Homegrown Business: Michelle Cheung of Suna Wellness

Suna Wellness is a brand new, Vancouver-based wellness brand that is launching a series of collagen-enriched Tea Latte Protein blends. Suna was co-developed with Paragon Tea Room, which is why customers can trust that these boosted tea lattes will deliver delicious flavour as well as added nutrients. On March 18, Suna will be launching on Kickstarter. We spoke with Michelle Cheung, one of the three co-founders of Suna Wellness, to learn more.

Suna Wellness

What is your business called and what does it do?

Suna Wellness is a new Vancouver-born wellness brand redefining the protein market with its Tea Latte Protein — a series of collagen-enriched protein blends designed for those who refuse to compromise between function and flavour. Each creamy cup delivers 20g of protein, 10g of marine collagen, antioxidants, and 0 added sugar. Proudly made in Canada, Suna’s recipes were co-developed with Paragon Tea Room, another Vancouver homegrown brand known for its premium tea creations. Paragon also assists in tea sourcing to ensure every blend features clean, nuanced flavours from quality tea — because wellness should be a joy, not a chore.

What made you want to do this work?

At Suna, our inspiration comes from the Sunadokei—the hourglass reminding us that time is fleeting and every moment is precious. Living on the fast-paced West Coast, we noticed too many people settling for protein shakes that left our taste buds wanting more or functional foods loaded with fillers and artificial flavours. It was a wake-up call. We began asking, if we preach mindfulness, why not practice it—especially in what we eat? That’s why we set out to create a clean, delicious protein collagen tea latte. Our goal is to deliver an enjoyable tea time that nourishes you from the inside out, turning each cup into a mindful eating experience that truly celebrates life.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

Many protein supplements on the market prioritize function over flavour, leaving you with chalky, artificial products loaded with fillers and sweeteners. At the same time, many of us are forced to juggle multiple beverages—a latte for caffeine, a protein shake for nutrition, and another supplement for collagen—making our wellness routines feel overly complicated. Suna was born out of our desire to solve both problems. We wanted to offer a clean, delicious protein collagen tea latte that delivers all these benefits in one cup—something you look forward to, not just tolerate.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Our target audience values wellness, beauty, and high-quality ingredients in their daily rituals. They have a discerning taste and refuse to compromise on flavour or function. Suna is made for protein drinkers tired of chalky, artificial-tasting powders and tea latte lovers looking to elevate their daily cup with added benefits. Many lead busy, on-the-go lifestyles—whether juggling careers, travel, or personal goals—yet still seek balance and mindful moments in their day.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

Suna Wellness operates as a D2C brand, offering individual products and flexible subscription plans for those looking to elevate their wellness journey. We will also be partnering with select retailers—such as cafes, gyms, and yoga studios— where Suna’s blends can complement their offerings and enhance their customer experience. Through our flexible wholesale program, we aim to create a win-win model that brings Suna’s nourishing blends to more communities.

For partnership inquiries, we welcome interested parties to reach out at hi@livesuna.com.

Suna Wellness

Where in the city can we find your profession?

We primarily operate online and ship across Canada and the US, but you will soon be able to find Suna at select wellness events, pop-ups, and specialty retailers starting in Vancouver Lower Mainland first then nationwide. Stay tuned for in-person experiences where customers can taste and experience our products firsthand!

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

Q: Should I try Suna Protein Tea Latte if I’m not already taking protein or living a typical West Coast active lifestyle?

A: Absolutely! Suna isn’t just for gym-goers or those already using protein supplements. Our Protein Collagen Tea Latte is designed to fit effortlessly into everyday routines—whether you’re active or not. It blends seamlessly into daily rituals like tea lattes, offering a nourishing moment of self-care. Each cup provides a gentle boost of protein and collagen to support beauty, wellness, and sustained energy—perfect for anyone looking to feel good from the inside out.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is hearing from customers who genuinely love the product—when they tell us it’s changed the way they approach wellness and how they can finally truly enjoy tasting what’s good for their body, that’s incredibly rewarding. The hardest part is educating the market, especially when it comes to shifting perceptions around protein supplements and their potential beyond just fitness.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

Funny enough, as a wellness brand advocating for mindful living, being an entrepreneur is probably one of the hardest professions to actually live that way. With a million things running through your mind, finding balance can feel impossible. But that’s exactly what makes us authentic — we’re not perfect, we’re practising. Every time we remind our audience about mindfulness, we’re also reminding ourselves.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Website

 

About Bronwyn Lewis 83 Articles
Bronwyn Lewis is a food writer for the Vancouver Guardian. She’s also a screenwriter and producer. Born and raised in Vancouver, Bronwyn lives in Mount Pleasant and you can follow all her food adventures on Instagram.