A Journey Home: Finding Inspiration in Thailand

In the ever-evolving world of beverages, where coffee reigns supreme and tea often takes a backseat, one woman is carving her own niche and brewing up a storm with her unique blend of cultural influences and caffeinated creations.

By blending the best of both worlds, Fatima Concepcion, the visionary behind BrewCHA Tea Lounge, is bringing the vibrant flavors of Thailand and Japan to the forefront and heartbeat of Colorado Springs with her innovative tea trailer.

In a world where every cup of coffee tells a story, Fatima Concepcion shines a spotlight on a remarkable revival of coffee culture in her hometown in northern Thailand. Through her personal journey and exploration of a local coffee scene transformed by a dedicated pastor, we delve into an inspiring narrative that embodies both nostalgia and innovation.

From Pandemic Reflections to a Thriving Business

While her journey to BrewCHA Tea Lounge began in Thailand, the seeds of entrepreneurship were sown during the COVID-19 pandemic. With newfound time for self-reflection, Fatima enrolled in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class at Pikes Peak State College.

The class required her to write an essay about her future aspirations, and despite having no concrete plans at the time, she chose "business" as her topic. Drawing inspiration from her late-night conversations with friends at a local hookah lounge over Turkish coffee, Fatima began to explore the possibilities.

Returning from Thailand in 2023, Fatima found her friend had indeed opened his own hookah lounge. He invited her to bring her passion for tea to his grand opening, providing her with the perfect opportunity to test her business idea.

Despite having limited business knowledge, Fatima took the plunge and established an LLC for her tea venture. After her regular job at a restaurant, she would spend her evenings at her friend's lounge, serving tea to patrons. "After I get back from work at the restaurant, I stopped at his place around 9:00 p.m. and served people tea at 9:00 p.m."

“Every sip we take connects us with the land, the people, and the traditions that define our heritage” - Fatima Concepcion

Get the full pour…

With every pour, Fatima is creating more than beverages—she’s preserving tradition, uplifting local farmers, and telling a story that’s deeply personal.

Find Fatima’s story in the inaugural issue of Local Coffee Talk Magazine—subscribe today to get your copy.

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