Say Hi to Chai Walli Team Member, Samra!

Samra is our ✨admin superstar✨ here at Chai Walli! She's the go-to person for just about everything, from expertly handling all your customer questions and order queries to making sure our events run without a hitch.  

She's also a whiz with numbers, keeping our inventory system spot-on and ensuring all critical orders are processed and dispatched on time. Need supplies? Samra's got it covered, from ordering and managing deliveries to keeping our office and factory stocked. Plus, she helps us plan our monthly packing and blending schedules – talk about multi-talented!

Get to know a little bit more about her beyond the work setting. Do say hi if you get to meet/chat with her in any of our socials! Thank you Samra for keeping us all organised and in check.

What's your personal favorite way to enjoy our chai, and what's one thing you're really passionate about outside of work?

I love my chai thoroughly boiled, it’s the best way to release all the beautiful aromas and really draw out the goodness of the spices. Once it’s brewed just right, I add in milk, a little sugar, and always a couple of extra cardamom pods (I’m a sucker for that soothing aroma!), brew on low heat for a couple minutes and voila!

My go-to Chai Walli mix? It’s 1 tsp of 11 Spice Chai, ½ tsp of CTC, and 2 extra cardamom pods. The perfect combo for a warm mug of yumness. Outside of chai-making, I love getting creative with my hands. I do Henna, Stitching, and Embroidery. It brings me a deep sense of mental peace and joy. There’s something so meditative about it, and it's my favourite way to unwind.

My latest hobby is crochet, which I picked up in 2024 thanks to an awesome YouTube channel. But nothing beats my first love: Henna.

What's a funny or memorable story you have about chai (either making it, drinking it, or a customer interaction)?

Back in 2021, I was running my own homemade food business in Dubai, cooking up comforting, flavour-packed meals straight from my kitchen. One day, my husband casually took some of my chai to work in a thermos , no big deal (or so we thought).

Turns out… it was a big deal. His colleagues tried it and absolutely loved it. Like, really loved it. Soon, they started placing unofficial "chai orders" with him and sending their own thermoses and asking if I could fill them up for office breaks, weekend picnics, and even birthday parties. Before I knew it, my chai was making the rounds at every outing.

What started as one humble cup turned into a mini chai movement, all by word of mouth, one sip at a time.

What's a small, everyday moment working here that brings you joy, and how did you start working for Chai Walli?

I joined Chai Walli about six months ago after spotting an ad on Facebook. I sent an email to Uppma, and before I knew it, I was stepping into my very first job ever! Before this, I was focused on giving time to my family, so getting this opportunity meant a lot. The whole has been so kind and supportive throughout the whole process. From the very first day, literally from the moment I walked in for my interview, I was completely drawn in.

The smell of chai brewing, the sticky chai and chai syrup bubbling away... the whole place smelled like heaven. Honestly, it still gets me every time. It’s one of my favourite little moments here, just standing in that aroma. Pure bliss! But it’s not just the chai that makes Chai Walli special. It’s the people. Everyone here is so genuinely kind, supportive, and warm. It really feels like a little family. We all look out for one another, and that kind of work environment makes such a difference.

We’re all missing Uppma while she’s on maternity leave, but we’re so happy for her and hope she’s soaking up all the precious moments with her beautiful new bub. Working at Chai Walli has given me a new rhythm, a space to channel my energy, and a team I’m truly grateful to be part of.

And the chai? Well, that’s just the (perfectly brewed) icing on the cake.

What's one thing you're currently learning or trying to get better at in your own life?

Right now, I’m really focused on learning to live more minimally, both mentally and physically. I’ve realized how much clutter, whether it’s physical items or overwhelming thoughts, can weigh you down. So, I’m trying to simplify things in my life and decluttering my space while also taking time to clear my mind.

What's a simple pleasure in your day that always makes you smile?

Nothing makes me smile more than hearing the sound of my kids’ laughter and chatter. Their energy is infectious, and no matter what’s going on around me, their joy always lifts my spirits.