From RM500 to RM100k Monthly – The Journey of Tea Thambi

TL;DR

Kavievanan Subramaniam, a Malaysian engineering graduate, turned a RM500 investment into a thriving business selling masala chai from his bicycle. 

Now, his venture, "Tea Thambi," earns close to RM100,000 a month, with multiple cafes, stalls, and a central kitchen, serving 2,000 to 3,000 cups of tea daily. 

His story is an inspiring example of resilience, passion, and the power of listening to customers.

A Humble Beginning

Kavievanan, known as Kavi, graduated with a mechanical engineering degree but struggled to find a job during the pandemic.

 With just RM500 in his pocket, he decided to try something unconventional—selling masala chai, a spiced Indian tea he learned to make from his mother. 

Armed with nothing but a few basic supplies and a modified bicycle, he cycled 10 kilometers every day to sell tea around Kuala Lumpur’s city center.

The Road to Success

In the early days, Kavi sold fewer than 100 cups a day. 

However, he persevered, taking customer feedback seriously and adjusting his recipe daily to perfect the taste. 

After a year of trial and error, he nailed the flavor that quickly became a crowd favorite, offering masala chai that was both delicious and affordable. 

The price range, from RM1 to RM4, made it accessible to the masses, and soon, his small business began to grow.

Going Viral and Expanding the Business

Kavi's business gained momentum during the pandemic when his tea started going viral on social media. 

His authentic recipe, combined with his dedication and hard work, resonated with people, especially around areas like Brickfields and Masjid India. 

As word spread, he expanded from one bicycle stall to five locations across busy districts such as Bukit Bintang and Lebuh Ampang.

From Bicycle Stall to Central Kitchen

Today, Tea Thambi is no longer a one-man operation. 

Kavi now employs 17 staff members and operates from a central kitchen in Segambut to support the demand. 

The business sells 2,000 to 3,000 cups of tea daily and has expanded its offerings to include coffee, snacks, and other traditional beverages like ginger tea.

His RM500 startup now generates close to RM100,000 a month through sales from his two cafes and five stalls. 

Tea Thambi also caters to events across Malaysia, further boosting its revenue.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Start Small, Scale Smart

Kavi’s story highlights the importance of starting small and scaling gradually.

He began with just RM500, but by constantly improving his product and expanding at the right time, he now runs a highly profitable business.

2. Listen to Your Customers

One of Kavi’s key strategies was listening to customer feedback.

He didn’t get it right from the start but used daily input to perfect his recipe and keep his customers coming back for more.

3. Leverage Social Media

Going viral on social media played a crucial role in Tea Thambi’s success.

Kavi’s story and product caught the attention of thousands, proving that a strong online presence can propel a business forward.

4. Stay Consistent

Consistency in flavor, customer service, and pricing has been essential to Tea Thambi’s ongoing success.

Kavi focused on maintaining quality even as the business scaled, which helped build customer loyalty.

Final Thoughts: From Passion to Profit 🌟

Kavi’s journey from a struggling graduate to a successful entrepreneur generating RM100,000 monthly is nothing short of inspiring. 

His dedication, adaptability, and ability to turn feedback into a better product serve as a powerful lesson for anyone looking to start a side hustle or business. 

What small step can you take today that could lead to big success tomorrow?

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