Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Annemiek Mackie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Annemiek thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

Running The Matcha Lab has been far from a linear journey, and the values and lessons my parents instilled in me have been pivotal in navigating those challenges. One of the key values I carried forward was my determination. My parents have always recognized this about me, whether they saw it as admirable perseverance or the occasional stubbornness that gave them stress! Regardless, this determination has been an anchor during moments of uncertainty, like taking the leap to expand The Matcha Lab into new markets or pursuing partnerships that pushed the business forward.

A big part of running a business is about building relationships, and my dad has been my greatest teacher in this. He’s exceptional at creating and nurturing genuine connections, and I spent a lot of my teenage years with him – quietly absorbing how he interacted with people in both social and business settings. I’ve applied that same approach to how I’ve fostered relationships with café owners, customers, and collaborators, which has been one of the driving forces behind the growth of The Matcha Lab.

Watching my mom start her first business at nearly 60 years old was one of the most inspiring things I’ve witnessed. I saw her face countless obstacles, but she navigated them with resilience, which taught me to lean into challenges and not give up. My dad, on the other hand, has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Despite dedicating over 30 years to a corporate job, he was the one who constantly encouraged me to forge my own path. His words, “If you don’t want to work Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, for someone else, then you better start your own business,” echoed in my mind as I made the decision to start The Matcha Lab.

Their unwavering support also gave me the space to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do, even when the process was neither easy nor fun for them. My mom, who has always supported me blindly no matter what, and my dad, who has decades of business experience to offer, provided me with both emotional backing and practical guidance as I encountered setbacks.

The balance I’ve learned from both of them is invaluable. My mom’s work ethic, speed, attention to detail, and punctuality, combined with my dad’s business mindset, creativity, charm, and “reach for the stars” attitude, have given me the tools I need to push forward with The Matcha Lab. Their influence taught me to take risks, trust myself, and never take life too seriously—all of which are critical to navigating the growing pains of running a business.

Ultimately, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation they provided. Whether it was through their example, their advice, or their patience, my parents played an instrumental role in shaping the person I’ve become, and by extension, the success of The Matcha Lab.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not know me or The Matcha Lab, here’s a little about us.

I’m Annemiek, founder of The Matcha Lab, a business born out of my passion for matcha and frustration with the lack of high-quality options in the Caribbean. I discovered matcha through my sister-in-law, while studying nutrition and fell in love with the ritual, health benefits, and versatility of this incredible product. When I couldn’t find ceremonial-grade matcha locally, I set out to create my own brand, sourcing organic, ceremonial-grade matcha directly from Kyoto, Japan.

At The Matcha Lab, we specialize in providing matcha lovers with the highest-quality product, while also educating them about proper storage, preparation, and the cultural heritage behind it. For cafés and restaurants, we offer a premium product that helps them stand out in the health and wellness space.

What sets us apart?
It’s a mix of authenticity, attention to detail, and my passion. This isn’t just a business for me—it’s personal. Customers often tell me they can feel my genuine enthusiasm, and that’s helped create a community of loyal matcha lovers who trust the brand.

What problems do we solve?
We ensure customers get matcha that is authentically sourced, ethically produced, and stored properly to preserve its delicate flavor and benefits. For businesses, we provide a reliable, premium product to elevate their offerings.

What am I most proud of?
Seeing The Matcha Lab grow from a small idea into a recognized brand both in Barbados and internationally. Launching in the U.S. in 2024 was a surreal milestone, and knowing that our matcha is enjoyed by people around the world is something I’m incredibly proud of.

What do I want people to know?
The Matcha Lab is built with love, authenticity, and passion. It’s been a journey of trial, error, and growth, but we’ve stayed true to our values. I hope our story inspires others to follow their own dreams—because starting small and figuring it out as you go is okay.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has been a game-changer for The Matcha Lab, and it’s something I’m passionate about as a social media marketer myself!

Our growth on social media really took off at the end of 2023 into early 2024, and it came down to a few key strategies:

– Immerse yourself in your industry. Social media is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date on trends and understanding what resonates with your audience is critical. Think of it as ongoing market research.
– Focus on storytelling. Showing up as the face of my brand helped people connect with The Matcha Lab on a personal level. Authenticity builds trust, so don’t be afraid to share your passion and journey.
– Be consistent. Social media algorithms reward regular posting, so plan your content around when your audience is most active. Consistency doesn’t just mean frequency—it’s about timing and relevance.
– Add value. Whether through education, entertainment, or inspiration, ensure your content serves your audience and keeps them engaged.

My advice for anyone starting out: immerse yourself, share your story authentically, stay consistent, and always aim to provide value. Social media success takes time and effort, but it’s worth it for the growth it can bring to your brand.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Jen Sincero’s ‘You Are A Badass’ series: These books completely transformed my perspective on self-belief, motivation, and overcoming doubt. They’re a must-read for anyone looking to level up in life or business.

Grace Beverly’s podcast ‘Working Hard, Hardly Working’: This podcast dives into redefining productivity and balance, which resonated with me deeply as an entrepreneur constantly juggling multiple responsibilities.

The mantra ‘Everything is Figureoutable’: This simple yet powerful phrase has been a guiding principle for me. It reminds me that no challenge is insurmountable, and with the right mindset, every problem has a solution.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thematchalab.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchalab/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemiek-mackie-91073416b/

Image Credits

Ana Paola Photography