Meet Jess Alizzi, the founder and creator of HIKUU. The brand focuses on creating premium and authentically sourced matcha powder from Japan, that is thoughtfully packaged and designed in Melbourne, Australia. HIKUU aims to encourage a slow moving lifestyle and an appreciation for the subtle beauty of life by adding a touch of reprise to your daily routine.
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Name
Jess Alizzi
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Starsign
Gemini/Cancer Cusp
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IG Handle
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Why did you start your business?
I started HIKUU because I believed there was a gap in the Australian market. Although it might not be difficult to find matcha powder, it is incredibly difficult to find Japanese imported ceremonial grade matcha, that is naturally sweet, requires no artificial sweetener and is packaged in a way that it is beautiful enough to be displayed in your kitchen. This is what differentiates HIKUU from its competitors.
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Is there a meaning behind the name HIKUU?
HIKUU [hy-koo], a play on the word for a traditional Japanese poem, reflects a design ethos that values simplicity, natural elements, and the beauty of imperfection.
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Where does your brand inspiration come from?
The brand was inspired by own personal style aesthetic – I love clean, minimal, functional, and beautifully packaged things and I believe HIKUU embodies all of this. It was also inspired by my recent travels to Japan; I am forever in awe of their incredible culture, architecture, food, and lifestyle.
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Typical day in your life?
Every day is so different, there really is no ‘typical day’, however you’ll find me doing any one of these things at any given point (and sometimes multiple at the same time) – working on future HIKUU products and packing orders, filming content for my YouTube channel, editing content for a brand partner, attending a brand event, or simply enjoying a vino at Napier Quarter.
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Drink of choice
HIKUU Matcha latte, of course!
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Dream travel destination
Italy. I’ve been a couple of times, but I haven’t seen enough. I want to see it all!
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How do you balance content creation with starting a brand?
It has been a welcomed challenge and I am very much still getting the hang of it. Having worked as a digital content creator for over 9 years now, creating content is sort of like second nature at this point, but adding a whole new account/s into the mix with a small business has not been an easy feat. Time management is key!
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Biggest lesson learnt from building your own brand
Everything takes 6 months longer than you initially thought it would and everything is double the price than what you initially budgeted for.
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Advice to someone starting their own business
Don’t spend a year thinking about it, instead spend a year working towards it. You’ll be surprised how far along you can get in a year.
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A quote you live by
Life is long, if there is something you aren’t completely happy with – change it!
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