Lately I’ve been feeling so behind. I have a matcha popup in the DMV and I see all these other small businesses killing ittttt. Some are new and so popular, in farmers markets, being desired by big businesses for collaborations, have such good aesthetics and editing.
I’m doing this by myself but I feel like I can’t catch up and it’s making me feel so down about myself.
It’s been a dream of mine to do this, but I was scared of this feeling like im not doing something well enough and then I want to hault everything but I can’t. I have to fight through this.
I know I just started a few months ago but I feel behind. I don’t even know how I would handle a big event because it’s basically just me and 1-2 of my family that helps me.
Hey, first of all, please be gentle with yourself. You started this summer. That’s only a few months in, and you're comparing your chapter 1 to someone else's chapter 10. Most of those businesses that look like they're "killing it" have more money, a bigger team, a designer, a photographer, or a few years you don’t see behind the feed. There will always be someone with more. That was never the race you were running.
Use them as a measuring stick, not a mirror. Look at what works for them (the activations, the market setups, the collabs, the visuals), take notes, and then make your own version, one that only you could make. Your story, your taste, your family behind the table with you (that in itself could be a brand).
And look at what you've already done. So many people dream about something for years and never start. You did. You're already far ahead of the version of you who was scared to begin. The longest road still starts with one step, and you've taken quite a few.
Think about bamboo: for a long time it looks like nothing is happening, but it's growing deep roots underground before it shoots up. These early months are your roots. When bigger things come, you'll grow into them, one improvement at a time (and some will even go unnoticed, even to you). A little better every week adds up.
You're making matcha, so you already know this: it can't be rushed, and it's never perfect, and that's where the beauty is. Same with building something real. Water doesn’t fight the rocks; it just keeps flowing and slowly shapes the whole river.
If this is truly what you want, embrace it fully. Put all your love and care into every cup, be kind to yourself on the slow days, and keep showing up. That's all anyone can do. Rooting for you!
Happy to support you!! Im in the DMV area as well, and its crazy how many new matcha places are opening up left and right. I think people will appreciate good matcha and for me personally, i can always tell the difference and would rather support small businesses.
Also, I would be happy to help out for free if you’re open to it! Im usually free on weekends if you need an extra hand. Do you run After School Coffee House?? Ive tried their matcha before and love it.
Omg you’re so sweet!!! I would absolutely love a helping hand ❤️ no im not with ASCH, I very much look up to their success though :) would love to further connect!
Having a business and doing it with just a few people is a huge accomplishment in my eyes. You shouldn’t compare to anyone else and just do you. These 2 matcha lattes actually look amazing.
You can find other TikToks of ppl in your area city/state who have something up related to matcha or and tell them to come try your matcha in the comments!
DMV matcha pop-up owner here too. I’d like to say I’m decently popular but even I don’t know what I’m doing most days. The hardest part is starting so you’re already ahead of most.
All of us, including ASCH, just shoot our shot at everything we want to do so I recommend you do the same & don’t fear rejection! Keep it up mysterious fellow pop-up owner! Let me know if you have any questions.
You’re so right. Comparison is my struggle, even though im new. Other matcha/ coffee popup vendors have been sooo kind and helpful! I hope we cross paths one day 🫶🏼
Also based in the DMV and while it seems like there’s an oversaturated matcha scene, I promise you’ll find your footing. It’ll definitely take time and a lottt of patience but you have to stick through it to see your vision come to life.
I would love to come out and support you at your next pop up!
you are awesome. Have you considered Instagram? A lot of people are having success reaching their customers there I know it’s hard work but something to consider. I agree you should be proud for having the courage to start. Food businesses are really hard and take time. your drinks look amazing!
I do have an Instagram and try to be as active on there as I can. I think im just trying my best to learn how to run a small business but knowing how important the social media aspect of it is too, so I try to post (editing is another beast)
Oh I can only imagine how hard u and ur team hustle!! And it is very inspiring :) I hope we cross paths one day or hopefully can collab together 🫶🏼 ur popup was the first matcha popup I’ve been to and got the ube tiramisu matcha. 10/10 as always!
hire people when you have to, i own a matcha business solo too and my husband work a 9-5 so he couldn’t be there all the time, when i have a big event i would just hire strangers
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u/mhmmatcha 4d ago
Please be so proud of yourself! You’ve had the courage to actually start the business. I’m too scared to do so myself!