We’re spilling the matcha on Maison Koko’s powdered perfection!
We’re spilling the matcha on Maison Koko’s powdered perfection!
We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the exceptional quality of Maison Koko’s matcha—and we’re here to tell you, it’s a true game-changer. After sampling their premium range, we can confidently say Maison Koko offers matcha at its finest. Here’s why we believe they’re setting a new standard in the industry.
Exclusivity meets excellence
Matcha enthusiasts, roll out the green carpet and listen up! Imagine savouring the silkiest, umami-rich, premium-grade cup of green gold, where every sip whispers of Japan’s rich heritage and an uncompromising commitment to quality. That’s precisely what you get when you discover Maison Koko — the Tiffany of matcha, the Dior of delicate decadence.
Maison Koko’s matcha isn’t just premium—it’s rare. We had the privilege of tasting their Premium Ceremonial Okumidori Single Cultivar, and it left us speechless. Smooth, rich in umami, and completely free of bitterness, it offers a deep, complex flavour profile unlike any other. What truly sets Maison Koko apart is the exclusivity of their products. While the global demand for matcha has led to widespread shortages, Maison Koko enjoys VIP access to rare, single cultivars typically unavailable to most brands. This commitment to rarity has fostered an impressive customer loyalty rate, with over 35% of customers returning for more and more than 20% subscribing to regular deliveries—some even purchasing weekly.
Freshness that speaks for itself
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill powdered matcha that’s been languishing in a warehouse for who knows how long. It’s fresh, pure, and luxurious—straight from Japan’s most prestigious farms to your cup.
Freshness is key when it comes to matcha, and Maison Koko has this down to an art. Unlike other brands that may stockpile matcha for months, Maison Koko ensures its matcha is always fresh. Ground directly from farms in Uji and Yame, Japan, it’s shipped within 3-4 days via DHL Express, guaranteeing that you receive the freshest, most vibrant product available.
It’s an expensive practice, but one Maison Koko embraces to offer nothing but the best. They even guarantee that no matcha leaves their facility if it’s older than four weeks—proof of their unwavering commitment to quality.
Beyond matcha: a full range of delights
Maison Koko doesn’t stop at offering premium ceremonial matcha. With over 15 distinct grades of matcha, there’s something for every type of matcha lover—whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a first-time drinker. They also offer a selection of carefully crafted pre-made latte mixes, including Taro, Hojicha, Turmeric, Cacao, and Chai. Each product is thoughtfully designed to elevate your daily ritual, turning a simple moment into something luxurious and indulgent.
Personalisation that adds a touch of class
Maison Koko knows that the little details make all the difference. They offer an exceptional level of personalisation for your matcha experience. Simply add a note when placing an order, and they’ll handwrite your name or a special message on the label.
This thoughtful, personal touch makes Maison Koko matcha the perfect gift or a special treat just for you.
A shopping experience to remember
Maison Koko ensures a seamless shopping experience from start to finish, their customer care is the only thing smoother than their products!
They offer same-day dispatch for orders placed before 12pm, and for those on the Gold Coast, most orders arrive within 1-2 days via standard shipping. Spend over $99, and enjoy free shipping with the #SipAndSave offer. Their customer service is second to none, dedicated to resolving any issues that arise and giving you peace of mind with every order.
A legacy of culinary recognition
Maison Koko has quickly become the matcha of choice for top-tier establishments and renowned chefs worldwide. But don’t just take our word for it—Maison Koko has garnered global acclaim, gracing the kitchens of culinary royalty like Cedric Grolet and Adriano Zumbo. The brand has also partnered with prestigious names like The Langham, Gold Coast, as well as renowned establishments, including KOI Dessert Bar, Agnes Bakery, and Rise Bakery. This network of culinary excellence speaks volumes about the quality and reputation of Maison Koko’s matcha.
