Founder Spotlight: Janki Shah (Hippie Chai)
Meet Janki Shah:
We make an instant vegan chai premix powder using our own curated recipe. The powder mix combines oat milk powder, Indian Assam tea, brown sugar, and various organic spices. Just add hot water, and it's ready to drink! We currently offer three flavors: Masala Chai, Cardamom Chai, and a Matcha Latte.
Location:
San Francisco, California, USA
When did you launch the business?
October 2023
Become a member today!
Join the world’s largest plant-based business community 🌱
Get access to: mentors, resources, events, opportunities, discounts, and more!
Startup Stage:
Bootstrapped
What led you to where you are today?
My motivation is my lifelong passion for chai and my unwavering commitment to veganism. They are the driving forces behind Hippie Chai. After traveling and finding limited vegan chai options, even in India, I knew something needed to change. That sparked the idea for Hippie Chai!
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
The importance of building a strong network is that it opens doors and fuels collaboration. Also, consistent discipline is crucial – the hustle is real, and dedication keeps you moving forward.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
Prioritizing Challenges: With so many areas needing attention (design, marketing, sales), deciding which challenges to tackle first and allocating resources effectively has been a tough call.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
Application Assistance for farmers markets/pop-ups: Draft compelling sections of the application highlighting the unique value proposition of the VEGPRENEUR member's product or service. I can also help craft clear and concise descriptions of their offerings. Logistics and Planning for farmers' markets/pop-ups: Help brainstorm efficient booth layouts and suggest creative ways to showcase vegan products at the farmer's market. This may include recommendations for signage, displays, and engaging customer interactions.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
Knowledge Transfer: Experienced members can share valuable insights and lessons learned, helping new entrepreneurs like me avoid costly mistakes and navigate challenges more effectively. Motivation and Support: Provides guidance, and encouragement, fosters a sense of community, and boosts confidence. Network Expansion: Mentorship can open doors to new connections, resources, and potential business collaborations within the vegan space.
Fun fact about you:
I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at the age of 13.
Read More On Our Blog
