Brewing Ambition: How CSULB Communication Studies Major Marielle Jadine (MJ) Cuenco Built MJ’s Matcha While Balancing College Life

Entrepreneurship doesn’t always start in a boardroom. Sometimes, it begins with a cup of matcha. For Marielle Jadine Cuenco, a fourth-year Communication Studies major at CSULB, their passion for matcha turned into a thriving pop-up business: MJ’s Matcha. Cuenco's story is an inspiring example for students balancing academics, part-time jobs, and the dreams of launching a business.

From Passion to Pop-Up 

Cuenco first experimented with matcha during COVID, though their early attempts were “so bad” using basic Costco matcha. Cuenco's journey took a turning point while working at Starbucks, where they had the chance to experiment with authentic drinks. “That was my first ‘real matcha,’” Cuenco recalls. Soon, their love for the craft grew beyond personal enjoyment, and they envisioned a business combining their love of drinks with their entrepreneurial spirit. Flea markets became their inspiration. Cuenco noticed the lack of drink vendors and realized they could fill that space with their unique matcha offerings.

Their first event was a small, private pop-up for friends and family, a test run to figure out logistics, equipment needs, and customer flow. At the time, they didn’t foresee MJ’s Matcha becoming a long-term venture.

“I didn’t realize this could be a very serious thing until about six months in,” Cuenco says.

Balancing Business with Student Life

Running a pop-up business while taking six courses, working part-time, and completing internships has required meticulous planning. Cuenco admits that time management is their biggest challenge, and MJ’s Matcha often comes last on their priority list behind school and their other responsibilities. They credit their ability to stay organized and the support of friends and family for helping them keep the business afloat.

Funding, too, has been a hurdle.

“Startup costs for any business are expensive, especially food businesses,” Cuenco explains.

From vendor fees to permits, plus the rising cost of quality matcha, every event requires careful budgeting. Despite the challenges, Cuenco's persistence and strategic planning have helped them maintain a presence in the local matcha scene.

Looking Ahead: Dreams Beyond Graduation

While Cuenco is uncertain about the exact trajectory of MJ’s Matcha post-graduation, they envision continuing pop-ups and possibly opening a storefront when the timing and funding align. Cuenco is currently pursuing the goal of becoming a social media manager, noting that their experience running MJ’s Matcha has already strengthened their resume and professional skill set. “It’s like a two-for-one deal,” Cuenco says—combining their passion for matcha with their career ambitions.

For MJ, success is as much personal as it is professional. Launching a business pushed them outside their comfort zone, placing them in the spotlight and teaching them leadership and organizational skills they might not have developed otherwise.

“MJ’s Matcha is probably one of my biggest accomplishments,” Cuenco says.

The business has not only created a tangible product but also fostered confidence, resilience, and a sense of self-achievement, qualities that will carry Cuenco beyond college and into their professional life.