We had the good fortune of connecting with Faryal Ahmed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Faryal, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When you finally find something you’re passionate about it becomes hard not to want to take it to the next level. I personally still struggle with this even now and can see the effects it has had on my personal life and health even though I was once known as the self-care queen. Here’s the thing about balance — struggling is okay. There’s a big value add if we can take the punches as they come, but also with just being flexible if things aren’t going the way as planned. After all, we are humans, and being mindful that this is a continuous journey is key to long-term success. My advice is to make sure you have a great support system of family, friends, or cats that you can lean on when you need them.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Chai Street & Co., our core values are centered around community and connection. I am often filled with so much joy when someone tells me how our chai reminds them of home. Honestly, everyone’s first sip is why we do what we do. I believe what sets us apart is how we aim to offer personalized customer service infused with Pakistani hospitality and so much pyaar (love)!

Our ability to keep changing things up with our specialty chai beverages while being able to cater to all ages has been a super fun experience as a creator! Thanks to our first customer during our NYC pop-up cafe we now have dairy-free options available for our Chai Street neighbors. Recently for AAPI month, I took my foodie role model’s, Bad Oven, ube jam to create an iced Ube chai named Purple Power for a Star Wars-themed vendor market and our first pop-up cafe in LA during Memorial Day weekend!

Hosting our pop-up series and doing restaurant takeovers at Pineapple Sol elevates our business to the next level because we’re more than just a chai pop-up — we are an immersive experience for the community! I have to give a shoutout to Aleena for putting her trust in me with letting me use Pineapple Sol. Our first restaurant takeover was a huge learning experience and had a bunch of challenges. If it weren’t for my friends volunteering their time — we would have had 60+ unhappy customers. This journey taught me the importance of organization and structure in navigating the complexities of running a business. Running a business is not just about vibes and a good time — you have permits you have to take care of, there has to be a plan you follow, and lastly the biggest thing is making sure you stick to your vision. Very thankful to everyone who is still here behind the scenes and the folks who keep coming back to enjoy the next experience!

I want to leave the readers with one thing — You are your brand so make sure you leave them with something intangible because how we make others feel through our product, services, or interaction will always be remembered. It’s the biggest gift we can give. Whether you find us at a pop-up or book us for an event we are always going to give exceptional customer service, great chai, and finish it with a personal touch! Behind the scenes, we work hard to provide a clever chai pun or positive affirmation on each cup. This is just our way to hopefully spark some joy in your day!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Here’s your revised text with grammar corrections and improved readability:

I absolutely love selling North Carolina to people and encouraging them to move here! The beauty of living in the Triangle is the ease of access to both mountains and beaches for quick getaways. Additionally, you can explore local hidden gems or relax in the many parks. It never gets old! Fun fact: There was a time when people would ask me for itineraries so they could show their friends or loved ones around town.

First things first—food! The food scene here is expanding, and I’m excited about all the developments happening in the next few years. Brunch would 100% be at Press Coffee + Crepes in Durham. The place’s aesthetic and amazing food make it a standout, especially since it’s always packed! I’m thrilled that they’re opening a location in Raleigh soon! Afterwards, we’d burn off the calories with an activity. My top two choices are usually ParTee Shack or BoxCar Arcade. This is where my competitive side comes out! I also love shaking things up and getting people out of their usual routines, which means bringing out the inner child in them. Later, I like to wind down by taking them to a park in Cary where we can hang out and enjoy nature before stopping at my place for everyone to say hello to my cat, Katniss. My living area is my happy place, and I’ve spent a lot of time making it cozy—a true haven for homebodies, but also the best 2 am conversations with friends.

Other key spots that I take people to include a bookstore in Chapel Hill called Epilogue, a bakery in Cary named La Farm, and a hidden burger spot called Sultan’s Deli in Apex. I love not being so type-A with my itineraries because you never know what you might find on the way to a spot so there’s always room to add stuff!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to dedicate this shoutout to all the friends who have helped me behind the scenes with building Chai Street & Co., not taking much credit, and ensuring the Pakistani touch I wanted to provide was met at every experience. Honestly dealing with me can be a lot sometimes so this one is for all the friends and family being there for me to see this dream come to life. I really wouldn’t be here without any of them. I also want to take a minute to recognize that not everyone will believe in you and that is okay! Prove them wrong and keep pushing forward!

Finding great mentors can be tough since building that trust with them is key! My mentor, Matt through the LaunchApex program has been a fantastic person to bounce how I want to run my business model along with helping me stay on the right path and focused. He’s introduced me to some great people that has led to even more connections.

Lastly and most importantly, I want to thank all the women behind me who helped raise me, especially my grandma–we honor her through our core values at Chai Street & Co. because if there’s anything I learned from her it’s bringing people together.

Website: https://chaistreet.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaistreet.co/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chaistreetco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Chai-Street-Co/100094645092235/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chai-street-and-co-raleigh

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chaistreet.co

Image Credits
Parasol Projects, Ammad Quraishi

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