Meet Marissa Gámez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marissa Gámez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Marissa with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My drive and determination that is my work ethic comes from a combination of my upbringing and life experiences. Growing up as a 2nd Generation Mexican-American, I was always inspired by my family’s resilience and hard work. My time in the Navy also played a significant role in shaping my discipline and determination. Being stationed on the U.S.S. Nimitz and working in demanding fields like nuclear propulsion and later with the JAG Corps taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to continuously improve myself, which I’ve carried into every aspect of my life, including the journey of building Míra Matcha.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Marissa Gámez, and I’m thrilled to share more about my journey and what I’m focused on professionally. As the founder of Míra Matcha, a Latin-inspired matcha latte mix brand, I’ve been able to combine my passion for health, culture, and community into a business that reflects my values.

What makes Míra Matcha special is our unique approach to blending the traditional Japanese tea with flavors inspired by my Mexican heritage. Our current offerings include Coconut Horchata, Lavender Agave, and Mexican Vanilla matcha latte mixes. What sets us apart is our commitment to health—using natural sweeteners like Monkfruit and Allulose instead of pure-cane sugar—so our customers can enjoy a delicious and nutritious drink without compromising their wellness goals.

The inspiration behind our branding blends my culture and passion. “Míra,” meaning “look” in Spanish, represents the clarity and focus that matcha provides. The eye in our logo is a nod to our Latin culture, symbolizing protection and good luck, which I believe embodies the spirit of our brand.

Professionally, I’m focused on expanding Míra Matcha’s presence in San Antonio and beyond. We are doing pop-ups all over the city, and we recently moved into a commercial kitchen to ramp up production. This has made Míra Matcha accessible to even more people now that we can have an e-commerce presence! We’re also working on developing new flavors and products, which I can’t wait to introduce to our fellow matcha lovers!

Beyond Míra Matcha, I’m passionate about community involvement. My role at a local magazine and marketing agency allows me to stay connected with the community, help other small businesses, and create meaningful relationships. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my professional journey has maneuvered over the past 10 years—from serving in the Navy to advocating for health and wellness through my own brand.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities for growth, both for Míra Matcha and for the impact we can have on our community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, adaptability, and community-mindedness. These have shaped not only the trajectory of my career but also the development of Míra Matcha.

Resilience: My time in the Navy and the challenges of starting a business required me to develop a strong sense of resilience. There were moments of doubt and setbacks, but the ability to keep pushing forward despite difficulties was crucial. For those early in their journey, I would advise building resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and how you respond to them will define your success.

Adaptability: Life often takes unexpected turns, as I experienced when I transitioned from the Navy to the legal field and eventually to entrepreneurship. Being adaptable allowed me to pivot when necessary and seize new opportunities. To develop this skill, I recommend staying open to change and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s learning new skills or shifting your focus, adaptability will help you navigate the uncertainties of any journey.

Community-Mindedness: Building Míra Matcha was inspired by a desire to create something that resonated with my community and contributed to its well-being. Staying connected to my roots and understanding the needs of those around me helped guide my business decisions. For those just starting out, I suggest getting involved in your local community and seeking to understand how your work can make a positive impact. Building relationships and giving back can create a strong foundation for your personal and professional growth.

These qualities have been instrumental in my journey, and I believe they can be equally impactful for anyone starting out. Focus on cultivating resilience, stay adaptable, and always keep your community in mind. These attributes will not only guide you through challenges but also help you create something meaningful and lasting.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong work ethic and a deep sense of cultural pride. They taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, which have been foundational to my success in every aspect of my life. Watching them navigate challenges while maintaining their integrity and commitment to our family inspired me to approach my own life and career with the same determination.

Additionally, my parents ensured that I was deeply connected to my Mexican heritage, which has influenced not only my personal identity but also the way I’ve built Míra Matcha. By embracing and celebrating our culture, they empowered me to create a brand that honors our roots and shares our traditions with others. This combination of work ethic and cultural pride has been instrumental in shaping who I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the values they’ve passed down to me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Míra Matcha – San Antonio Texas

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