Isshiki Matcha is the latest business venture of 25-year-old Angel Zheng, who started her career as a fashion influencer. Zheng credits the Japanese concept of “ikigai” for helping her find purpose and success. Angel Zheng at Isshiki Matcha in New York, NY on May 21, 2025. Lisa Kailai Han | CNBC
Angel Zheng is relying on the Japanese principle of “ikigai” to turn her passion for matcha — a powdered green tea with a unique taste and purported health benefits — into building what she hopes will be an iconic household brand of the future.
At just 25 years old, Zheng has already owned at least five businesses — six, if you count her past as a social media influencer. Her latest endeavor may serve as the highest expression yet of her ikigai — which no