Today we’d like to introduce you to Shradha Challa
Hi Shradha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey with Rasa Chai started from a deep longing for home. I came to the U.S. from India, and like many immigrants, I missed the familiar flavors and traditions of home. Chai, in particular, was something I deeply craved—not just the drink but the memories and culture it represents. When I tried chai tea lattes here, they didn’t come close to the bold, authentic flavors of the chai I grew up with.
While pursuing my MBA at WashU, I took an entrepreneurship class that gave me the chance to explore my idea further. That’s when Rasa Chai was born—a way to bring authentic South Asian beverages to the U.S. I officially launched the company in April 2024, and after graduation, I decided to work on it full-time starting June.
I started small, setting up a booth at the WashU marketplace to sell chai blends, and the response was incredible. Customers loved the bold, authentic flavors, and it was clear there was a demand for cultural, flavorful, and healthy beverages. Building on this momentum, I worked to refine the concept and eventually won the $10,000 ICSC Roslyn and Elliot Jaffe Retail Entrepreneur Prize, which helped me take Rasa Chai to the next level. Just last week, we were thrilled to win another $10,000 Catalyst Fund at the Skandalaris Venture Competition!
As we grow, we’re also embracing a rebrand. We’re changing our name to ‘Nari,’ which means ‘woman’ in Hindi. It’s a tribute to my great-grandmother, who inspired me with her strength and resilience, and to all the incredible women who have supported me on this journey. ‘Nari’ reflects not just the essence of our products but also the spirit of empowerment and community that drives everything we do.
It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue growing ‘Nari’ into a national brand that brings the authentic flavors of South Asia to every home
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
t definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and being an immigrant has added its own set of challenges. Navigating visa requirements meant that nothing about starting a business was ever straightforward. There’s a lot of uncertainty and extra hurdles that come with being an immigrant entrepreneur, and that taught me to plan carefully and always have a backup strategy.
In the beginning, one of the biggest struggles was convincing people of the potential of Nari without a tangible product. I participated in pitch competitions to share my vision, but it was challenging to get people on board when they couldn’t taste the chai or see the concept in action. It required a lot of storytelling and persistence to help people understand the authenticity and opportunity behind Nari.
Another challenge was educating people about what authentic chai really is. Many assumed it was the sugary, syrupy chai tea lattes they were familiar with, and it took time to help them experience the bold, authentic flavors rooted in South Asian culture.
Despite these challenges, what kept me going was the incredible response from customers. Whether it was someone telling me they’d never tasted chai like this before or seeing the excitement for masala soda at events like the Festival of Nations, these moments made all the struggles worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nari (formerly known as Rasa Chai)?
Nari is all about bringing authentic South Asian flavors to the U.S. in a way that’s bold, flavorful, and accessible. We specialize in creating chai blends and ready-to-drink beverages like masala chai and masala soda, inspired by traditional recipes but designed for modern lifestyles. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity—our products are rooted in culture, made with high-quality ingredients, and offer a healthier, more flavorful alternative to sugary, processed drinks on the market.
We’re proud to be more than just a beverage brand; we’re creating an experience. Whether it’s through our chai blends that customers can brew at home or our canned drinks that are perfect for on-the-go, Nari allows people to connect with South Asian culture in a way that feels approachable and exciting.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the incredible feedback we’ve received from our customers. At farmers markets, events, and pop-ups, we often hear things like, “This is the best chai I’ve ever had!” or, about our masala soda, “This drink is so unique and refreshing.” We’ve even had customers share glowing reviews online, and one customer was so impressed they wrote an entire blog praising our masala chai.
Hearing these kinds of responses is deeply validating and inspires us to keep growing, expanding, and sharing these authentic flavors with even more people. It’s moments like these that remind us why we started this journey.
We want readers to know that Nari is about more than just drinks—it’s about savoring the culture and stories behind them. Whether you’re South Asian looking for a taste of home or someone new to these flavors, our products are designed to delight your taste buds while honoring tradition. We’re currently working on scaling our offerings to grocery stores and retail, so keep an eye out for our cans of masala chai and masala soda coming soon!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is resilience. As an immigrant and entrepreneur, nothing about this journey has been straightforward—visa challenges, introducing an unfamiliar product to the market, and navigating the ups and downs of building a business have all tested my patience and determination. Resilience has kept me focused and driven, even when the path was uncertain.
Equally important is my commitment to listening—both to my mentors and my customers. I’ve spent countless hours engaging with customers, understanding their needs, and adapting Nari based on their feedback. Whether it was creating a chai kit for those who wanted the full chai-making experience or launching ready-to-drink options for convenience, I’ve always prioritized what my customers want.
Guidance from mentors has also been invaluable, helping me make better decisions and refine my vision. Together, resilience, authenticity, and the willingness to listen and adapt have been the driving forces behind Nari’s growth and success.
Pricing:
- Chai Tin (4oz) – $13. We have Masala Chai, Turmeric & Ginger Chai and Rose & Tulsi Chai
- Chai Tin (8oz) – $21
- Ready to Drink Hot Chai – $5
- Ready to Drink Iced Chai – $6
- Iced Masala Soda – $6
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rasa-chai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rasachaiofficial/
- Other: rasachaiofficial
