Distinguished for her creativity and entrepreneurship, Silvia Mella has built a career defined by innovation, authenticity and a deep passion for her craft. In 2019, she founded Sorate, a membership-based green tea and matcha brand, where she has since served as creative director. Ms. Mella prides herself on offering the highest quality products by importing tea directly from family farms in Japan. Under her leadership, Sorate has expanded to serve a diverse clientele, with most sales occurring domestically in the United States and a growing international presence.
Ms. Mella’s journey to owning her own business was inspired by personal experience. She first came to New York from her home country of Italy to work as a journalist in the fashion industry, but she found herself feeling disconnected. When Ms. Mella traveled to Japan, she was introduced to the tranquility of Japanese tea culture. Motivated by this transformative experience, she spent a year researching and planning before launching her online tea business.
Beyond commerce, Ms. Mella views Sorate as a commitment to sharing that rich culture and mindful lifestyle she was so moved by with Western audiences. The name Sorate is derived from slang from the Veneto region of Italy that means “calm down,” as well as the Japanese “sora,” which translates to “sky.” She emphasizes educating customers on the health benefits and meditative practices associated with tea preparation, encouraging brief daily rituals that foster relaxation and well-being. Ms. Mella has witnessed significant changes in the beverage industry during her tenure — particularly the rise of matcha as an alternative to coffee — but her company sets itself apart from contemporary brands by offering authentic Japanese teas rooted in centuries-old traditions. She considers the founding of Sorate to be her signature professional achievement.
Before Sorate, Ms. Mella founded Idolize Media & Communications, overseeing the company as creative director for more than five years. Driven by her aspiration to communicate ideas through both words and images, she launched Idolize as a limited-edition publication presented in a unique boxed format with interviews, editorials and photography from renowned figures. During the same time, Ms. Mella contributed as a content creator for Condé Nast Italia, developing a strong relationship with the organization that including an assignment in the U.S. for the online magazine Style. Her concurrent efforts with Idolize and Condé Nast reflected her expertise in fashion and culture while expanding her influence within the industry.
Ms. Mella’s first role in the publishing world was as an editor for Muse Magazine from 2010 to 2011. Working her way up from an internship, she collaborated with prominent creative figures and forged lasting professional relationships. In Ms. Mella’s earliest career experience, she worked for the press office at BluMarine, an Italian fashion brand, for two years while enrolled in college. Here, she gained foundational exposure to branding and public relations that would inform future opportunities.
While affiliated with Blumarine, Ms. Mella pursued an academic background she could rely on. In 2011, she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising and applied communication from IULM University in Milan. This education provided Ms. Mella with essential knowledge that she has leveraged throughout her career while also demonstrating expertise in branding, finance and business strategies. She credits her success to perseverance, thoughtful decision-making, a structured approach to problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to her vision, even when faced with challenges or skepticism from others.
Also recognized for her civic engagement, Ms. Mella regularly contributes to cultural organizations. She serves on the committee of the Save Venice Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Venetian architecture and art, reflecting her own heritage. Ms. Mella has also been involved in such charitable initiatives as New Yorkers for Children and God’s Love We Deliver. She is a founding member of the Soho House committee.
In her personal life as in work, Ms. Mella values authenticity above all else, striving to ensure that everything she does is grounded in genuine passion rather than external expectations. She enjoys spending time in nature and remains committed to promoting mindful living practices through both her business endeavors and her daily life.
In the years ahead, Ms. Mella looks forward to growing Sorate’s presence into more cities. She hopes to build a brand and leave a legacy that promotes peace and balance in everyday life — a goal she aims to achieve through her ongoing dedication to quality, culture and meaningful connection.