Today we’d like to introduce you to Sadeya.
Hi Sadeya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Since high school, I had always dreamt of working in the South Asian wedding industry! What started as a Covid project in 2020 has now become a thriving business that blends tradition with luxury. During the pandemic, my sister Sami and I launched S & S Chai Cart as a creative outlet, elevating “a cup of chai” into an experience for weddings.
In 2021, Sami got married and stepped away from the business, leaving me to navigate it on my own. While working full-time in IT, I continued running the chai cart with the unwavering support of my brother Syed and our dad. Balancing a corporate career with entrepreneurship was no easy feat, but my love for chai and South Asian weddings kept me going.
Then, in the summer of 2023, I met my now-husband, Shahbaaz. His belief in my vision gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith—I left my IT job and dedicated myself fully to growing the business. Everyone says he was the missing second “S” in my business! Since then, S & S Chai Cart has evolved beyond its humble beginnings. Today, we offer a diverse menu, including mocktail, fusion dessert shooters, boba, live chai, food, and live appetizer stations.
What started as a simple idea during the pandemic has transformed into something much greater—a celebration of culture and creativity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was commuting every weekend from Austin, where I was working full-time in IT, to Dallas to build and grow my business. It required a lot of discipline and time management to balance both responsibilities effectively. Another major transition was moving from running the business out of my home to operating in a commercial kitchen, which came with a new set of logistical and operational challenges. On top of that, my business partner stepped away early in the process, so I had to adapt quickly and take full ownership—developing new services and ideas on my own to keep the momentum going and ensure the business could grow sustainably.
We’ve been impressed with S & S Chai Cart, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a South Asian-inspired chai cart that brings a fresh, modern twist to traditional chai culture. I was the first person to open a Chai Cart business in the Dallas market.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how recognizable and loved we’ve become for our consistency, quality, and the vibe we bring wherever we go.
Not only are we known for our chai, we’re also known for our fusion dessert shooters, a live chaat station, and now expanding into boba and mocktail services.
Pricing:
- bit.ly/SSChaiCart
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/SSChaiCart
