Behind every cup of Chado is a story shaped by passion, creativity, and care. Behind the Brand: The Women of Chado shines a light on five women whose work and perspectives help bring Chado to life each day. From preserving tradition to shaping the future of the brand, these women play an essential role in creating the experiences, rituals, and moments our customers have come to love.

Bianca

Chado has been part of my life since before I was born. Some of my earliest memories are tied to the scent of warm scones, toasted bread, and the unmistakable aroma of teas you could only find in our tea rooms. As the daughter of the owners, my childhood revolved around the rhythm of the restaurants. Summers weren't always vacations, they were spent working the floor, learning the flow, and absorbing the details that make Chado what it is.

I started by bussing tables and waitressing, learning the business from the ground up. Over time, that foundation turned into a deeper understanding of our customers, our brand, and our potential. Today, I lead strategy and marketing for the tea rooms, carrying forward what my parents built while shaping where we go next. Some paths are chosen & this one felt like the most natural progression for me.

I have tasted every tea on our menu, but the one that holds a special place for me is St. Marc. It's a beautiful black tea that transforms when you add milk, opening into notes of berries and cream. Comforting but refined. It feels like home, but elevated.

Zee

I’m Zee, the Director of Brand Strategy at Chado Tea. I grew up in India, where tea is more than a drink, it’s part of everyday life. Some of my earliest memories involve the familiar ritual of chai being brewed in the kitchen, filling the house with the aroma of spices and bringing people together throughout the day.

When I began working with Chado, I saw tea from a completely new perspective. What started as a professional opportunity gradually became an important part of my own journey. Through the years, working alongside the team and experiencing the tea firsthand, I’ve come to appreciate how tea can create moments of connection, curiosity, and hospitality.

Today, I focus on helping shape how the Chado brand continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. From developing new ideas and experiences to finding new ways to share our story and grow the brand beyond tea, I enjoy being part of the journey that brings Chado’s heritage and vision to life.

While I’ve had the chance to taste many teas along the way, the one I reach for most often is Reena’s Masala Chai. Its blend of warming spices feels both nostalgic and grounding, a cup that reminds me of home while also reflecting the journey that led me here.

Siobhán

If you had told my younger self that I’d one day be working in the world of tea, I probably would have been a little puzzled. But now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m Siobhán, Marketing and Brand Director for Chado Tea, and while my career path may have surprised me, tea has always been a part of my life. Growing up with an Irish mammy from Tipperary, tea was essential in our home. Every day began and ended with a cup, and holidays were often marked by themed afternoon teas she hosted for my friends and me. As I got older, I proudly carried on the tradition, hosting our annual Christmas Afternoon Tea, an afternoon spent gathering over homemade savories and sweets, a steaming pot of tea, and meaningful conversation.

Working at Chado has deepened my appreciation for these small, shared moments, as well as the craftsmanship behind every cup. It has also allowed me to explore tea in new ways, creating mocktails, cocktails, lattes, and food recipes with our extensive collection, a joy I love sharing with other passionate tea lovers.

While I’ve been fortunate to taste many incredible teas, my favorites at home are our Devan’s Legacy Chai and a classic Irish Breakfast. Devan’s Legacy Chai, with its notes of lemongrass and vanilla, creates a beautifully aromatic cup that invites you to slow down and savor. Our Irish Breakfast is a classic cuppa that introduced me to tea at a young age. Depending on my mood, I might drink it as is or with a drop of milk and sugar, accompanied by a slice of my mom’s homemade Irish soda bread or scones.

Erin

I’m Erin, the Data Analyst for Chado. I live in Syracuse, New York, with my husband and our three cats (Sarah is the cat in the picture with me). Growing up, I always loved math and numbers and knew I would someday be working in that area somehow. I got my undergraduate degree in Computational Mathematics at Rochester Institute of Technology in Western New York, where I met Brendan and Bianca Shah, two of Chado’s owners. I then went on to earn my PhD in mathematics at University of Rochester in 2020, which was obviously not a great time to be job searching. Though I intended to teach higher education, and did for a time, the pandemic got in the way. 

Instead, I started working for Chado about three and a half years ago. I knew virtually nothing about tea when I joined the Chado team, so it was something like being thrown into the deep end when I was sent over 50 teas to sample. I quickly learned that while I am personally not a fan of straight teas, I do love flavored teas, especially fruity ones like the Peach Bellini and White Champagne Raspberry, but the tea that I drink most often is chai. Almost every afternoon, I drink a cup brewed with half Reena’s Masala Chai and half Wedding Chai. I love the combination of spiciness from the Reena’s mixed with the smoother vanilla and cardamom flavors of the Wedding Chai. I add just a small splash of oat milk creamer to finish it off. 

Juli

I’m Juli, the Customer Service Manager at Chado Tea, and tea has been part of my story long before I ever imagined it would become my career. I was introduced to tea early in life during trips to Japan to visit family, where tea wasn’t just a drink - it was a gesture of welcome. No matter whose home we entered, tea was always the very first thing offered.

Back then, I never expected that tea would grow to play such a big role in my adult life. What started as a familiar comfort eventually became something I truly connected with, and its ability to bring people together.

Today at Chado, I get to be part of that experience for others, helping customers find teas that feel just right for them. And if you’re wondering about my personal favorites, I can never quite choose between the refreshing, tropical notes of Hawaiian Cocktail and the cozy, indulgent warmth of Bianca’s Coconut Chai.