Today we’d like to introduce you to Margi Shah.
Hi Margi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always dreamed of creating something bigger than a business – I wanted to create a place where people feel connected. A place where someone can come after a long day, sip tea, breathe deeply, and feel comfort. A place where friends gather, families laugh, stories are shared, and even a simple drink can brighten someone’s day.
I have many roles in life – sister, daughter, wife, daughter-in-law but the role closest to my heart is being a mother. My daughter has always been my greatest inspiration.
Years ago, I had to step away from the medical field because of serious back problems. At first, it felt like a painful ending to a chapter I had worked so hard for. But sometimes life closes one door to quietly open another. My daughter was in 7th grade at the time, and I realized maybe this was also life giving me something precious – time with her.
So I embraced motherhood in every way I could. I became deeply involved in her daily life – picking her up, dropping her off, taking her wherever she needed to go, dropping off fresh hot meals for lunch break and being present for every little moments. Those years became some of the most meaningful years of my life.
But deep inside, I still knew I wanted to build something of my own. I wanted to create something meaningful, creative, something that could serve people and bring happiness to others. I wanted purpose, passion, and people all in one place.
One morning during breakfast, my daughter looked at me & my husband and said, “I had a dream that we own a boba shop.” as a biggest boba fan she is. It sounded simple, but in that moment, it felt powerful. A child’s dream became a spark in my heart. Instead of letting it be just words, we decided to believe in it.
That journey led us to Teaspoon. And from the moment I found it, I knew it was more than tea shop. It was everything I had hoped for – community, creativity, culture, connection, and joy. It was modern and exciting, yet rooted in something timeless: bringing people together.
I also always had a passion for marketing and creativity. Teaspoon gave me the opportunity to step into a new version of myself – not only as a business owner, but as someone who could build experiences, tell stories, create energy, and make people smile.
I grew up in India, where tea is never just a drink, it is a ritual. Tea means welcome. Tea means comfort. Tea means conversation. Tea means love. Some of my warmest memories were created around a cup of tea shared with friend & family.
So when others see Teaspoon as a tea shop, I see something much deeper. I see culture, connection. a place where people slow down, recharge, celebrate, and make memories. I see a place where happiness can be served one cup at a time.
Most of all, I see my daughter’s dream brought to life.
And through every challenge, risk, ups, downs and all hard work, my husband has been my rock-solid support system, standing beside me every step of the way.
Teaspoon is more than a business to me. It is family, healing, courage, culture, creativity, and community. It is proof that sometimes life redirects us not to take something away, but to lead us exactly where we were meant to be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it wasn’t a smooth road at all. There were challenges, uncertainties, and moments where things felt overwhelming. But every obstacle taught me something – patience, resilience, and belief. Looking back, those difficult moments shaped not just the business, but who I’ve become through this journey..
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Teaspoon Burbank?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I grew up in India, where tea is never just a drink – it’s a ritual. It represents comfort, connection, hospitality, and everyday moments shared with the people around you. That upbringing has deeply shaped everything we’ve built.
At Teaspoon Burbank, we are more than a tea shop – we are a space centered around connection and experience. We specialize in premium handcrafted tea beverages, from classic milk teas to creative matcha drinks to our in-house Masala Chai, which is inspired by the traditional flavors I grew up with and made fresh for every order.
What sets us apart is the intention behind what we do. Every drink, every interaction, every detail is about creating a feeling. We want people to walk in and feel welcomed, slow down, and leave a little happier than when they arrived.
We’re also known for our creativity – not just in our drinks, but in how we present them and connect with our community. Whether it’s seasonal creations or the way we engage with our customers, we aim to make every experience memorable.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Our customers are not just customers – they’re part of our story. Seeing people come in, spend time together, celebrate small moments, and make this place part of their routine means everything to us.
At its core, Teaspoon Burbank is a reflection of where I come from and what I value culture, warmth, creativity, and connection. It’s a place where something as simple as a cup of tea can bring people together.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest are the small, meaningful moments like seeing a customer smile after their first sip, watching friends gather and laugh in our space, or seeing someone choose us as part of their daily routine.
I also truly love my team. Watching them grow, learn, and take pride in what we’ve built together means a lot to me. We are not just a team working toward the same purpose – we are a family. Their energy, effort, and care are a huge part of what makes Teaspoon Burbank what it is.
Another thing that genuinely makes me happy is reading our customer reviews. Whether it’s someone sharing a kind message, a favorite drink, or how our space made their day better- those words mean more than anything. It reminds me that what we’re building is actually touching people’s lives in a real way.
It makes me happy because this is exactly what I dreamed of creating – a place where people feel comfort, connection, and joy. Knowing that something we’ve built together can brighten someone’s day, even in a small way, means everything to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://order.teaspoonlife.com/3005/burbank-ca
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaspoonburbank/p/DDK1KEgy9uI/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61557874556471/
