As many of us gravitate towards cups of coffee to start our morning routine, founder Shradha Challa (MBA ’24) has looked to chai. Growing up in Hyderabad, India, chai is not just a drink, but a cherished ritual that was shared with others. When she moved to the United States, she was startled to discover the lack of authentic chai available. After taking an entrepreneurial class at WashU, she found a solution to solve the cultural disconnect she was experiencing. Insert Rasa Chai.

Rasa Chai’s mission is to deliver an authentic experience and product to the American market. Challa shared, “Our goal is to serve high-quality, authentic chai made with traditional ingredients and methods, ensuring each cup offers a genuine taste of South Asian hospitality and warmth.”

As a recent graduate, Challa was challenged with balancing an academic course load, a part-time job, and the complexities of being an international student all while working on her startup. She credits her success to setting a structured schedule and building a supportive team, which allowed her to successfully navigate the demanding path of a student entrepreneur.

During her time at WashU, professors like Doug Villhard provided insights and foundational business strategies that aided in crafting a successful business model. Fellow classmates and entrepreneurs Franklin Taylor, Abdul Oganla, and Titobi Oreolorun offered their constant support and advice. “Their ventures inspire me, and their guidance has been a backbone in navigating the complexities of starting and growing a business,” said Challa

This past spring, through hard work and continuous growth, Rasa Chai celebrated winning the ICSC Foundation Roslyn & Elliot Jaffe Retail Entrepreneur Prize. Challa and Rasa Chai are spending the summer participating in the Skandalaris Launchpad program, launching an e-commerce website, and operating a vendor booth at local farmers markets.

Challa wanted to share some advice for others who are considering starting their own business. Based on her experiences, she notes “Building resilience is crucial, as the entrepreneurial path is replete with challenges and setbacks—view these as opportunities for growth and learning. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, so creating a supportive network of mentors, peers, and advisors is vital for both emotional and practical support.”

To learn more and keep up with Rasa Chai’s journey, make sure to follow them at the links below!

Website: rasa-chai.com

Instagram: @rasachaiofficial

TikTok: @rasachaiofficial

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/rasa-chai