An Exclusive Women’s Day Interview with Winnie Chen
In celebration of Women’s Day, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Winnie Chen, Co-founder, Bubble N Tea, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Bubble N Tea. As a third-generation Chinese woman in India, Winn has carved a niche for herself in the competitive F&B industry, overcoming gender biases and societal expectations.
From facing initial challenges as a woman entrepreneur to building a successful brand, Winn shares her journey, advice for aspiring businesswomen, and how her cultural background shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. Her story is one of resilience, confidence, and breaking stereotypes—offering invaluable lessons for women everywhere who dare to dream big.
Here’s what she had to say about her entrepreneurial experience, challenges, and triumphs!
As a woman entrepreneur, what challenges did you face while setting up Bubble N Tea, and how did you overcome them?
As a passionate and determined entrepreneur, I’ve always been hands-on in building Bubble N Tea. While I have a wonderful and enthusiastic team, one of the challenges I faced early on was dealing with suppliers. Often, when I placed orders or negotiated deals, they would look for approval from an older person or a male figure, assuming I wasn’t the decision-maker. It took time and persistence to break that perception, but standing my ground and proving my capabilities helped overcome this hurdle.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs who want to start their own business but are hesitant to take the leap?
Believe in yourself and don’t seek validation from others. If you have the passion, skills, and drive to start something of your own, don’t let doubts hold you back. The biggest regret is not trying, so take that leap of faith and give your dreams a chance. Confidence is key!
Being a third-generation Chinese woman in India, did your cultural background influence your approach to entrepreneurship? If so, how?
Absolutely! Growing up, I watched my parents and grandparents approach everything—whether small daily tasks or major decisions—with meticulous attention to detail. This mindset has been deeply ingrained in me, shaping the way I run my business. The discipline and precision I learned from them have played a huge role in building Bubble N Tea and my other ventures.
Women often face societal expectations when pursuing unconventional careers. How did you navigate these pressures while building your business?
For me, societal expectations never became a roadblock because I had a strong support system. My parents, family, business partners, and friends have always encouraged me, allowing me to focus on my goals without external pressures weighing me down. Having the right people around you makes all the difference.
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