At 27 years old, Kavievanan Subramaniam is stirring up the local beverage scene with his RM1 masala tea, transforming a modest bicycle-based operation into a thriving business empire worth RM100,000 a month. Known for his tenacity, this mechanical engineering graduate from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) has built Tea Thambi, a brand that now operates two cafes and five stalls in Kuala Lumpur.
With a team of 17 employees, Tea Thambi serves up to 3,000 cups of masala tea, coffee, and ginger tea daily, alongside traditional Malaysian snacks like vadai and curry puffs. But Kavievanan’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly in 2020 with an initial investment of just RM500 and a lot of determination.
Pedaling Towards a Dream
In July 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Kavievanan faced the challenge many graduates experienced—finding employment. After months of job hunting with little success, he decided to take a bold step and turn his passion for tea into a business. Armed with his mother’s cherished masala tea recipe, he attached a water dispenser to his bicycle and hit the streets of Brickfields, cycling 10 kilometers each day to sell tea for just RM1 a cup.
Initially, business was slow, with fewer than 100 cups sold daily. But Kavievanan’s focus on perfecting his brew and listening to customer feedback soon paid off. His tea gained popularity, and he began to attract a loyal customer base. Within a year, the business had grown enough to open a stall and hire staff, proving that dedication and hard work can yield remarkable results.
Resilience Through Challenges
Kavievanan’s journey has not been without obstacles. In the early days, he faced skepticism from his family, particularly his parents, who had hoped he would pursue a more conventional career. “I was nervous to tell my parents I wanted to sell tea,” Kavievanan recalls. “But once they saw my passion, they became my biggest supporters. My mother even shared her secret recipe with me.”
Even the unpredictable Malaysian weather couldn’t stop Kavievanan from pedaling forward. Rain or shine, he cycled around Brickfields with his trusty umbrella attached to his bike, knowing that the cooler weather would likely boost his tea sales. “Rainy days are perfect for selling hot tea,” he says. “I’d park near bus stops and train stations, where people were happy to have something warm to drink.”
From Streets to Success
Kavievanan’s story quickly spread, particularly on social media, drawing even more customers. What started with a single bicycle evolved into a business that now serves thousands of cups a day. Today, Tea Thambi operates five stalls and two cafes across the city, offering not only tea but also a range of coffee, snacks, and classic Malaysian favorites. His business now generates RM100,000 a month, a far cry from the RM1 per cup he started with.
The secret to his success? Besides the quality of his tea, Kavievanan credits his innovative approach to business and his ability to adapt to the market. He began taking orders via WhatsApp and, with the help of his childhood friend, Arvind Ratna Kumar, expanded to new locations like Masjid Jamek and Masjid India. “Arvind has been my rock,” Kavievanan says. “He believed in this dream from day one and has been there every step of the way.”
Brewing a Future
Looking ahead, Kavievanan has big dreams for Tea Thambi. He plans to open more cafes across Malaysia and is exploring the possibility of launching a bottled version of his famous masala tea. “It’s amazing to think that something I started with a bicycle has grown into this,” he reflects. “I want to keep innovating and sharing my love for tea with more people.”
What started as a young man’s response to a tough job market has turned into an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and passion. From cycling the streets of Kuala Lumpur to running a tea empire, Kavievanan Subramaniam’s journey is proof that with hard work and dedication, even the smallest beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
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