In an unexpected twist to his career path, Kavievanan Subramaniam, a mechanical engineering graduate from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), has built a thriving business selling masala tea from a humble bicycle. What started as a temporary means to earn income while waiting for a job offer has now evolved into a bustling enterprise, with Kavievanan, or Kavi, employing 17 staff across two cafes and five stalls in Kuala Lumpur.
Kavi's journey began in July 2020 with just RM500 in capital, which he used to buy tea stock, milk, cups, and make small modifications to his bicycle. He started selling tea by cycling 10 kilometers daily from his home in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, to central Kuala Lumpur. At first, his venture, branded as "Tea Thambi," saw modest sales of around 100 cups per day. But today, Kavi's business has skyrocketed, and he now sells between 2,000 and 3,000 cups of tea daily, with prices ranging from RM1 to RM4 per cup.
Kavi's success story, as he shared with Majoriti, is deeply rooted in his mothers masala tea recipe, which he has perfected over time based on feedback from customers. "It took about a year to get the taste just right, but now people love it," Kavi said. His tea is distinctive for its use of high-quality tea leaves and therapeutic ingredients, which have earned him a loyal following in the city.
In terms of revenue, Tea Thambi generates nearly RM100,000 per month from Kavi's two cafes, located in Jalan Tun Perak and Masjid Jamek, as well as from his stalls in busy areas such as Brickfields, Lebuh Ampang, and Bukit Bintang. The tea business also offers other products like ginger tea, coffee, vadai, toast, and curry puffs, making it a popular choice among customers looking for a quick bite and refreshing drink.
At 27, Kavi is not just selling tea he's also learning the ropes of running a business. His success has attracted attention from various parties interested in franchising Tea Thambi beyond the Klang Valley. However, Kavi is approaching the idea of expansion with caution. "I want to expand further, but I'm still learning how to manage the business. Its not just about making money its about sustainable growth," he explained.
Kavi's story is a testament to his perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. What began as a small tea stall has grown into a flourishing business, offering him and his employees a stable livelihood. As he continues to learn and grow, Kavi remains focused on expanding Tea Thambi steadily and sustainably.
"Even if it takes time for the business to grow, that's fine. As long as it grows steadily, that's what matters," Kavi concluded.
His inspiring journey shows how passion and determination can lead to unexpected success even from something as simple as selling tea.
Source: Majoriti
