Pearl D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network

Jan 23: In the ever pervasive virtual era, shrinking gap between computer and human cognition doesn't yet translate into a shrunk gap between humans themselves. Free messaging apps, social-media services, text messages although pride themselves on bringing the globe closer, nurture rapid and shallow conversations. At times, a small glimmer of hope of a true connection is revitalising. One such ray is the recent internet-sensation, female teamaker Uppma Virdi.

The celebrated 'Chai Walli', Uppma Virdi has not only made it big, selling by chai (tea) but has embarked on a journey of connecting people with a perfect blend that can make one nostalgic about their cherished days.

IABCA Business Woman of the Year 2016, remarkable community and business leader, Indian-Australian lawyer, Uppma now 27 is renowned in Australia's Indian community and has stretched beyond homeground to take her endeavour to US and Canada. As a lawyer in a B Corp lawfirm in Australia, she is fully supported and respected by her employer for her Chai enterprise.

Global Chai Party

When Uppma found something 'missing' in her conventional life, a perfect blend of chai solaced her and took her back to her cherished childhood memories and one particularly of her grandfather with his extensive range of tea. During her time in Graz, Austria, where she lived and studied, she shared her chai blend among friends of different nationalities who were drawn to the aroma in her kitchen. A usual sight was of delighted Europeans drinking tea in her kitchen, sharing stories, laughing and connecting. She believed those moments deepened their friendship and earned her the name 'Chai Walli'.

Uppma cherishes chai recipes which she owes to her grandfather,an ayurvedic doctor from Jalandhar, who introduced her to Indian herbs and spices, acquired knowledge of different types of chai, which she uses in her venture. Her 'modernistic' grandfather served tea infused with various herbs to those who visited him for medical help. That was the beginning of the venture. He made blends the conventional way with mortar and pestle.

Tea not only triggered pleasant memories of the past but also acted as a social glue. Uppma also used 'chai' as an element to introduce and connect people to Indian culture. In 2014, she developed her start-up and introduced the perfect cuppa to other tea-lovers in Australia, connecting cultures and people.

"In the Indian culture people come together through tea. Whether it’s a happy occasion or a difficult moment, tea is all pervasive. I tried, but couldn’t find many good tea places in Australia," she told an Australian news channel in an interview.

Unperturbed about entering a market tending towards coffee, she believes as an entrepreneur, she creates her own space for chai lovers where she shares a story and not a product. In the last couple of years, Virdi, has not merely launched her brand Chai Walli (a term for a female tea maker), but has turned it into a lucrative business. She now supplies special Indian tea blend through her online store to shops, outlets in Australia and Malaysia. She has taught the art of perfect chai blends with her workshops.

Chai and Prejudice

Uppma works towards defeating the prejudice against the word 'chaiwala/ chaiwali' and has lauded such professionals' for entrepreneurial skills in spite of formal education.

As a migrant herself, she urged other migrants to integrate their talent, embrace and acknowledge other cultures, and not segregate themselves on the basis of their ethnicity.

Uppma brewed her dadaji's chai blends in her mum's kitchen for family and friends. But ever since her early years, Uppma's mother has been her constant inspiration and mentor. Uppma's mother who although had a conventional arranged married, was determined to work even after marriage and having childeren. She was well ahead of her time in her youth where she wore Jeans and rode bikes, when girls her age dropped out of studies for marriage.

Uppma's biggest influence who works full time even this day, urges women towards careers of their choice and encourages an independent lifestyle.

Uppma notes that the world lacks women entrepreneurs. Most people are hesitant to 'risk' everything they have and have a start-up for which, she suggests them to start small, and emphasises on hard work, research and patience, along with creating one's own path.

As a law-professional, she gives practical and innovative solutions to legal issues for long-term sustanaible growth of the firm. And as a chai enthusiast, she gives similar solutions to social and personal ties, with chai that binds.

Keeping up good success rate, the BossLady from Australia, looks forward to taking her venture to the next level, seeing herself as the 'chai-guru' of the continent in the future, connecting people.