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After nearly a decade in the corporate world, a law graduate named Varshni decided to leave behind the predictable 9-to-5 life, not because she had to, but because she wanted to build something of her own.
Today, she’s the founder of Cha and Crumbs, a humble roadside stall serving Thai milk tea—brewed from her passion for travel, culture, and chai itself.
From law graduate to chasing her own dream
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Varshni lived what many would consider a “safe” life.
“I’m a law graduate who spent almost 10 years in the corporate world doing the typical 9-to-5 grind…meetings, media, all that,” she shared.
While her career was relatively stable, something felt missing.
“Somewhere in the middle, I realised I wanted to build my own dream rather than building somebody else’s.”
That thought lingered on, until life pushed her to act on it.
Now or never moment
The real shift came during a difficult phase in Varshni’s career. But instead of seeing it as a setback, she saw it as an opportunity.
It was a now or never moment. I told myself, if not now, then when?”
With a clear vision in mind, she brought the idea to her family, and their support became her biggest strength.
“I don’t think I would have been here without them, and definitely not Cha and Crumbs,” she said.
According to Varshni, the idea behind Cha and Crumbs wasn’t a random one, but was rooted in something personal.
“As someone who loves travelling, I’ve visited around 14 countries, with Italy being my favourite.
My solo trips, especially across Europe, help shaped my perspective too. Travelling alone teaches you so much and it played a big part in creating this business.”
But beyond travel, chai has always been part of Varshni’s life.
“I was born into a chai-loving household. Tea has always been a part of me. That’s how Thai milk tea came into the picture as a blend of my love for tea and connection to Thai flavours that Malaysians can easily relate to,” she explained.
Trading a steady paycheck for uncertainty
However, leaving her corporate behind life also meant giving up financial stability.
“In corporate, you have a guaranteed paycheck every month. But in business, everything depends on your hustle, even the weather,” Varshni admitted.
“Despite the uncertainty, the rewards feel different as the potential for your own growth makes it much more fulfilling.”
Behind Varshni’s journey is a strong support system. Her husband, who initially found the transition daunting due to the lack of stable income, eventually became one of her biggest pillars.
“He comes every day after work to help me set up. We’ve gone without sleep together.
“My parents also stood by me from the beginning, giving me the confidence to pursue my dream,” she shared.
Facing judgment
Unfortunately, not everyone understood Varshni’s decision. From going from a law graduate with a corporate job to running a roadside stall, it definitely raised plenty of eyebrows.
People see it as a huge downgrade. From earning well to running a roadside stall. That judgmental stance is very typical.
“But I chose not to let it affect me as the only person I needed to prove myself to was none other than myself.”
Today, Varshni hopes her journey inspires others who are afraid to take the first step.
“Fear is normal, but don’t let it paralyse you. Start small. Stay consistent. Be strong in your decision.
If you’re doing something out of love and you see it come alive, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.”
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