Happi Tea, a vibrant and youthful F&B brand, has been dedicated to infusing joy into every sip since its inception in 2017 in Saigon. With an impressive footprint, the brand has grown to operate a wide-reaching network of 130 stores spanning 33 provinces across Vietnam. At the heart of Happi Tea’s mission lies the commitment to bringing happiness to people’s lives, achieved through a delightful assortment of tea-based offerings. These include indulgent milk teas, invigorating fruit teas, and an array of other delightful beverages that cater to various tastes and preferences. Lets find out more about the young and bring mind behind the success of HAPPI TEA from LY TAN TAI the Co – Founder & CEO.
1. How did you enter the franchise business?
I had a passion for entrepreneurship and a burning desire to build something bigger than myself. When I started my own business, I also discovered the world of franchising from the book of my mentor, Ms. Phi.
It was like finding the missing puzzle piece that perfectly fits into our vision of business growth and success. I saw the potential to leverage proven business models, tap into established brand recognition, and collaborate with a network of like-minded individuals. So, I took the plunge and immersed myself in the franchise business, ready to embark on this exciting adventure.
2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?
The idea behind our concept came to life in 2017 when we recognized a gap in the market for quality milk tea products, especially in small provinces and cities where options were limited. We saw an opportunity to provide safe and delicious milk tea options. Through a combination of market research, and creative brainstorming, we developed a concept that focused on delivering exceptional customer service, food safety, and a unique milk tea experience.
We want to bring joy to every sip of tea.
3. What inspired the brand name?
Happi Tea derives its brand name from the word “happiness” and aims to spread joy and positivity to customers and franchise partners alike. By providing an effective and sustainable business model, Happi Tea strives to bring a happy life to potential partners. The name reflects our commitment to creating a harmonious and fulfilling experience for franchisees, enabling them to thrive and financial success. Happi Tea goes beyond traditional franchising by fostering a partnership that prioritizes happiness, success, and a fulfilling lifestyle for both customers and franchise partners. It’s a brand dedicated to spreading happiness through its products and business opportunities.
4. What is the story behind the brand’s logo?
happiness and delight experienced when savoring a cup of milk tea from our brand. The baby deer represents innocence, and a playful spirit, symbolizing the joyful experience our customers have when they come to us. The cup of milk tea in its tiny hands reinforces the central focus of our brand while evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. Our logo embodies the message that happiness is found in every sip of our milk tea.
5. What makes your brand different from your competitors?
With our mission to Spread Happiness, we differentiate ourselves in several ways. Firstly, we prioritize health and wellness, offering a range of products that promote well-being without compromising on taste. Secondly, our brand fosters strong community engagement and involvement, creating a sense of belonging and connection. Lastly, we provide comprehensive support and partnership to our franchisees, ensuring their success and growth. These aspects, combined with our commitment to exceptional quality and customer service, set us apart in the market.
6. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?
We seek individuals who embody essential qualities: 1. Passion and Commitment.
2. Business Acumen: the ability to make strategic decisions, manage finances, and implement effective operational practices.
3. Leadership Skills: effectively manage their team, motivate employees, and foster a positive work environment.
4. Customer Focus: Franchisees must prioritize exceptional customer service and have a genuine desire to meet and exceed customer expectations. 5. Finally, alignment with Company Values.
7. How long does it take, on average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?
On average, our franchisees typically realize their investment within a timeframe of 12-16 months. We are proud to share that our best-performing franchise partner was able to recoup their investment in just 4 months after opening their store.
It brings us great satisfaction to see our franchisees achieve financial milestones quickly and experience the rewards of their investment.
8. What was the major challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
Throughout my career, one major challenge I encountered was finding franchisees who aligned with our company’s values and shared our vision. It was crucial to identify like-minded business people who would embrace our system, commit to our standards, and embody our brand culture.
However, we learned from the failures, each setback became an opportunity for growth and improvement. My team and I came together, analyzing the failures, and developing new standards and strategies to prevent similar missteps in the future. This experience has reinforced the importance of choosing the franchisees that best align with our values.
8.1 What is your best achievement?
One of my greatest achievements is the successful growth and expansion of our franchise network. With a total of 135 stores owned by 50 franchise partners. The fact that our partners own, on average, more than 2 stores each, with many having 4 stores, is a testament to the effectiveness of our business model. This achievement showcases the trust and confidence our franchise partners have in our brand and validates the scalability and profitability of our concept.
9. How does your business day start?
My business day begins with fostering a positive and energetic atmosphere by meeting and greeting my staff. We share joys and create a sense of engagement. Following that, I review sales reports and assess departmental performance to gain insights into our progress. And this information helps me identify areas of improvement and formulate strategies. I proceed to plan and prioritize tasks, ensuring that we stay focused and aligned with our goals throughout the day.
10. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?
The best moment throughout my franchise career was witnessing the achievements of my franchisees after three years of working together. It went beyond financial success and personal growth, and the positive impact they made on their families and communities. And I was in tears at that moment.
11. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I envision our brand as a standout player in the milk tea industry, recognized for our innovation, exceptional customer experience, and positive community impact. We will expand our presence both nationally and internationally, capitalizing on the digital age to enhance customer experiences and personalize interactions. Through our commitment to innovation, quality, and social responsibility, we will establish our brand as a leader.
12. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?
I have a truth:
The most crucial aspect of the franchise industry is the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee. Prioritize building a strong and collaborative relationship with your franchisor, based on trust, open communication, and mutual support. A healthy franchise relationship leads to effective collaboration, shared goals, and a higher likelihood of success. Regularly engage with the franchisor, seek their guidance, and actively participate in franchisee network activities. Nurturing this relationship will pave the way for a fruitful and rewarding journey in the franchise industry.
Source: TheFranchiseTalk
