The Inspiring Story Behind Wynwood's Yōko Matcha

So what exactly is Matcha? Matcha is a high quality of green tea leaves that is found in powdered form. Although there are many green tea variations, Matcha is uniquely and specially known in and from Japan. One glass of Matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of regularly brewed green tea when it comes to all of the health benefits it provides.Here are the nutritional perks you gain by drinking just one leaf of Matcha (powdered) in your drink daily:

• aids in leveling cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• boosts metabolism
• mood enhancer, calms the body and mind
• provides cancer-fighting agent known as catechin EGCg
• powerful antioxidant
• provides vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium and chromium which helps boost up your immune system
• provides fiber and chlorophyll which helps detoxify the body

Now for those who aren’t fond of coffee or are looking to steer in a different direction because you hate the jitters, switching to Matcha is a safe alternative. Matcha boosts your metabolism (like coffee) helping the body burn more calories than it would naturally.The difference with Matcha though, is that it does this without putting the body under stress; such as elevating your blood pressure or heart-rate which is why most people feel jittery after their Cup of Joe’s. What sets coffee and teas apart is a little amino acid called L-Theanine which is what makes you feel alert without the shakes. Now, while all other teas contain this amino acid as well, Matcha has the highest potency than any other tea out there.Sit down because today may not be Wednesday but this calls for a #WCW shout out. Chie, 26, the owner of Yōko Matcha is one of the brightest and most inspirational souls I have met this year.

With the smile Chie carries, you’d never guess the hurdles she’s gone through at such a young age. Chie sadly lost her mother to breast cancer at the age of six and also has had family members from her mother side inherit the cancer gene. Chie believes in preventative medicine (hence Yōko Matcha) so she got genetically tested early to ensure she lives a long healthy life.Unfortunately, when her test results came back she was told that she inherited the BRCA1 gene which increased her chances to developing breast cancer. Chie made a decision to prevent the cancer before anything could unfold and underwent a double mastectomy in her early 20’s.As everything in life, the butterfly effect took place; as she had to continue seeing specialists and undergo many procedures she needed to be close to her family and friends for love and support. This is how she ended up moving from New York to Miami, FL.Chie has never had cancer, she prevented it from developing with her double mastectomy but one of the reasons that led her to opening Yōko Matcha was to help those who have been in her same predicament or worse, to help those dealing with or those who had cancer.As stated, Matcha is an antioxidant and helps detoxify the body of free radicals; which is what increases chances for anyone to develop cancers in the body. Chie believes that in sharing her story she can provide knowledge to the world in what the BRCA gene is, how genetic testing can help save lives, and how preventative medicine goes a long way.

Chie brings joy with her smile everywhere she goes. I met her recently as she prepared a mini Matcha tea ceremony to give us a feel for what a real one in Japan feels like. Her grandmother was actually a tea master in Japan, she believed in bringing mindfulness and happiness to others with every sip they took during her ceremonies. In Japan, tea ceremonies are held for special occasions and usually have a theme such as a word or phrase to celebrate the good in life.While the deserts may not be the first thing you go for, for a healthy snack; this is how Yōko Matcha promotes the Latin Miami flare. Although authentic with their Matcha they believe in diversity. While Japan is highly recognized because of their Matcha, Yōko Matcha thrives in bringing all nationalities together as one, with the extensive fused menu they have going on.It is not Miami without YOU and that means it is not Miami without all of the beautiful cultures that makes up our beautiful community. Chie is the perfect example of what fused nationalities can bring to the table. Her mom was Spaniard while her father is Japanese. Without that fusion there is no Yōko Matcha.So the next time you’re in the Wynwood neighborhood, stop by The Wynwood Yard and check out the lovely Yōko Matcha truck that brings nothing but happiness and better health with every sip and bite you take from their menu.It is people like Chie that make Miami a beautiful place and makes me proud to say I am part of a community with such diversity. Chie reminds us that our past and dark times don’t define us but nonetheless, we should embrace all we have been through (the good and bad) to let it shape us into the best versions of us that we can be.