IN CONVERSATION WITH CARTIA MALLAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Melo Matcha is the reimagined beverage brand founded by Aussie content creator, actress and matcha enthusiast, Cartia Mallan. After years of sourcing top-quality matcha from Japan and product testing everywhere from Bali to London, Cartia has officially unveiled the next generation of wellness on 18th June. The highly anticipated matcha powder hits shelves in late July 2025.  

Melo Matcha is such a beautiful name. What’s the story behind it?

It’s actually quite a funny and unusual story behind the formation of the name. I was on the phone to my best friend in Australia and she was telling me about this guy she had started dating called Melo. It clicked instantly and I thought “Melo, that’s it, that’s the name“. I loved it. 

I think I gravitated towards the word Melo because it makes me think of ‘yellow mellow’ summer vibes. My main source of inspiration when creating a matcha brand was to emulate the nostalgic and magical feeling of a Bryon Bay summer. I lived there as a teenager and that’s when I first started drinking matcha and exploring all the benefits it had to offer.  

What inspired you to take the leap from content creation and acting to beverage brand Founder?

I’ve been in love with storytelling my whole life whether through film, content, or just everyday conversations. Creating Melo Matcha felt like the next natural expression of that. I genuinely have such a deep love for matcha, and after drinking it every day for years, it’s changed how I feel mentally, physically, and spiritually. I wanted to create something that could bring that same energy to other people, especially in spaces where matcha isn’t always as accessible or understood.

I’ve also always had an entrepreneurial itch, but I knew if I was going to build something it had to be deeply aligned with who I am and what I value. Melo is the most authentic brand I could create because it comes from something I’m genuinely passionate about. Not just the product itself, but the history, culture, ritual and health benefits that all go into a tin of matcha. It felt like the right time to build something that was truly mine that could grow with me, beyond content or acting. 

How does Melo Matcha stand apart in the growing wellness and matcha space?

Melo is made to fit into your lifestyle, not the other way around. We as a brand believe it’s just as valid to mix matcha with tequila for a beach day margarita, as it is to drink it in your morning wellness latte. Melo doesn’t put matcha in a box, it’s versatile, it’s expressive, it’s whatever energy you need it to be. We really wanted to capture the brand’s essence through the marketing and packaging. It’s all about warmth, joy, and feeling incredible, not just physically, but emotionally. It’s about rejecting perfection and rigid wellness rules. It’s about ritual, freedom, and romanticising your life, however that looks for you. 

You’ve sourced your matcha directly from Japan. Can you tell us about that journey and why quality and origin were so important to you?

Visiting Japan and spending time on the matcha farms was one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve ever had. I travelled to Uji, Kyoto, met with producers, tasted endless matcha samples, and completely fell in love with the practice and tradition behind it all. I’ve spent years researching matcha to holistically understand it as much as possible, but to actually go to Japan and see the process firsthand was a different level. I was so humbled to learn from the families who have been keeping the sacred practices of matcha going for generations. It gave me such a deeper understanding and appreciation for everything in the world of matcha.

It was really important to me that Melo honoured that culture and craft. I wanted to source directly from a trusted farm, not just for quality, but to support and celebrate the roots of where matcha comes from. My hope is that through Melo, people can experience firsthand the love, care and attention that goes into growing and harvesting matcha. 

What did you learn from immersing yourself in Japanese tea culture—especially in Uji?

I learned so much. Tea culture in Uji is very sacred, intentional, and deeply rooted in respect. Not just for the product, but for the entire process and everyone involved. I think a lot of people don’t realise how labour intensive it is. The tea plants are shade grown for weeks to enhance the chlorophyll and L-theanine levels. The leaves are then hand-picked, steamed, dried, deveined, and finally stone ground into a fine powder. It takes such an incredible amount of time, care, and knowledge to get to the final product.

Seeing it all firsthand made me realise that matcha isn’t just a drink,  it’s a practice. It’s presence. It’s patience. There’s so much beauty in how slow and deliberate it all is, and that really stayed with me. I wanted Melo to carry that same energy, not something you just consume, but something you connect with. Something that invites you to slow down and feel.

How are you bringing that sense of tradition and authenticity into the brand?

We will only ever source from Japanese farms, that’s a core part of Melo. It’s essential for us to have the upmost respect for the tea’s origins and not cut any corners. At the same time, I wanted to bring that tradition into a space that feels modern, elevated and catered to the next generation. Melo honours the roots of matcha while reimagining how it fits into our daily lives.

You’ve often spoken about your mental health and holistic lifestyle. How does matcha play a role in your daily wellness rituals?

I quit coffee many years ago after I had a very serious head injury which led to me suffering with post concussion syndrome for many years. Quitting coffee aided in managing my anxiety and changed my low moods drastically. After having been caffeine free for a few years, I decided to lean back into matcha as I knew it was much more gentle. It was crazy how incredible it made me feel and it quickly became such a beautiful ritual in my everyday life. 

What does “wellness from the inside out” mean to you personally?

I am huge on balance. I will never claim to be the queen of wellness, I love a fun night out with friends, cocktails and dancing. However, I always focus on doing the best things for my body and mind 85% of the time. This looks like focusing on my mental health, gut health, sleep, nourishment and overall priorising things that make me feel good, inside and out. 

What is your go-to matcha ritual or recipe that you can share with us?

I can’t lie, I am pretty basic when it comes to my daily matcha. I love a classic iced coconut or soya milk matcha latte, extra strong on the powder, and I add a tiny bit of natural sweetener. I’m not huge on overly flavoured or sweetened matcha as I want to be able to taste the green tea powder. To each their own, though. I love that matcha can be so customisable. 

How have your experiences as a creator, actress, and advocate helped prepare you for this next chapter?

All of it has shaped how I tell stories and connect with people. Being online taught me how to communicate honestly and build something from the ground up based on community feedback. Speaking openly about mental health online has helped me realise how many people are craving connection, calm, and meaning in this day and age. 

I also feel really lucky to have learned from so many incredible people along the way, mentors, creative and other founders who came before me and have shared their journey openly. Having such a strong support group behind me is truly the greatest gift. 

What can we expect from Melo Matcha in its first year?

Some really epic collabs with my favorite brands are already in the works. I’ll be announcing our first pop-up event shortly that’s taking place at my favourite music festival in collaboration with my favorite brand. You’ll have to stay tuned for that.

What’s one mantra or mindset that’s been guiding you lately?

Simply, “What’s meant for me will never miss me”. 

CREDITS:

photography NOAH SAPON