Vivian Mak, the trailblazing founder of MingCha, has single-handedly revolutionized Hong Kong's teahouse culture with her audacious vision and 'mad tea scientist' approach. Transitioning from an artist and housewife to a pioneering force in tea innovation, Vivian's journey is characterized by her unwavering determination to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Despite facing a barrage of skepticism and criticism, she fearlessly embarked on bold experiments, unafraid of failures, as she paired tea with unconventional accompaniments like Spanish ham, Dutch cheeses, and French pastries.

At the core of her success stands MingCha, a signal to her resolute belief in a tea experience that is sophisticated, revolutionary, and, above all, accessible to everyone. Vivian's unyielding commitment to her vision, even in the face of naysayers who doubted her every move, has proven her critics wrong time and time again. Her story transcends the realm of tea; it is a powerful narrative of breaking barriers, defying expectations, and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through her relentless pursuit of innovation, Vivian Mak has emerged as a true visionary, leaving an indelible mark on the world of tea and inspiring others to embrace their own unique visions.

100 Degrees of Confidence

Vivian's journey into the world of tea began unexpectedly when she was tasked with designing Yixing teapots for a friend's tea house. Despite her initial lack of knowledge about brewing or tea and her design failure on the first attempt, it was from this moment onward that she knew she would pursue tea.

Steadfast, she decided that no task was too big for her and resolved to become a tea expert. Her goal was to blend tradition with modernity, redefining the tea experience. Vivian noted that the establishment of MingCha Tea House was driven more by her vision than by a desire to challenge tea culture.

Over the next 20 years, with her vision in mind, she visited tea farms in China, got her hands dirty, and learned everything there is to know about tea. As we sipped tea during the interview, behind her, a shelf filled with hundreds of books about tea was visible, along with a framed picture of her standing next to tea leaves on a farm in rural China. It was clear that she was dedicated to becoming an encyclopedia of all things tea. Now, as the owner of her company, she manages all aspects of her tea: from the growing, roasting, packaging, and brewing times. Through tireless experimentation, she has tea down to a science.

Vivian iterates that this pathway was not easy, and critics were quick to dismiss her new ideas about tea. Their doubt strengthened her resolve, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate that her ideas and concepts could work. She mentions the launch of her Tea Bar at Great Food Hall in 2003. When critics came to express their opinions about the validity of such an idea, Vivian engaged directly with skeptics, using their feedback as a springboard for improvement and innovation. In her tea bar, she invited critics to participate in blind-tasting competitions, showcasing that her tea's quality was superior and used it as an opportunity to educate consumers on why that was.

Vivian also mentions that she was one of the first in the industry to embrace environmental sustainability by choosing eco-friendly packaging materials and setting new industry standards. She ventured into the realm of tea pairing, initially combining Iron Buddha tea with an array of Western snacks in the 2000s. At the time, tea pairing existed only with traditional Chinese snacks like mooncakes or dumplings. This concept evolved to include pairings with other delicacies, such as cheese, chocolates, and pastries, which were once again met with criticism. However, her approach has always been the same: 'Try it before you judge,' and the results speak for themselves.

Beyond these innovations, she is also working on promoting well-being through tea, focusing on holistic health to "keep you happy and healthy." These wellness teas, designed to be your companion throughout the day, aim to ensure you are the most beautiful and sharpest version of yourself through tea's natural relaxing, anti-aging, and antioxidative effects.

It took many years of trial and failure for Vivian to reach the level of tea expert that she has. Despite personal and professional challenges, Vivian's leadership of MingCha through difficult times exemplifies her resilience. Her presence in prestigious venues like Selfridges in London and the Wynn Las Vegas underscores her commitment to excellence and innovation.

Her success with MingCha Tea House highlights her business acumen and dedication to her craft. Despite skepticism, her vision of a tea culture that harmonizes the traditional with the contemporary has been realized and continues to thrive. Vivian is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs; she inspires us all to stay true to one's vision and art, even amidst relentless doubt.