A founder with a heart
We had the privilege of speaking with Gina Kim, the visionary founder of Maison Koko. Gina, an internationally renowned fashion designer and owner of multiple high-end brands, is passionate about more than just offering the finest matcha—she’s equally dedicated to giving back. Through initiatives like Serving Our People and various local events, Gina ensures her success benefits others, making her not just a business leader, but a true force for good in the community.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your mornings, afternoons, and every matcha moment in between, it’s game, set, matcha to Maison Koko of refinement and luxury.
Where: maisonkoko.com
Instagram: @maisonkoko.shop
Co-written by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY MAISON KOKO
When it comes to the ultimate “multi-hyphenate,” Gina Kim is in a league of her own. This Gold Coast-based, Korean-born powerhouse began her career as a professional pianist, before trading sheet music for sketches, launching her award-winning fashion label in 2003. Since then, she’s dressed some of the world’s most iconic women, including Nicole Kidman and Kim Kardashian.
But wait—there’s more! Her love of wellness and beauty has led her into exciting new ventures: SKINES, her modern skincare line, and Maison Koko, a premium matcha brand that’s already a hit among wellness enthusiasts. With boundless creativity and a keen eye for detail, Gina’s influence extends far beyond fashion. She’s basically living proof that with talent, vision, and a whole lot of passion, you can truly do it all.
Ready to meet the woman behind it all?
How long have you called the Gold Coast home?
I’ve been a Gold Coast local for almost five years now, having made the move from Brisbane.
What do you love most about living here?
The Gold Coast’s vibrant lifestyle is unmatched. I adore the stunning beaches, the consistently beautiful weather, and the overall sense of community that makes it feel like home.
Can you share a bit about your background?
I was trained as a professional pianist from a young age, which ignited my passion for creativity. However, I found my true calling in fashion design. Now, I’m thrilled to be building my brands: SKINES, a modern skincare line, and Maison Koko, a premium matcha brand. Each venture reflects my love for beauty and wellness.
Tell us about your fashion label, Gina Kim.
Gina Kim launched in 2003 in Brisbane and has since garnered multiple awards, including the RAQ Australian Fashion Supreme Award. My collections have graced the runways of Sydney, Melbourne, New York, LA, and more, earning features in international media. I specialize in ready-to-wear and made-to-measure designs that blend femininity, elegance, and sophistication. Inspired by travel, nature, music, and art, my creations are designed for the worldly woman who embodies confidence and style.
What’s your design process like?
Creating a new collection is a deeply immersive experience. I start with brainstorming themes, colour palettes, and inspirations, compiling them into a mood board. Then, I meticulously source fabrics and materials, bringing each design to life through sampling and refinement.
Who do you envision wearing your designs?
My label has been embraced by a diverse clientele, including iconic figures like Nicole Kidman, Kim Kardashian, and the Minogue sisters. I envision my designs empowering women, accentuating their strengths and making them feel their best during special occasions.
You’ve also launched Maison Koko and Skines. What inspired those ventures?
After years immersed in fashion, I wanted to explore something beyond apparel. The pandemic prompted me to innovate, leading to the creation of my skincare line, SKINES, after two years of careful branding and product development. Maison Koko was born from my travels, particularly my time in Paris and Japan, where I envisioned sharing high-quality products that I truly believe in.
What challenges and opportunities have you encountered?
The global pandemic certainly posed challenges, but it also opened doors for innovation. I focused on adapting quickly and emerging stronger, embracing new potentials in a shifting landscape.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
Timing is crucial, but perseverance is key. It’s essential to nurture your team and inspire them to push their boundaries – they’re the backbone of any successful venture.
What does the future hold for Gina Kim, Maison Koko, and SKINES?
I’m excited to continue expanding internationally, exploring opportunities in countries I enjoy visiting, and connecting with new audiences around the globe.
What are your Gold Coast favorites?
Café: 26 & Sunny at The Langham
Restaurant: Rick Shores & Palette
Bar: The Langham Lobby Bar
Beach: Burleigh & Currumbin
How do you like to spend your days off?
I often catch up on work or meet up with friends. When I can, I love to travel and explore new destinations. Each experience fuels my creativity and inspires my work.
