We recently had the chance to connect with Theresa Lam and have shared our conversation below.
Theresa, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
A peaceful evening stroll in the park behind our house with my husband and daughter. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the café.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Theresa, the owner of Premium Matcha Café Maiko in Frisco, Texas. We serve authentic matcha soft serve, drinks, and desserts made with premium matcha imported straight from Uji, Japan – the heart of Japan’s finest matcha. I love sharing a taste of Japanese tradition with our community and creating a calm, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband saw my potential before I saw it myself. His unwavering support and belief in me have been a constant source of strength, especially as I built my café and pursued my dreams.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up, especially when we encountered the matcha shortage in the early days. Managing the initial finances was already challenging, and suddenly not being able to get our key ingredient made things feel overwhelming
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public me is the real me about 90% of the time: friendly, welcoming, and passionate about what I do. My friends would also tell you that I can be pretty funny once you get to know me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy as being just about running a café or making a profit. Some might assume that because we charge premium prices, we make a lot but that’s not the case. Many of our ingredients are imported from Japan, and to keep costs reasonable, we go the extra mile. Four days a week, you might see a 5-foot-2 girl pushing a cart with 40 gallons of milk through Costco and that’s just one of the ways we make it work. What I really hope people remember is the sense of community and the little moments of calm, joy, and connection we create at Maiko.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.matchacafe-maiko.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadTn03rIbxDiv5lNe_nJhYYLLzH7W87nKDVE0fABp-Cy97A5X1mSDtOeM3-6g_aem_k4sfX50lAxizKmhPgpuAKw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchacafemaiko_frisco/?hl=en
Image Credits
vyrosa photo
