
She went from cattle-farm kid to Miss Universe Australia 2022, and now she’s whisking vibrant green tea into a fast-growing wellness brand.
In this episode, Candice sits down with Monique Riley, model, actress, and founder of Mrs Matcha. They dive into:
1.Life after the crown — what pageant boot camp really taught her about grit, public scrutiny, and pitching a business.
2.Morning rituals that stick — how a whisk, bamboo bowl, and gratitude list fuel 12-hour shoot days and late-night spreadsheets.
3.Why matcha? — the backstage “aha” that turned a calm-energy latte into a premium product line.
4.Sourcing in Kyushu, Japan — volcanic soil, 20-day shade-grows, and the language-barrier moments that almost derailed the deal.
5.Brand building on two fronts — founder-led storytelling online and wholesale partnerships offline.
6.Tiny habits, big lessons, and what’s next?
Whether you’re a wellness junkie, a first-time founder, or just curious how a pageant queen became a premium-tea entrepreneur, this conversation will leave you inspired—and maybe craving a jade-green latte.
Pour a cup, press play, and join us Before 9 AM.