Today we’d like to introduce you to Thao Trias.
Hi Thao, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My husband and I started Boba Bee in 2022, but the idea had been brewing for years. After 15 years in healthcare, I wanted a career that offered more flexibility and more time with my family. Boba has always been an interest for us — the creativity, the flavors, the joy it brings.
When the right opportunity came, we opened our first shop in Lake Forest. The community embraced it right away, and soon we expanded to Long Beach, Lakewood, and Temecula. What started as one small store has grown into a family of locations, each one a place where our love for boba meets a vibrant, welcoming community.
Our vision is to create a space where everyone can enjoy high-quality, handcrafted drinks made with care and creativity — a place that brings people together and spreads happiness, one cup at a time.
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?
Like most small business journeys, it hasn’t always been smooth. We faced delays with building permits and long construction timelines. Expanding quickly also brought financial challenges, as we worked to manage funding for multiple new stores while maintaining quality.
More recently, tariffs and inflation have made it difficult for small businesses to balance high-quality ingredients with reasonable pricing. Still, we stay committed to our values — never compromising on quality and always putting our customers first. Every challenge has made us stronger, more creative, and more grateful for the community that supports us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Boba Bee, my main goal is simple — to create joy. We do that through excellent customer service and high-quality, handcrafted drinks. Every drink we offer has been developed through extensive testing, creativity, and attention to detail. I spend time experimenting with ingredients and recipes until each one tastes just right.
We also test ingredients from different suppliers to ensure we’re using only the best materials. I take pride in not cutting corners on quality — even when costs rise — and I use creativity to bring something fresh to our menu.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to quality, creativity, and care. Each drink is made with intention, and we want every customer to leave a little happier than when they came in.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people are surprised to learn that even though I own boba shops, I actually don’t have a sweet tooth! I’m not a fan of overly sweet drinks, which might sound funny coming from a boba shop owner.
That’s why we make sure customers can customize their sweetness levels at Boba Bee. I wanted to create a menu that everyone can enjoy — from those who love classic, sweet milk teas to those who prefer something lighter and more refreshing. It’s all about balance, creativity, and making every sip just right for each person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bobabeedrinks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobabeedrinks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087729241446
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boba-bee-long-beach?osq=boba+bee
