Fall for Local: Aslan Chai brews tea with authenticity

In anticipation of Fall For Local’s biannual pop-up market, taking place on October 22 at the Pipe Shop Building (115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver), we’re getting to know some of the fair’s 70-plus independent designers and small-business owners.

Today, we meet Aslan Amini, tea-maker and founder of Aslan Chai.

Who are you

My name is Aslan and I’m the owner and operator of Aslan Chai. It’s a one-man show but I like it this way. I get satisfaction from being involved in every step of the process, from branding to production to sales.

What’s with the name

Aslan translates to lion in Turkish. A lion represents courage and leadership. A lion’s roar has the power to shake you up and draw you into something beautiful. I like to think of my chai in the same way.

Describe your craft

What I do is all about process. There’s a lot of trial and error involved in achieving perfection but once you find that formula, there’s a feeling of satisfaction.

I love when people taste my chai and their eyes widen and a smile spreads across their face. That’s when I know I’ve done my job.

Business philosophy

I value authenticity. I try to be authentic in everything I do and that’s why the process involved in making my chai is true to its origin.

My goal is to demonstrate that in this fast-paced world, it’s okay to slow down and spend some time to experience something. Life is all about experiences, but sometimes we take shortcuts to achieve a result when it’s about the journey not the destination.

Claim to fame

Try my Spicy Chai—it has been described by my customers as the perfect ratio of sweet to spice. The goal was to be bold with the spice without overpowering your palate with sweetness or tea. I chose to use green tea instead of black to achieve this subtlety.

Sending local love to…

Woodtype: [Founder] Jérémie [Laguette] makes marquee signs and I admire his attention to detail.

The idea of evoking a feeling or emotion simply with a couple of words is incredible to me. It’s so simple yet so powerful. The signs are so versatile, too—they can be used by businesses, for events, or even as unique home décor.

Tickets to Fall For Local are $3 in advance online or $5 (cash only) at the door. For more information about the event, or to purchase tickets, click here.