Meet Faryal Ahmed

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Faryal Ahmed. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Faryal, thank you so much for joining us and opening up about the very personal topic of divorce. So many in the community are going through or have gone through divorce and we think hearing about how others dealt with the aftermath and managed to build a vibrant, successful life and career despite the trauma of divorce can be helpful to many who might be feeling a degree of hopelessness. So, maybe you can talk to us about how you overcame divorce?

I’m so glad you asked this question because not many people know the deep connection between my divorce, chai, and the creation of Chai Street & Co.! I’ve come to see divorce not as an end, but as a pivotal moment that really shaped who I am today. During the process of rebuilding my life, I immersed myself in personal development and explored what I truly wanted for my future, both individually and in a partnership. Initially, I felt like I had failed, but I was fortunate to have an incredibly supportive network that empowered me to take control of my healing journey in a positive way. Unlike many South Asian families, mine prioritized my happiness over the “log kya kehenge” (what will people say) mentality.

Going through a divorce is never easy, but after hearing many horror stories, I’m grateful that ours was amicable, and we parted on good terms. Looking back, one of the most surprising aspects of my journey was how therapeutic chai became for me during that time. It brought warmth and comfort to my evenings and became a small yet significant part of my self-care routine, which included reading self-help books, journaling, and therapy. Sharing my vulnerability on Instagram during this period was incredibly healing, and I was touched by the love and support I received from the online community.

This whole experience allowed me to embrace my individuality, who I wanted to be going forward, and how I showed up for people in my life. Who knew inviting friends over to sit on my blue couch and handing them a cup of chai to talk about life’s challenges would eventually lead to me starting a whole chai venture? This journey truly taught me how even the toughest challenges we face in life can lead to the most rewarding experiences, and for me, Chai Street & Co. is living proof of that.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I started Chai Street & Co. as a fun side hustle, to bring authentic Pakistani chai to my community in North Carolina. We kicked off by clarifying the “chai tea” misconception (it’s just chai!). Everyone’s first sip has kept us going and now we’ve expanded to even more beverages beyond chai that people also love!

Chai Street & Co. has always been about more than just chai. It’s not just a quick stop; it’s a place to gather, stay awhile, and experience the warmth of Pakistani hospitality, where saying goodbye doesn’t necessarily mean leaving right away! We wanted to create a space where people could relax, connect, and feel a sense of home through our ‘hug in a mug’.

Reflecting on our journey, I never imagined we would achieve so much a year in. We’ve hosted over 40 pop-ups, collaborated with countless partners, and brought our chai experience to 6 states, 4 food festivals, and 3 restaurant takeovers. Winning two pitch competitions in six months was a significant milestone, one of which led to our very own week-long storefront in Manhattan, New York! We’re operating full-time in North Carolina and the New York-New Jersey area, fulfilling catering orders and planning our next steps as we find our forever home. One of our coolest experiences was when we were invited to the Empire State Building for a pop-up with LinkedIn and Microsoft!

This journey has been thrilling, exhausting, and full of chaos, with nights where I barely got 2-3 hours of sleep. But every bit of it has been absolutely worth it. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes—physical labor, sacrifices, and countless hours—that people don’t see. But those efforts have brought this dream to life, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s next!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I can’t say this enough, but connecting with your customers and building community is one of the best things you can do for your business. That personal connection goes a long way in building loyalty, especially in times when people crave human interaction. Taking a few extra minutes to get to know each customer shows you value them individually. Simple gestures—like remembering someone’s favorite order or a detail they’ve shared—create familiarity and make them feel appreciated. In turn, these connections transform a one-time visit into a lasting relationship with your brand.

Consistency is key to keeping customers coming back and making your brand memorable. When people know they’ll get the same great chai, vibe, and friendly service every time, it builds comfort and trust. This reliability shows customers they can always count on the quality, and that kind of trust creates loyal fans. By delivering a consistently enjoyable service, you’re not just serving a drink—you’re creating an experience.

Lastly, never sacrifice quality; it is the foundation of your brand and helps distinguish you from other brands. By consistently delivering high-quality products or services, you create a reputation that speaks for itself. Customers appreciate the attention to detail and this helps build brand loyalty. Just think of it this way, in a world full of choices, your special touch of quality can be what makes your brand unforgettable.

I was often told in my journey that in business there is no heart or compassion if you want to be successful. However, I would disagree and that is my advice – build your business around compassion and hospitality. Put your personal touch in it because that is something nobody else can replicate.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We’re always open to collaborations and partnerships because we believe they’re a meaningful extension of community beyond just our customers. Partnering with brands allows us to connect with others who share our passion and values, creating unique experiences that go beyond a simple transaction. This is a new journey for us, and we’ve learned that there’s definitely a learning curve—especially when it comes to managing logistics and expectations.

If you’re a content creator, event organizer, specialty market, cafe, or like-minded brand — please reach out by emailing us at chaistreetco@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @chaistreet.co

Share your vision with us and let’s brew something special together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Ammad Quraishi

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