Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Kikamaze.
Hi Brittany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Kyoto Coast Matcha didn’t start as a storefront – it started with curiosity.
After discovering how matcha improved my focus, mood, and even stomach discomfort, I became interested in learning more about what I was actually drinking. Ceremonial-grade matcha is naturally rich in antioxidants — particularly EGG — and contains L-theanine , an amino acid known to promote calm, sustained energy and mental clarity without the crash often associated with other caffeinated beverages.
As I began researching further, I quickly realized that many matcha options available in the U.S. were low-grade, overly sweetened, or lacking the ceremonial quality traditionally sourced from Kyoto, Japan – the region known for producing some of the highest quality matcha in the world.
That realization led me to formally study matcha from traditional preparation methods to sourcing to better understand what truly distinguishes ceremonial-grade tea. I began by selling pure matcha powder at local San Diego farmers markets in North Park, Pacific Beach, and Otay Ranch, often hosting informal matcha-making sessions to teach customers how to prepare it at home.
What began as education quickly evolved into community. People weren’t just interested in the taste they were drawn to how matcha made them feel: calm, focused, and energized without the crash.
As demand grew, Kyoto Coast Matcha expanded into a retail storefront and began partnering with cafés, restaurants, and wellness spaces throughout the United States. Today, we specialize in supplying ceremonial-grade matcha including single-origin cultivars such as Yabukita and Samidori — to wholesale coffee partners seeking a more intentional, high-quality matcha offering.
Kyoto Coast Matcha represents where centuries-old Japanese tradition meets a modern coastal lifestyle bringing calm focus and vibrant energy from Kyoto to the coasts of the United States.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing the rapid growth of the business while also learning how to manage my own time more effectively. As Kyoto Coast Matcha expanded from farmers markets into retail and wholesale partnerships across San Diego, balancing operations, sourcing, staffing, and new opportunities became a constant learning experience.
I’m incredibly thankful that my husband Shem Kikamaze and l are a true team he supports me where I fall short, and having each other’s back has made a huge difference through every stage of growth. My parents, brothers, and grandparents have also played a major role in encouraging me to keep going, especially during moments of failure, always reminding me to get up and try again.
Entrepreneurship has taught me that it’s okay not to
have all the answers – and not to be afraid to ask
questions along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kyoto Coast Matcha. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kyoto Coast Matcha is a specialty matcha café located in Little Italy, San Diego, offering ceremonial-grade matcha beverages made with dairy-free milks and dairy-free cold foams. In addition to our signature drinks, we carry retail matcha tins and traditional whisk sets in-store for customers looking to enjoy matcha at home. We also specialize in supplying ceremonial-grade matcha to cafés and beverage concepts across the United States through our wholesale program. For wholesale inquiries, please contact wholesale@kyotocoastmatcha.com.
How do you define success?
To me, success means building something that uplifts others while staying grounded in faith and purpose. It’s about creating opportunities, growing through collaboration, and becoming your own cheerleader along the way. I believe success isn’t just measured by growth, but by the impact you make on the people and communities around you.
Pricing:
- Matcha Drink $9.00
- Matcha Tin $25.99
- Kilos of Matcha email wholesale@kyotocoastmatcha.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kyotocoastmatcha.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyotocoastmatcha
