In this episode of the Executive Coach podcast, I had the pleasure of continuing my conversation with Mira Manek, a wellness expert turned entrepreneur. We delved into her journey from writing and creating recipes to launching her own chai business, and what it’s really like to balance being a business owner and a social media influencer. Mira was open and honest about the challenges, rewards, and how staying authentic has been key to her success.
It was a fascinating conversation, full of insights for anyone looking to build a brand or venture into the influencer world.
From Wellness Writer to Chai Entrepreneur
Mira's passion for chai and wellness led her to start her own chai business, but it wasn’t something she had initially planned. “When I set up my café, I had a few products in mind, but I didn’t really know I was building a brand,” Mira explains. “I had this chai spice blend, but it wasn’t even named! It was only when I had the café in Kingly Court that the name Chai by Mira came about.”
Her café, which focused on Ayurvedic principles and healthy living, became a hit. But the lockdown period forced her to think differently. “During the pandemic, I realised people still wanted my chai even when the café was closed,” she shares. “So I started selling the blends online, and that’s when I saw its potential. It wasn’t just a café product anymore, it was something that could stand alone.”
Mira’s chai blends use a mix of Ayurvedic spices like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, along with coconut sugar for sweetness. “I wanted to create something healthier, something that elevated people’s tea time,” she says. “Spices are such an integral part of digestive health, and Ayurveda really promotes using them in everyday cooking and drinks. This was my way of sharing that with others.”
The Realities of Running a Chai Business
Transitioning from the wellness world to running a physical product business brought its own challenges. “Sourcing spices has been one of the hardest things,” Mira admits. “The quality of spices really impacts the taste, and the prices have been going up dramatically. I try to keep my products high-end, but it's tough when costs keep rising.”
Despite the hurdles, Mira finds joy in the creative side of her work. “Every time I do a new mix, it’s a whole new challenge, but that’s part of the fun,” she says. “There’s endless experimentation—you can keep playing with different spice combinations, and the possibilities are limitless.”
She also talks about the logistics of growing a business. “At the beginning, I didn’t realise how much I’d need to manage—suppliers, production, packaging, shipping, all of it,” she explains. “But you figure it out as you go. I’m still learning, but it’s rewarding to see the business grow.”
The Role of Social Media in Business
While many assume Mira’s large Instagram following plays a big role in selling her chai, she stresses that the product’s quality speaks for itself. “Honestly, most of the cafés that stock my chai don’t even know I have a social media presence,” she laughs. “It’s not about me, it’s about the chai. The product has to stand on its own.”
That said, she acknowledges that social media has helped her reach new customers. “Instagram helps with the direct-to-consumer side,” Mira explains, “but my main business is B2B—selling to cafés. That’s where the regular, sustainable income comes from.”
However, she believes that social media isn’t the only answer. “Your product can’t rely solely on Instagram or social media. You need to have something good enough that people want it, whether they know you or not.”
Being an Influencer: Balancing Authenticity and Business
As someone who is frequently labelled an influencer, Mira has her own approach to the role. “I don’t really call myself an influencer, but I know it’s a part of what I do,” she says. “For me, it’s about using my platform to promote things I genuinely believe in.”
Mira is careful about the brands she partners with. “I’m very selective about who I collaborate with,” she shares. “It has to be aligned with my values. I can’t just promote anything for the sake of it. Whether it’s Ayurvedic beauty brands or healthy food products, it has to resonate with me.”
She also discusses the pressure to share personal aspects of her life. “I’ve definitely pulled back from sharing as much personal stuff as I used to,” she admits. “People connect more with personal stories, but I’ve learned to set boundaries. It’s a tricky balance—you want to be authentic, but you don’t need to share everything.”
Social media has its downsides too. “There’s definitely smoke and mirrors involved,” Mira says. “People only show the highlights, and that can create unrealistic expectations. But I try to be mindful of that. For me, social media is about connection and sharing what I believe in.”
Mira’s journey offers plenty of valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and influencers. Here are her key pieces of advice:
Focus on quality: “You can’t rely on social media to sell a mediocre product,” she stresses. “The product has to stand on its own, no matter who’s behind it.”
Be patient and enjoy the problem solving: “Building a business takes time,” Mira reminds us. “There will be challenges, especially with logistics and costs, but it’s part of the process. Stay committed.”
Use social media mindfully: “Social media can help build awareness, but it’s not everything,” Mira says. “Be authentic in what you share, and don’t feel pressured to show every part of your life.”
Experiment and evolve: “There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating something new,” she adds. “Whether it’s a new product, flavour, or partnership, keep exploring new ideas.”
Mira’s journey demonstrates the power of authenticity and passion in building a brand. For aspiring entrepreneurs and influencers, her advice is simple: stay true to your values, and let the quality of your work speak for itself.
If you want to find out more about Mira and her journey to success, or listen to the first part of our conversation, you can catch up with The Executive Coach Podcast here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-executive-coach-c-suite-career-planning-goals/id1463542602 (Apple Podcasts)
OR https://open.spotify.com/show/12x8jhevqX6GtF085Nhtmt (Spotify)
Comments