We were lucky to catch up with Timothy Maikeo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Timothy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I grew up in the fast pace restaurant life, and when we sold the shop in 2005, I knew we had to bring the flavors back. For years, it was a dream of ours open and be a part of street fair or night market event. Just watching the event unfold is truly amazing. Coming from a brick and mortar, I knew the pop-up would required more physical labor compared to just turning a key and switching on the light.
So…. we started real small, a simple Thai Tea. Branding was my main focus at first. Without banding, the business could possibly fail. Slowly equipment started showing up and collecting dust.
I was eager to start but at the same time worried. (3 months later) One day I woke up and created a emoji logo and stated we are open, and taking orders. It was kinda a perfect timing, the out-break of COVID sort of helped small businesses. The only item on the menu, Thai Tea. Prepackaged in 16 ounce re-usable bags. We also provided BOYB, bring your own bottle and we would fill your container/bottle. Of course that is no longer available but we had to brand. We were hand delivering an offering local pick up. It was an amazing feeling.
Of course what business goes without some negative feedback but we learned and push thru. From there on, we knew we had to add boba.
First, our boba was packed into 3 ounce cups and the guest can add their own boba to their liking, like a build our own Thai Tea boba pouch. Thereafter the menu expanded and the set up. Starting from a street vendor hand shaving the ice for Halo Halo and Melon to joining our first market in Downtown LA called FilledMarket. Having the routine market really helped us expand.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Quality over quantity is our motto.
Maggie and I both worked in the restaurant industry, so we understand customer service. We ensure our customers are satisfied before they leave our booth. Creating that perfect combo. Providing flavors from sweet to savory.
At our shop, we use real ingredients with all our drinks and street food items.
Using the best products we can source.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Starting a business is not short of cheap. There are a lot of permits / fees not mentioned with starting the business, but this should not hinder anyone’s dream. We have all seen street vendors that may or may not be fully permitted. I can tell you 100%, I was not for some time.
There has to be a stepping stone at some point. First get the BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate), sellers permit and insurance. Then form some legal for protection such as LLC. Try to minimize interest funding (credit card, loans, etc) and us passive funding when possible. This is why we started small, we only purchased equipment that we can buy out or second hand. We knew that starting a business with an overhead to not a good way to start. But with the help from friends and other vendors it started to get easier. We are all here to make it a living, but dont start without a plan.
Stayed tuned, we are now looking for a location.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
To be honest, the best source is just product quality. We are truly honored with our frequent clients whom follow us to all our markets up and down Southern California, you are the real supporter.
Marketing and being mobile helps expand to new clients. I know routine markets are key, but trust, mobility, and frequency is key for new and returning guests.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.timsthaitea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tims_thaitea/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tim-s-thai-tea-san-fernando-6
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tims_thaitea
Image Credits
1) Halo Halo 2) Taro/ Ube Shake 3) Thai Tea Boba Pouch 4) Kwek Kwek & Lobster Balls 5) Kwek Kwek 6) Thai Coffee/ Thai Milk Tea/ Thai Tea