In this video I’m taking you behind the scenes of something I’ve genuinely never done before: creating and launching my very own matcha drink with one of my favorite local Chicago cafes, Altea. I start the week getting ready for our photoshoot (yes, my forehead picked the worst possible time to break out), figuring out BTS filming with my mom, and trying to stay calm when my gimbal decided to not cooperate. It was rainy, chaotic, and very “we’re just going to make it work,” but it ended up being such a cool experience. I also finally get to introduce the drink: Golden Girl. It’s a cold whisked matcha with in-house mango puree, syrup, coconut cream, and milk—super refreshing and tropical (I truly wish we could’ve launched it in the summer). I share the inspiration behind the name and what “Golden Girl” represents to me: starting fresh, embracing the unknown, and trusting that it’s not too late to build a new chapter. The week wraps with launch party prep (handwritten cards, last details, outfit finishing touches) and the actual launch party with my family and friends—one of those moments that makes me feel really grateful for the community I’ve found here.