Tessa Stockdale
Tessa is the co-founder of Nomu Matcha. With over a decade spent building brands across wellness, beauty and luxury — from launching Benefit Cosmetics on TikTok UK to leading digital strategy for global brands across Europe — she knows how culture moves.
In December 2024, Tessa launched Nomu alongside her mum, Karen. What started as a side project became a singular mission: to make exceptional matcha accessible, so no one ever has to drink a sh!t matcha again.
Nomu exists to redefine how matcha is consumed. World-class matcha whenever, wherever, however — for better overall wellbeing. Simple prep. Great taste. No compromise.
Tessa, to start off, how would you describe yourself in three words and what’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Driven, personable & bold.
Can you take us back to that moment when you realised there had to be a better matcha experience? What led up to it, and what did it feel like to decide ‘We need to make this happen’?
Nomu was born from equal parts obsession and rebellion. After noticing how low-quality and poorly prepared matcha was giving it a bad name, Mum and I set out to drive accessibility to great matcha - and call out the sh!t.
Back in October 2023, one night after work, I was waiting for a friend to meet me for dinner and started sketching what would become the Nomu spoon. I’d just had another sh!t matcha that day, and honestly, I was done. I was frustrated that, in the Western world, almost nobody seemed to care about the quality or the experience.
That evening, something just clicked. The sketch was small, but the feeling behind it was huge. I sent it to a friend, who would go on to design the Nomu logo and visual identity, and asked if he thought the idea could actually work. He looked at it and said, “Yeah, I think it’s got legs.” And that was the catalyst for Nomu.
Mum and Dad were on a plane to visit me the following week, and I went prepared to pitch them for a small investment to kick things off. I'd already mentioned the concept loosely in passing on the phone a few days prior, so she had already been thinking about it. So when I asked them if they'd lend me some money to start, Mum turned around and said: "I'll do it with you." 14 months later, we launched into Kiwis' hands.
Building Nomu must have taught you things you didn’t expect about yourself. Can you share something you discovered about yourself, and tell us how it has shaped the way you approach work, life, or your relationship with your mum?
You have to let go. As a type A person, running a business has forced me to relinquish control and become a whole more “type B.” The identity shift was a struggle at the beginning but leaning into it has been a release of pressure and has enabled me to show up in the way my business and life needs me. This means I can be more present for myself, my family and friends — and ultimately, run the business well.
Building a business is full of challenges and small victories. What habits, mindsets, or daily practices have helped you most in keeping Nomu moving forward?
Great question. There’s a few that I have gathered over the years of working — some cliche, but powerful and some more unique!
1. Movement first thing, could be gym, walk, surf or yoga
2. Calling or replying to voice notes from friends, connection with the people that matter the most helps to set up a positive mindset before a day of hustle
3. Breathwork or meditation for at least 4-10 minutes every day - a true game changer
4. Write our 3 things I am grateful for before I open my lap top
How do you hope Nomu influences the way people think about wellbeing, their daily routines, or those small intentional moments?
Our purpose is to drive accessibility to world-class matcha so it can be enjoyed wherever, whenever, however for overall wellbeing. It is in our DNA to influence wellbeing. From the start, our ambition has been to drive this purpose through a fun, edgy and inclusive brand to bring more Drinkers into the fold. Now, their daily routine includes a sustained caffeined fix, packed with benefits, without compromise.
At BY TONIN, we love celebrating small rituals, and we love that Nomu encourages a ritual of slow, intentional enjoyment. Do you have a personal matcha ritual, or any small ritual, that helps you pause and reset during the day?
1. Making my matcha in the morning and practicing traditional mindfulness.
And 2. Honestly, having a good TikTok rot at a few points throughout the day - because, balance.
Looking ahead, what’s one milestone or vision you hope Nomu reaches in the next five years? Why does that matter to you personally, and what would achieving it feel like?
Nomu has grown into a parent company of Nomu Matcha and other wellness brands focused on scaling our purpose beyond matcha by driving accessibility to various quality products for overall wellbeing.
Wellbeing will always be a fundamental pillarstone for humans, enabling this further by driving access to quality options is something both Mum and I are passionate about. We want to do good, make people feel good and leave a mark behind for good.
Finally, if you could leave people with one thought about pursuing their dreams or following their passions, what would it be?
If you play small, you stay small. You only get one chance at life, so push your boundaries and take the risk. You must ask yourself the tough questions. When you’re old and it’s time to go, will you be glad you played it safe and didn’t take the risk? Or will you be glad you risked everything and relished in the reward.
Tessa's Objects of Inspiration
My Spotify playlist. Nothing jumpstarts my brain and a creative concept like music. It’s quite common for me to open my notes app or open my diary to begin concepting after hitting play on music.
My best friend, Olivia. She is the understated creative legend in my life and has been my sounding board since the beginning.
An epic morning routine. Cliché but a strong routine sets everything up with a clear head and a positive start to the day. A workout, surf or walk followed by gua sha (game-changer) and a good breakfast.
Travel. Nothing inspires like surrounding yourself in the unfamiliar. Also a great form of selfcare.
The ocean. A walk by the sea does amazing things to refresh and inspire.
More from Tessa
Tessa Stockdale
Instagram: @tessastockdale
TikTok: tessstockdale
Nomu Matcha
Website: nomumatcha.com
Instagram: @nomumatcha_
Tiktok: @nomumatcha_
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