Our Team
Founder & CEO
Jessica Cárdenas
Founder & CEO
Inspired by her work with the United Nations where Jess held roles involving agricultural systems and advocacy for the prevention and treatment of severely malnourished children, Jess has expanded upon her combined learnings of nearly 10 years at UN agencies and her studies under the division Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University to share both wellness and impact.
One of the key pillars for Plentea is to honor traditional Japanese practices of nourishment while contributing to underserved communities. In our case, we support the Lower Eastside Girls Club’s nourishment programs, specifically the development of the rooftop garden.
Jess can trace back her interest in nourishment to her childhood. Growing up in a multicultural household, holistic remedies were common and tea was a huge part of everyday gatherings. About 15 years ago, Jess began to learn more about Japanese philosophy from tea masters in Japan. Fascinated by research on tea catechins and their affinity for human cannabinoid receptors (and the endocannabinoid system in general) her journey began.
Currently living in the West Village, you can find Jess at her monthly Matcha Mornings. Follow along on @plentea.co to join.
Victoria Shen
Chief Operating Officer
Victoria’s travels across Asia from an early age influenced her practice of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga which naturally led to tea. Instantly recognizing its vibrant green color, Victoria & Jess quickly connected over matcha and life as graduate students at NYU in 2012. A shared bond they are delighted to spill over to you. Given the level of uncertainty, it’s important for us to find these moments of nourishing, energizing, peace.
Currently living in Asia, this new mommy is centered in her daily ritual of preparing matcha at home and incorporating the Japanese view of wabi-sabi into her global interior design projects via Polilam.
Charlotte LaGuardia
Board Certified Nutrition Specialist
Charlotte is a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist professional and a member of the American College of Nutrition.
Her practice, Thrive East, was created out of her passion for real food, nutrition science, and the belief that all people should have access to individualized nutrition.
Charlotte’s approach is practical, goal oriented, and always optimistic. Charlotte works closely with clients to support their health by first teaching why we want to choose real food, then how to create sustainable lifestyle changes.
Southampton based with universal tips, recipes and wellness inspiration. As she says, don’t miss a beet, and keep up with Charlotte on Instagram: @ThriveEastNutrition
Bianca Kamhi
Bianca is a certified holistic health & accountability coach and the creator of the Living with Bianca Accountability Journal.
During her academic studies, Bianca learned innovative coaching methods, practical lifestyle management techniques, and more than 100 dietary theories, such as Ayurveda, gluten-free, Paleo, raw, vegan, macrobiotics, and everything in between.
Bianca lives between LA and NYC. For more information on Bianca and her work, follow her on Instagram: @BiancaKamhi
Susanna Blavarg
Susanna has an eye for all things creative! The scrumptious images you see here were beautifully styled and captured by Susanna! She shoots food & beverage for advertising, magazines, and books. We love her & you will too!
She is joined by super talented stylists, chefs, art directors, and designers during projects as needed.
Susanna shares her time between New York City and Stockholm. Follow her on Instagram: @SusannaBlavarg
Shiori Miyashita
Shiori is our experiential designer. Alongside Jess, Shiori art directed PlenTea’s Kintsugi inspired packaging.
Jess and Shiori were connected through a mutual Japanese friend in Brooklyn and the two instantly got to work on capturing Kintsugi and what PlenTea interprets the Japanese art of Kintsugi to be - a profound metaphor for embracing our own flaws and imperfections.
Currently living between Brooklyn and Japan, this creative, adventurous foodie is energized by her craft! Follow her on Instagram: @Shioripon