We recently connected with Timia Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Timia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

For me, success starts with obedience and alignment with purpose. It’s not just about profit margins or visibility, it’s about walking in what God has called me to do, even when it doesn’t make sense on paper. I believe true success is rooted in faith, resilience, and staying faithful in the small things.

One of the most defining moments for me was launching Matcha Madness shortly after being laid off. At the time, I had just witnessed a homeless encampment being cleared from outside a federal building I used to walk by daily. It grieved me, and I remember thinking, “There has to be more.” Soon after, I was laid off myself. Instead of panicking, I saw it as a divine redirection.

I leaned into prayer, got still, and asked God, “What do You want me to do with my gifts?” That’s when the vision for Matcha Madness came. It started with pop-ups, serving matcha lattes out of my apartment lobby and engaging with my community on wellness and joy in creative ways. I didn’t have a storefront or a huge budget, but I had peace and clarity. That’s how I define success now: being in rhythm with God, moving with integrity, and creating space for others to feel seen, refreshed, and inspired.

So what does it take? Faith, obedience, and the willingness to keep showing up even when the path is unconventional.

Timia, 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?

Hi, I’m Timia Johnson, founder of Matcha Madness—a wellness-centered, joy-driven matcha beverage brand rooted in Kingdom values and fueled by creativity. I like to say I’m a faith-led entrepreneur and storyteller, creating experiences that nourish the body and uplift the soul.

Matcha Madness was born in a season of transition. After being laid off from my job, I found myself seeking clarity—not just about my next steps, but about how I wanted to show up in the world. I had witnessed a lot of pain and disconnection in my city, and I felt deeply that God was inviting me into something different. In that stillness, the vision for Matcha Madness came: a brand that could make wellness fun, intentional, and filled with light.

We serve handcrafted iced matcha lattes and teas using high-quality ceremonial matcha and fresh ingredients like basil, lavender, strawberry, and vanilla. We also offer matcha butter cookies and wellness-inspired treats. But the drinks are just the beginning. At its core, Matcha Madness is a space where people can slow down, feel seen, and experience joy—whether it’s through a creative flavor, a smile at a pop-up, or an encouraging conversation.

While faith isn’t the outward face of the brand, it’s the quiet force behind everything I do. Every detail—from the playful names on the menu to the way I engage with my community—is guided by a desire to serve with love, excellence, and authenticity. I believe wellness isn’t just about what we consume, but how we live, and Matcha Madness reflects that belief in creative, joyful ways.

I’m most proud that this business was built on obedience, not ambition. What started as a pop-up in my apartment lobby has grown into something that resonates with people on a personal level. I’ve been featured on Fox 5 Morning News, invited to pop up at incredible locations, and most importantly, I’ve been able to watch strangers become regulars, and customers become community.

To anyone discovering Matcha Madness for the first time: this isn’t just about matcha—it’s about meaningful moments, joyful living, and staying rooted in purpose. Whether you’re grabbing a drink or just stopping by, my hope is that you leave feeling lighter, inspired, and reminded that even simple things—like a great drink—can carry deep intention.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

For a long time, I measured success by external standards: a stable job, a clear career path, predictable milestones. So when I got laid off, even though I had been praying for purpose and alignment, part of me still felt like I had somehow failed. I remember thinking, “God, I trusted You… so why does this feel so uncertain?”

But in that stillness, I began to see that what the world called a setback was actually a divine setup. I had to unlearn the idea that success was linear, polished, or always public. Sometimes it looks like serving matcha in your apartment lobby to five people, with nothing but faith and a folding table. Sometimes it looks like resting when the world says hustle.

God began to teach me that obedience is success. That when you’re aligned with His will—even if it doesn’t look glamorous—it will bear fruit in ways that matter more than metrics ever could.

Unlearning the pressure to prove myself or “arrive” has given me so much peace and freedom in how I build. Now, I show up from a place of purpose, not performance—and that has changed everything.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Honestly, the biggest influence on my entrepreneurial mindset has been the Bible. I haven’t followed a long list of business books or podcasts—I’ve learned by walking with God, listening, and being led step by step.

When I started Matcha Madness, I didn’t have a formal roadmap or a traditional business plan. What I had was faith, prayer, and a strong conviction that God was calling me to build something different. One of the most impactful scriptures for me has been Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” That verse is literally how I’ve managed this business.

There were moments when I didn’t know what was next—whether it was figuring out how to host my first pop-up or deciding which flavors to launch—but God always met me there with clarity. I’ve learned to trust the Holy Spirit as my strategist. That might sound unconventional in the business world, but it’s the truth.

Most of what’s shaped my philosophy came from real-life experience: taking risks, starting small, being consistent, and letting peace be my confirmation. I’ve also learned a lot just by paying attention—watching what brings people joy, what builds trust, and what helps them feel seen.

So no, I don’t have a bookshelf full of business bestsellers, but I do have a daily practice of seeking God, staying humble, and letting purpose lead. That’s been the most transformative “resource” I could ever ask for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://matchamadness.simplybook.me/v2/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLJIFFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp63OZ1BPKNckF9lwnKUKidu5YlOQ8PRzPX-6osmkUr08AgOpxuXVMAm4zS6j_aem_RQoo9EVEt8q7VW23K9Etsw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchamadness101/profilecard/?igsh=anNvNzBpZ2x5dHoy
• Other: Email: [email protected]