When brothers Ronal and Shawn He arrived in Utah 15 years ago, one of the first things they noticed was the absence of boba shops, a stark contrast to their life in China, where boba — a milky tea with tapioca pearls — was a beloved daily treat.
Driven by a desire to bring a piece of their culture to their new home and share the joy of boba tea with others, the brothers opened Blue Blue SLC in 2021, expanding to a second location earlier this year.
Here, Ronal He shares the brothers’ journey to entrepreneurship, their strategy for growth, and their advice for aspiring small business owners.
What inspired you and your brother to start a Boba café?
“Boba tea is more than just a drink for us; it’s a comforting reminder of home and our shared childhood memories.”
“After we both graduated from the University of Utah, we found ourselves at a crossroads. We were driven by a desire to bring a piece of our culture to our new home and share the joy of boba tea with others. This passion led us to spend a full year immersed in research and learning. We delved into the intricacies of operating a restaurant, from sourcing the finest ingredients to mastering the art of tea brewing. Our goal was to create not just a boba café, but a haven where people could experience the same warmth and delight that boba brought to us.”
“In 2021, our dream came to fruition as we opened our first location in the heart of West Valley City. The journey was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it culminated in a menu that reflects our dedication to quality and innovation.”
“Every aspect of Blue Blue is a reflection of our journey — from the thoughtfully crafted drinks to the inviting atmosphere. We’re thrilled to bring a taste of our heritage to Utah and to create a space where everyone feels welcome to enjoy a cup of happiness.”
What makes your small business unique?
“Unlike traditional boba cafés that often rely on syrups and powders, we emphasize fresh ingredients. Our unique concept combines fresh fruit with freshly brewed tea and freshly made coffee. This approach not only elevates the flavor profile of our drinks but also ensures that our customers enjoy the highest quality beverages, rich in natural taste and nutritional value.”
“We continually innovate our menu, drawing inspiration from global flavors and seasonal produce to create exciting new combinations that delight our customers' palates. From our refreshing fruit teas to our invigorating fruit-infused coffees, each item is meticulously crafted to offer a unique and memorable experience.”
“Beyond our menu, our business model sets us apart. We focus on opening and operating at minimal cost without compromising on quality. This efficiency allows us to offer premium products at competitive prices, making our delicious drinks accessible to a broader audience.”
“We believe that a happy team is the backbone of a successful business. We prioritize creating a positive work environment where our employees feel valued and motivated. This not only enhances their performance but also translates into better customer service, as our staff's enthusiasm and dedication shine through in their interactions with customers.”
What drove your decision to open a second location?
“After two years of operating our first location, we gained immense trust and loyalty from our customers. Their consistent feedback and encouragement played a significant role in our decision to expand. We often heard from them how much they loved our incredible products and how they wished for more locations to enjoy our unique offerings.”
“Encouraged by this strong demand, we undertook a thorough analysis and long-term planning to ensure our expansion would be successful. The solution we arrived at was a significant leap from our first location. For our second location, we managed to spend less time and investment while achieving better overall results. This was possible because of the invaluable improvements and lessons we learned from the first one.”
“By refining our processes, optimizing our operations, and leveraging our experiences, we have enhanced our efficiency and quality. This approach has given us the confidence that every store we open in the future will always be better than the previous one. We are committed to continuously improving and delivering exceptional products and experiences to our customers. The success of our second location reaffirms our belief in our innovative business model and our ability to grow sustainably.”
What advice would you share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is multifaceted, reflecting the journey my brother and I have taken. First, always pursue what you are passionate about. Passion is the driving force that will keep you motivated and resilient through the inevitable ups and downs.”
“Education is crucial — study, and then study some more before deciding to embark on your venture. Knowledge is power, and the more you know about your industry, market, and business operations, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions.”
“Positivity is another key element. Throughout our journey, we faced numerous challenges, but maintaining a positive attitude helped us navigate through tough times. It's essential to stay as a team and support each other to overcome obstacles.”
“Continuous improvement should be a constant goal. As I mentioned earlier, we always focus on improving ourselves and our small business. We strive to bring innovative products and ideas to the public because we don’t want to be just another ordinary small business.”
“And finally, take action. Just like Nike’s slogan, “Just Do It.” Once you feel prepared, take the plunge. Don't wait too long for a perfect solution because there isn’t one. Starting your journey will inevitably bring challenges, but it will also bring opportunities to learn and grow. If you don't start, you'll never know what potential awaits you. Taking that first step is crucial; once you're on the path, you'll find solutions to problems as they arise.”
“Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey of learning, adapting, and growing. Stay passionate, stay informed, stay positive, and most importantly, take action.”
How has Zions Bank helped with your entrepreneurial journey?
“We were very fortunate to have Zions Bank support us through the U.S. Small Business Administration loan process. As two university undergraduates with limited investment and experience, we wouldn't have come this far without the crucial funding assistance. Zions Bank's loan officer played a significant role in helping us secure the loan that allowed us to start our dream.”
“The guidance and support we received were invaluable. The loan officer not only helped us navigate the complex application process but also provided us with insights and advice that were essential for our business planning. This support gave us the financial foundation we needed to open our first location and bring our vision to life.”
“Our relationship with Zions Bank has continued to be a cornerstone of our success. We have maintained a strong connection with our loan officer, who consistently provides us with valuable business feedback. This ongoing support has been instrumental in our growth and development, helping us make informed decisions and improve our operations.”
“Zions Bank has been more than just a financial partner; they have been a source of encouragement and expertise throughout our entrepreneurial journey. Their belief in our potential and commitment to our success has empowered us to pursue our goals with confidence.”
Looking for a bank that’s invested in your future and can help you reach your small business’ financial goals? Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including U.S. Small Business Administration loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more about how Zions Bank can help with your small business success.