For 20% OFF Maison Koko, click here and use the code WELCOME20
If you read our interview with Yas Matbouly, visionary Founder and President of Australia’s fastest growing charity Serving Our People (SOP), you know a little somethin’ somethin’ about this story. Based on the Gold Coast, SOP are excited to launch SERVED., the country’s first charity-owned, not-for-profit coffee shop…and so are we! Although it’s not exactly hard to coax us into trying a new coffee haunt, this hole in the wall at the charity’s Mermaid Beach headquarters serves your long black with a side of feel-good-factor. Just the way we like it.
SERVED. is an extra spesh initiative as 100% of profits will go directly to support SOP’s work across South East Queensland. It enables us, the local community, to help those who are struggling without spending more moolah than we normally would. In our humble opinions, this is #genius and we love that our enduring love affair with caffeine will now support a worthy cause – other than the quest for more energy.
Coffee snobs breathe a sigh of relief as SERVED. will use Melbourne-based ethically sourced St Remio coffee beans to please both your palette and your conscience. And if you’re not into coffee firstly, just huh?, and secondly, in addition to serving ‘The People’s Coffee’, there’s also refreshing juices and ‘The People’s Water’. So there is literally no excuse not to swing in on your AM stroll or drive to work for your morning refreshment and good deed for the day.
Funds raised will be used to prop up a range of the organisation’s projects, like their supermarket donation boxes, plenty more SERVED. outlets across our ‘hood and beyond, and various other growth ventures. Delivering anything to anyone in need, SOP has supported over 55,000 people in various capacities during their time of crisis.
Obviously COVID brought anything but good fortune for many businesses, but SOP is the ultimate feel-good COVID success story. Opening its doors in March 2020 as a logistics, delivery and emergency relief not-for-profit organisation, it has gone from strength to strength. Blossoming into a mobilised team of more than 2,100 volunteers across South East Queensland and New South Wales, they have delivered 19,000 meals, and more than 1,000 food packages; ‘bags of love’. We all know karma keeps her receipts so we reckon these outstanding individuals should buy lotto tickets, like immediately.
Another exciting SOP project is the launch of Queensland’s first ‘free supermarket. Here members of the community can collect essential non-perishable grocery items they need but are unable to afford #howgood. The supermarket is located at the organisation’s Mermaid Beach headquarters, which recently underwent a transformation into a modern community hub with a half-size basketball court, electric bicycles, and space for community activities and fundraising events.
And because these do-gooders just keep on keeping on, SOP are hosting a Christmas toy drive and pop-up gift-wrapping shop at Pacific Fair, with the public encouraged to purchase and donate gifts to those in need. Then, Christmas hampers and Pac Fair gift vouchers will be distributed to over 100 deserving peeps across the Gold Coast and we literally just got goosebumps.
So watch this space for more info on SOP’s amazing work and in the meantime, look for the bright blue and white awning and smiling faces at SERVED when you’re in Mermaid. Grab a coffee or refreshment and feel all the feels knowing that you’re doing your bit to help the less fortunate.
Where: 2582-2584 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (entrance via 4-6 Seaview Avenue)
When: 5am – 2pm, Monday to Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
A COVID success story, Serving Our People (SOP) first opened its doors in March 2020 as a complimentary delivery service for those who could not leave their homes to purchase essential items such as groceries, baby formula and medications, providing comfort and convenience to those who need it most.
Now, more than two years on, the organisation has helped more than 52,000 people across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, delivering more than 25,000 meals to those in need with a registered volunteer base surpassing 1,100.
This December, Serving Our People’s headquarters will be transformed into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ – a place when members of the community can collect essential non-perishable grocery items they need but are unable to afford.
“We want to make sure that everyone in the Gold Coast community and across Australia is aware of the services that we provide,” said Yas Matbouly, Founder of Serving Our People (SOP).
