“I grew up in Saudi Arabia, but I discovered bubble tea when I visited my extended family in the Philippines. I ended up going to school in the Philippines to get my nursing degree and that’s where I really fell in love with bubble tea. There is just something so unique about it...it’s like eating and drinking at the same time."

“Moving here was hard because all of my friends were back home, and everyone I met here already had their own group of friends. I was without friends and working hard as a nurse, so one of the first things I did was look for bubble tea to bring me some comfort. At that time there was only one place and it was a bit far from where I lived. That’s when I started to think that having my own bubble tea shop would be a great idea.

It took me at least two solid years to feel settled in America. I wasn’t talking much at first — mainly because I was just trying to feel people out, and getting to know the environment. I’d say I’m more of a listener now. I’m constantly learning about life here."

"When the opportunity popped up to open my own bubble tea shop, I just had to jump on it. Opening the business was risky, for many reasons. For one, English is not my first language. With my staff here, I say stuff sometimes that they just don’t understand … it’s definitely a bit of a barrier, but fortunately they are patient with me."

"A big part of my passion for this business is bringing Asian culture to the people of Baltimore. It’s risky because sometimes people don’t want to try new things.  I’ve just seen bubble tea bring people so much joy so I’m hopeful more and more people will share that experience.”