In this episode, we look into the future with Twrl Milk Tea co-founder Olivia Chen, a beauty industry executive turned beverage entrepreneur. Olivia is a first-generation daughter of Taiwanese immigrants and grew up drinking milk tea. 

She and Pauline Ang, her friend and co-founder, launched the organic and vegan brand during the pandemic and have hustled ever since to establish Twrl and build a market in the U.S. for canned milk tea and packaged boba pearls. Olivia talks to host Abena Anim-Somuah about growing the brand through sampling; collaborating with other creatives in the AAPI space; and funding Twrl through pitch slams, grants, and their own savings. It’s an honest look at how to establish a brand in the crowded CPG world. 

Don’t miss Olivia’s Future Flash Five predictions and her voicemail to her future self.

Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting our show. Learn more about Kerrygold’s butter & cheese here.

Hosted by Abena Anim-Somuah
Produced by Kerry Diamond and Catherine Baker
Edited by Jenna Sadhu
Recorded at CityVox Studios in NYC

The Future Of Food Is You is a production of The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network. Check cherrybombe.com for show transcripts. Who do you think is the Future of Food? Nominate them here!

More on Olivia: Instagram, Twrl Milk Tea, website
Follow Abena on Instagram

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