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Over the past 18 years, I have lived and worked in some of the world’s most exciting cities – Dubai, Doha, London, New York and Australia. I have a significant career leading major transactions for governments and global brands such as IBM, Omnicom and Dolce & Gabbana. Additionally, my experience as an advisor for a Middle Eastern Royal Family Private Affairs office gave me unique insights into how to restructure financial institutions and pursue international investment opportunities. In particular, real estate, energy, finance, agriculture and technology are all areas where there is significant potential for growth. I also worked with the Sunland Group, an ASX listed property developer, before I founded Serving Our People. Sitting on the Bond University’s MBA alumni committee is another one of my many passions. My Executive MBA is from Bond University, Australia, and Stanford Executive Education Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, CA, USA.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been back on the Gold Coast and living here for the last 6 years. I was in Brisbane for a year before moving back to Australia from New York.
What do you love about the Gold Coast?
It is the best city in the world. I have travelled all over the world and by far the Gold Coast is magical, it has everything to offer from family life to the best nature escapes, great education and entrepreneurial hub, amazing weather and very healthy environment, it is a great environment to be relaxed and happy, which is the best.
You are the founder of Serving our People (SOP). Can you tell us about this charity?
Serving Our People (SOP) is a complimentary delivery service born from the adverse global pandemic of COVID-19. We are a logistics, delivery, and emergency relief service. Our mission at Serving Our People is simple: to serve those in need. We were founded in 2020 with the goal of helping as many people as possible, and we now operate in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and Northern New South Wales. Our vision is “to deliver to anyone, at any time, in any place”. At a time when many are feeling uncertain, we remain committed to serving all Australians, no matter their need or circumstances.
You’re currently building Queensland’s First Free Supermarket. What an amazing initiative. Can you tell us about this project?
We are excited to announce our plans to transform Serving Our People’s headquarters, a 45-year-old warehouse in Mermaid Beach, into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ for those in need. This will be a place where members of the community can come and collect essential non-perishable grocery items, relieving the cost of living pressures they are facing. Set to open in December this year, with a half size basketball court, electric bicycles and plenty of space for community activities and fundraising events, this will be a hub for everyone to enjoy.
How will the free supermarket work? Where will the food come from & who can access the supermarket?
Non-perishable goods are already being collected from donation boxes stationed in leading supermarkets across the Gold Coast. Each box is used to stock the shelves of Serving Our People’s “pop-up supermarket” or fill “bags of love” to deliver to those who cannot ‘shop’ in-person. No matter who you are or what your circumstances may be, you are welcome to come and collect items at our supermarket. We are dedicated to helping anyone in Australia who needs it, and we will do everything we can to make their lives better. Whether you are a family, an elderly person, displaced persons or disadvantaged communities, carers, victims of disasters or people living with disabilities, we are here for you.
When can we expect the supermarket to be up and running?
Our grand opening is set for 22 December 2022, and to launch our opening event, we’ll be inviting our local homeless community to join us for a Christmas lunch at the new headquarters.
Are you looking for donations of food, money or time?
We’re looking for all the above! Our volunteers are working hard to collect food boxes every week. Each box provides enough food for 40 families, which means we can help feed 2000 families each year. However, with the new supermarket open, we hope to support even more people in need.
What is the most valuable way for locals to get involved?
There are many ways to help those in need, and one easy way is to donate items through our donation boxes. You can find these boxes in supermarkets across Gold Coast and Brisbane. Just purchase some extra items to donate, and you’ll be making a difference in the lives of others. Once the boxes are full, volunteers from SOP collect the items and create ‘bags of love’, which include items such as non-perishable food, and essentials such as toothpaste, bottled water, and sanitary items for the free supermarket.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?
As we move into the new year, we are committed to continuing our work serving those in need with compassion and integrity. We are proud to be known as a collaborative charity that works closely with other charities and organisations to meet the needs of our community. We look forward to continuing this important work in the coming year and beyond.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Le Cafe Gourmand in Mermaid Beach & The Salt Mill in Currumbin
Beach: Currumbin
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
Enjoying time with my family or at various Serving Our People activations with the family.
