555 Tea
A boba shop started from my dorm room, bringing authentic, homemade Thai milk tea to Notre Dame.
The Origin Story
What started as a simple craving for authentic Thai milk tea turned into a thriving dorm room business. Using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients imported from Thailand, we crafted a product that delights the Notre Dame community.
The Journey
Learning the Craft
- Spent months perfecting the tea brewing process
- Experimented with different tapioca pearl recipes
- Developed a streamlined production system
Building the Business
- Created a brand identity and menu design
- Set up a pre-order system via Instagram
- Forged a partnership with another student-run startup to provide delivery anywhere on campus
Growing the Community
- Built a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth
- Hosted boba tasting sessions
- Collaborated with student organizations for events
The Impact
555 Tea has become more than just a business – it is a community hub that brings people together over their love for boba. The experience taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, operations management, and the power of creating authentic experiences.