1. Happiness: when a small business becomes a human story

If I had to choose one word to sum up these first five months, it would be encounters.

I thought I was creating a Japanese tea brand, but in reality, I discovered a space where people come together around the same desire:
gentleness, sincerity, a moment for oneself, a ritual.

Among my most memorable moments:

• the first people who tasted our matcha tea,
• a warm dinner with our producers from Japan,
• an improvised ceremony at Bar L’Imprevu,
• the baristas who chose our matcha for their creations,
• the messages on Instagram that brightened my days.

These are the moments — simple, human — that reminded me why I launched this small business.

2. Small regrets: what I am learning to let go of

Creating a small business also means encountering your own limits.

I could say, as one follower wrote:
“as for regrets, there are too many”
(and I laughed, because yes, I understand that so well).

Among mine:

• the pressure to be perfect,
• the habit of ruminating on a mistake for days,
• the reflex to scroll Instagram in bed, losing track of time,
• sleepless nights due to a lost shipment of tea.

But these “small regrets” are part of the journey.
They gently guide me toward a calmer, softer version of myself.

3. Journaling and the tea ritual: a simple practice to refocus

Many people talk about journaling, and I am one of those who find deep well-being in it.
But let’s be honest: as soon as life accelerates, we forget completely (me included — haha).

That’s when I understood something essential:
The hardest part isn’t writing.
The hardest part is giving yourself that little moment where the energy shifts.

So I created my own ritual: the Ritual Tea Journal.

My little ritual looks like this:

1. I prepare a matcha tea, slowly.
2. I watch the steam rise.
3. When calm returns, I write three lines:

• a memorable moment,
• something to let go of,
• something to welcome.

It’s simple, gentle, and deeply soothing.

It’s also a way to journal without pressure, letting the tea open up inner space.

4. What I want to keep (and leave) for 2026

Looking back on 2025, I understand that:

• happiness and regrets coexist,
• both help me grow,
• rituals help me stay grounded,
• tea creates a breathing space.

So in 2026, I would like to:

• continue to savor the memorable moments,
• let go of the habits that weigh me down,
• keep space for the tea ritual,
• pursue my Ritual Tea Journal,
• cultivate a softer pace.

And you? What happiness and small regrets marked your 2025?

If you have the chance today, prepare a cup of matcha.
Look at the surface, breathe gently, and let a moment from your year return.

Then, write it down.
Even three words.
Even a feeling.
Even a single breath.

That will already be a very beautiful start to journaling.

I wish you a gentle, slow, and luminous 2026.
TAMAKI TEA