Turning Tea into Profits, 10-year-old opens Tay’s Teas, his own Tea Business

How many kids in elementary can say they started their own business and launching at a series of summer events? Ten-year-old Tayshaun Dao, of Windsor, Ontario, did just that, when he turned his favorite drink into a profit…Tay’s Teas!

Tayshaun’s mother, Holly Dao, says it all started when he asked his mom if he could learn to make tea, to start his own business and begged for a tea bar. “When we saw he was serious about it, we did some research to figure out how to help him,” she says.

But Tayshaun’s reason for starting a business goes deeper than a kid’s love for tea. “I wanted to support my family and help my mom buy a house,” he explains.

With a background in marketing, Ms. Dao saw that this could be a valuable learning experience. She says at a young age he was able to grasp the same concepts as high school students. Integrating business concepts at a young age makes Dao part of a national trend with kids in business. “Entrepreneurship is a hot topic at all levels of the K-12 curriculum,” she adds.

So far, Dao has worked about 30 events and those events have had as many as 300 people. He travels with his cart to markets, parties and charity events. But now Dao has his eye on something bigger.

Dao is running a funding campaign to raise money to convert a trailer to travel to larger events. The Tea Project, as he calls it, allows those interested to donate money towards his goal. Team Dao is hoping to inspire other young entrepreneurs to follow in young Tayshaun’s footsteps.

“We are amazed at the interest and support we’ve received from the Community. They are as passionate about making this business a success as we are and have been instrumental in helping us turn Tayshaun’s dream into a happy reality,” said proud mother and self-titled ‘Unpaid Intern to Tayshaun’, Holly Dao. “This has been quite the learning and bonding experience for our family and we are so proud of what Tayshaun has already accomplished. We can’t wait to see where this ride takes us next.”

When asked about his hopes for the future of Tay’s Teas, Tayshaun responds, “I want to encourage kids of all ages to not be afraid to reach for their dreams. I’ve learnt how to follow your dreams. And ask your parents.” adds Tayshaun.

Tay’s Teas will be launching at the Wanderlust Night Market Series at the Serbian Centre on June 4 and every other weekend afterwards.