Overcoming Challenges

Staying positive and having resilience in the face of adversity, requires tremendous strength. We asked her how she managed to overcome these challenges; she said from the beginning to now, she has undergone a profound transformation. These challenges instilled in her humility and the ability to live in harmony with life's ups and downs, spreading joy and love. What seemed like insurmountable obstacles have become valuable lessons to her now, shaping her character and business philosophy.

Her renewed approach is evident in her acclaimed tea-tasting classes, which have evolved from intimate gatherings to comprehensive sessions, attracting a diverse audience, including priests, government officials, opera singers, students, and children. Vivian's classes have become a cornerstone of the tea community, celebrated for making tea a universal experience that bridges cultural and social divides. This success underscores her conviction that tea serves as a medium for connection, understanding, and self-exploration.

A pivotal moment came in 2018 when her Taikoo location was slated for demolition, forcing Vivian to confront the failure of her project and relocate. Despite this setback, her unwavering dedication to her craft and belief in her mission helped her navigate these difficult times. Today, Vivian's resilience and commitment have not only helped her surmount adversity but also established her as an influential figure in the tea industry. Her ability to turn challenges into avenues for growth and her passion for sharing the art and culture of tea has inspired many.

Advice for Entrepreneurs from Vivian

Vivian has navigated numerous challenges without ever losing sight of her dreams, always learning from her setbacks and adapting with agility. She shares her wisdom with aspiring entrepreneurs through candid advice:

"Embrace Challenges with Openness and Persistence"

Facing skepticism from various quarters, Vivian's early days with MingCha taught her the value of confronting challenges with an open mind and relentless perseverance. She quotes, "學無前後，達者為先" (there is no first and last in learning, the proficient ones are always the first), highlighting that continuous learning and resilience are crucial for success.

"Cultivate Knowledge and Apply Common Sense"

In a sector dominated by men, Vivian's journey underscores the importance of rigorous learning and the practical application of knowledge. Her experience demonstrates that understanding your craft deeply and learning from every mistake can elevate you beyond traditional benchmarks.

"Innovation Over Convention"

Vivian's remarks on MingCha's packaging reflect her belief in the essence of quality and a comprehensive experience over mere aesthetics. She advocates for challenging the norm, asking critical questions, and innovating to reveal and share the true essence of tea.

"Seize Opportunities with Courage"

Adopting a "Try Everything" approach, Vivian encourages embracing new opportunities without over-analysis. This mindset, she suggests, can lead to unexpectedly positive outcomes and personal growth.

"Self-Acceptance and Prioritizing Happiness"

Reflecting on societal pressures, Vivian emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and finding personal joy. She advises finding a balance between professional endeavors and personal life, highlighting the importance of acknowledging one's self-worth and differences.

"Navigating Identity and Social Preferences"

Discussing her queer identity and social interaction preferences, Vivian stresses the importance of being selectively sociable. She advocates for prioritizing what genuinely matters, suggesting that understanding and valuing one's own needs and preferences are vital for fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres.

A Jasmine Flower Blossoms

Vivian Mak is a true pioneer in the tea industry. Her unique approach to tea's presentation, packaging, and the overall tasting experience has transformed the way tea is appreciated globally. Beyond her contributions to the tea world, Vivian serves as an inspiring figure for women entrepreneurs, embodying the spirit of determination and creativity needed to forge one's path in business.

Her influence is set to persist, with MingCha flourishing under her guidance. Vivian's dedication to excellence and her profound love for tea resonate through MingCha's operations, establishing her as a distinguished figure in the industry. Her efforts have significantly elevated the global stature of tea, making her an esteemed ambassador for its culture and values.

Looking ahead, Vivian's vision and leadership promise to propel MingCha and the tea industry toward further innovation and growth. Her creativity, resilience, and passion inspire us all, and we can't wait to see what she does next.

Text: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos: Raymond Chan, Vivian Mak