. It’s a testament to the power of community and the impact that small businesses can have on people’s lives.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Maui Matcha is more than a product – it’s a lifestyle. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of connection, promoting well-being, and delivering an unparalleled taste experience. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and community sets us apart, and I invite everyone to join us on this matcha journey.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I celebrated Maui Matcha’s one-year anniversary, it was a time of joy and reflection on the hard work my team and I had put into cleaning, designing, and building a space that reflected the essence of my brand. However, this celebration took an unexpected turn when I received news that a mainland company had expressed interest in taking over my space, and the landlord had decided to offer it to them.

This news was not only heartbreaking but also challenging to accept. As a small business owner, I had poured my energy into creating a unique and authentic space, only to face the possibility of handing it over to a larger franchise. What made it more difficult was the fact that I was simultaneously part of their cohort for minority entrepreneurs, celebrating small businesses as part of their portfolio. It felt like a contradiction when I learned that I had to leave my beautiful space after a year and a half.

Despite this setback, I was already in the process of opening my second store and felt fortunate to have that in the pipeline. However, just as I was gearing up for this new venture, unforeseen challenges struck with the Lahaina fires. This unexpected turn of events forced me to reevaluate my strategy and pivot quickly to alternative avenues like pop-ups, farmers markets, and e-commerce.

While this shift couldn’t compare to having a physical store, the support from my community during this challenging time meant everything to me. The adversity led to remarkable collaborations with major brands and hotels, such as Bandier in West Hollywood, Nordstrom Ala Moana, The Westin Kaanapali, Lululemon in Whalers Village, and more.

Pivoting in business can be a lifeline, and it’s crucial not to give up, especially when you’ve witnessed past successes. This experience reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering support of the community. It’s a reminder that success can be redefined, and with determination, one can navigate through unexpected challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This pivotal moment not only tested Maui Matcha’s endurance but also showcased our resilience as a brand. In the same year that I lost my space to a chain, the Lahaina fires added another layer of complexity, affecting not only our business but also impacting my team and the wider community. The unforeseen challenges of relinquishing our initial space and the subsequent need to pivot our business model due to the fires demanded adaptability and determination. These experiences have instilled a profound sense of resilience within Maui Matcha, shaping our ability to navigate adversity with creativity and strength. The fires, while a significant setback, became a catalyst for transformative growth, pushing us to explore new avenues like pop-ups, farmers markets, and e-commerce. The unwavering support from our community during these trying times has been the driving force behind our resilience, reinforcing the notion that challenges can be opportunities for innovation and renewal. As we continue to adapt and evolve, our journey reflects the spirit of Maui Matcha – resilient, dynamic, and committed to delivering exceptional matcha experiences despite the hurdles we may face.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maui-matcha.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauimatchaa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mauimatcha
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-nayebkhil-86102b268/

Image Credits
Robyn Penn (Maui Maka Photography) and Siena Mac (Captured On Maui)