From Zero to Hero and now Starbucks of Tea

From Zero to Hero: How CHAGEE's Founder Turned Chinese Culture into a Global Dream

What if you started with nothing, no wealth, no powerful connections, and little education, but dared to build a global brand?

That is the inspiring story of Zhang Junjie (张俊杰), founder of CHAGEE (霸王茶姬).

His journey was far from easy. His parents died, and he left school at 10. Zhang entered the workforce young. He started in the tea industry at the frontline, learning how to prepare drinks, serve customers, sweep the floors and operate stores.

But he had a dream far bigger than selling tea.

Why could coffee become a global lifestyle through Starbucks, while Chinese tea, with thousands of years of history, could not achieve the same?

In 2017, he founded CHAGEE in Yunnan, China.

Instead of simply copying conventional bubble tea brands, Zhang drew inspiration from Chinese culture, opera, history and the centuries-old tradition of tea drinking.

His ambition was bold: Bring Chinese tea culture to the world.

But the journey was not without setbacks.

In Singapore, CHAGEE's earlier franchise operations, which started in 2019, ended in a dispute and separation in January 2024. Twelve outlets were closed and rebranded by the former local operator to Amps Tea.

For many businesses, that could have meant giving up on Singapore, its 2nd overseas business after Malaysia. The setback became an opportunity to rethink the business model.

But CHAGEE returned on 9 August 2024 with a different approach, operating its own stores and rebuilding its presence. Today, Chagee Singapore has 56 outlets, with a flagship store at Vivo City.

And he succeeded in building a remarkable global business. By April 2025, CHAGEE had listed on Nasdaq, with nearly 6,700 teahouses worldwide and an initial stock-market valuation of approximately US$6.2 billion.

But Zhang's greatest achievement is not simply creating a multibillion-dollar company.

He turned something deeply Chinese, tea, heritage and cultural identity, into a dream the world could share.

His story reminds us of 3 Love Intelligence values:

Care: He cared about culture and tea.

Courage: He is courageous to treat setbacks as lessons, not the end of the journey.

Connection: He connected hearts by building something that can touch people across cultures.

So, what about your dream?

Zhang Junjie reminds us that where we begin does not have to determine where we finish.

You may start with nothing. But you do not have to end with nothing.

Don't wait until everything is perfect.

Start learning. Start building. Start pursuing the dream that matters to you.

From Zero to Hero begins with one decision: Dare to dream, and dare to act.

Zhang Junjie started with tea. What will you start with?

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