A message from Gemma
Hello Kimochi Crew ✨
I wanted to do a little introduction for those who are wondering, who’s making my mochi?
I’m Gemma Matsuyama, the heart and hands behind Kimochi. I’m a first-generation Italian-Japanese American, my journey from New Jersey to the vibrant streets of LA and finally here in sunny San Diego has been filled with sweet & savory adventures to say the least 😉 never a dull moment!
Cooking up treats has been my passion since I was 14, but it wasn’t until my days at n/Naka and the quiet moments of the 2020 pandemic that I turned my focus to crafting the perfect mochi.
Inspired by my favorite treat from Japan, the strawberry Daifuku with white bean paste, Kimochi was born amidst a baking revolution.
Our name reflects what we aim to offer you – a mochi filled with positive energy (or ki in Japanese), crafted to bring a moment of joy and refreshment into your day.
What’s New?
This year has been a whirlwind of growth and joy. My husband and I welcomed our little girl Luna last summer, and as we navigate the new waves of parenthood, the support from our community has been a tremendous source of strength. I want to express my gratitude for your patience and support. Baby girl is growing so fast in front of our eyes and she loves playing with the gifts brought by our thoughtful Kimochi crew members.
We’ve found a commercial kitchen, but we’re still in the process of making it feel like ours. As it stands, the other tenants are making full use of the refrigeration, which is essential for keeping our fruits fresh and juicy. So, for now, we’ll continue crafting your favorite mochi from our home kitchen until we can sort out a little more space for our fruits.
In the meantime, I’m excited to share that we’re building a website to bring you even more delightful treats and products by year’s end.
On a personal note, my little one is currently teething, which means our nights are filled with extra cuddles and a some tears. It’s a sweet yet sleepy time, but rest assured, the dedication to making each mochi remains unwavering, even if it takes a little longer these days. Your patience and support mean everything!
Thank you for letting me share a piece of my heritage and passion with you. Every mochi is made with the care and love I’d give to my own family, because to me, that’s exactly how special you are.
Stay tuned for more sweet updates and thank you for being a part of our growing Kimochi Crew!
Warmly,
Gemma
