When the COVID-19 pandemic first began, people were forced into social isolation. However, many people took the opportunity to discover or further expand their passions. That was exactly what led to the creation of Milpitas High alumnus Brandyn Huynh’s tea business.
After months of planning, Huynh, who graduated from MHSin 2021,opened his online exclusive, “B’s Premium Teas” on Oct. 15, Huynh said . The small business currently features one beverage: his homemade Premium Green Tea. It is his “proprietary blend of green tea leaves. All teas are sweetened with raw sugar and topped off with chia seeds,” Huynh said. Each tea costs $7 and comes in a reusable glass bottle with a sticker of his logo.
Tea has always been a part of Brandyn’s life. He said his dad would take him to Tapioca Express every weekend when he was a kid, and that’s where his passion for tea began. His enjoyment of tea led to him brewing and selling his own variations to fellow students and teachers in high school. After receiving genuine appreciation from customers, Huynh said he eventually built up the courage to launch “B’s Premium Teas.”
“The feedback there was generally positive, and it encouraged me to think beyond having a side hustle,” Huynh said. “I dreamed of opening up a small business someday, so I’m glad I’m one step closer in reaching that goal.”
Huynh faced difficulties when starting up his business. He said it was difficult finding an affordable bottle supplier for his tea, which postponed his original launch date in August to October. Luckily, he was able to partner with “ecoü,” who produces sustainable straws and glass bottles; they are a female-owned business whose mission is to make the world more eco-friendly, Huynh said. Another challenge he faced was perfecting the tea itself. He experimented with countless brews and recipes, and dafter multiple trials and taste testings with friends, was able to reach his ideal concoction, he said.
Huynh currently works at iTea and studies business administration atSan Jose City College. He is also an avid blogger and community service advocate. His website features all of his articles, projects, and an online shop for “B’s Premium Teas.” He writes about his passions, important issues, and advice for community college transfer students. Huynh and his team organize volunteer events for high schoolers to assemble care packages for the less fortunate in the San Jose area.
“It was my own decision to pursue community college during decision season,” Huynh said. “I created my blog to help aid transfer students and their process in navigating through community college while documenting my own experience.”
Brandyn said customers seem to be satisfied with “B’s Premium Tea,”; it sold out completely at the first opening. The tea is light and refreshing, but still has a deep taste of green tea, while the chia seeds offer texture to the beverage, customer Sydney Hoang said in an interview. Delivery is straight to your door and super fast, Hoang added.
“The platform that Brandyn has built for himself is beyond impressive,” Hoang said. “He has done so many things to help the community from charity to just sharing well-developed advice to students. Through the years I have known him, I have come to greatly respect him as a mentor and a friend” she added.
“B’s Premium Teas” hopes to offer more flavors in the future, Huynh said. He plans to announce his next batch of tea for sale on his Instagram, @brandynlehuynh. As an alumnus that has experienced the full ups and downs of high school, Huynh advised students to slow down a little.
“For those who are reading; live more in the present,” Huynh said. “I forgot to enjoy some important moments that I should have had in high school. Have more faith in yourself and in your journey. Everything works itself out eventually.”