Uppma Virdi is an Indian lawyer based in Sydney and an avid chai lover. She is currently making waves all over with her love for the hot beverage. Uppma was always interested in spreading her Indian culture and wanted everyone to reap the benefits of her roots, so the 26-year-old set up a ‘chai’ business and it eventually took her places.

Saturday late night #chaiwalli duties at a family partay! We love making chai for the people that love drinking it ❤️? #poppinbottles #dranks #lit #teaparty

A photo posted by Chai Walli (@chai_walli) on Oct 8, 2016 at 5:12am PDT

She was recently awarded the title of the “Business woman of the year” at the Indian Australian Business and Community Awards (IABCA) 2016.

Thanks to our friends at @sbs_australia for writing a kick ass article on #chaiwalli and our recent achievement at the Indian Business Community Awards!  Have a read over a cup of chai ☕️ Link in our bio ??#sbs #businesswoman #award

A photo posted by Chai Walli (@chai_walli) on Nov 1, 2016 at 1:55am PDT

The secret of her blends lie in the recipes and knowledge of herbs that were passed down by her grandparents. In an interview, Virdi explained that it wasn’t easy, this transition of a lawyer turning into a ‘chai’ wali business woman. “My parents and family were totally against it. They asked why I wanted to be a tea seller. I said I wanted to show that tea sellers can do something. All the chaiwalas and chaiwalis in India are doing something entrepreneurial. Even if they are not well-educated, at least they have a business spirit”.

Happy Chaiday ?? The #chaiwalli ladies were repping at the @finefoodexpo! We are the chai crusaders + we are on a mission to bring you the ultimate chai experience! ❤️?? Hope you chai lovers have an epic weekend ? #chai  #mission #realdeal #melbourne

A photo posted by Chai Walli (@chai_walli) on Sep 15, 2016 at 10:46pm PDT

She often holds workshops called “The Art Of Chai” and helps people learn how to be a brew master.  She is a living example of “do what your heart desires”.

MUM, WE'RE IN THE PAPERS AGAIN! Thanks to Indian Link who wrote a chailicious article about us in their newspaper ❤️ Link in bio! Enjoy + Happy Chaiday! ? #chaiwalli #livingthechailyf #press #newspaper #melbournechai #feature

A photo posted by Chai Walli (@chai_walli) on Sep 1, 2016 at 5:55pm PDT