From Taiwan, With Tea - Ashley Yao @drinkkace

Meet Ashley Yao, the founder of KACE Tea, where authentic Taiwanese tea traditions meet modern, vibrant experiences. Growing up in Taiwan, Ashley was immersed in the rich tea culture that inspires every aspect of KACE Tea — from sourcing whole-leaf teas at award-winning family farms to crafting flavor journeys that celebrate both heritage and community.

What started as a dream to share authentic Taiwanese tea in the U.S. has grown into a brand that blends culture, quality, and creativity. From DJ sets to chef tastings, KACE Tea brings people together in unexpected spaces, inviting everyone to experience tea as it was always meant to be: a shared, soulful, and flavorful journey.

What made you curious about the tea business?

Growing up in Taiwan tea was EVERYWHERE. I really admire the beauty of tea and the complex flavor profile it delivers. Our goal with Kace is to showcase the beauty of tea to a wider audience.

What do you tell yourself whenever you encounter a challenge or setback with your business?

I’ll figure it out, it’s either you figure out or you lose! And I’m definitely not going to lose.

You moved to the U.S. when you were 17 and started your business in 2024. Thinking about your journey and nearing 2 years of KACE tea, what lessons or reflections have shaped you the most?

I’ve received tons of feedback as a first-time entrepreneur and newbie to the CPG industry, and now that we’re at 2 years I can recognize that most of them are BS. It’s important to remember why you started your business, who’s the core customer you are serving, and just serve the heck out of them. Make sure they’re happy. Most people who are advisors have no idea what they’re talking about and all their advice is extremely tailored to their personal experience in that specific time frame of their career. Also social media and LinkedIn is all smoke and mirrors. All that matters is that you’re serving your target customers and you’re doing what makes the most sense for your business.

Quality tea comes from quality leaves. I see that KACE Tea has a tea farm in Taiwan. Could you share more about your tea farm in Taiwan and how it influences the quality of KACE Tea?

We partner with a family-owned, award-winning tea farm in the mountains of Taiwan. The

cold misty mornings and the blaring hot afternoons produce the best quality tea. The extreme differences in weather translate in the complex flavors of our tea. As the Taiwanese say “good mountains, good water, good tea”. We use carefully selected whole-leaf teas to deliver a nuanced flavor journey like no other. Whole leaf teas are special because unlike cheaper grade teas that are chopped up and grinded, whole leaf teas have natural caffeine, L-theanine and antioxidants that provide a calming, grounded energy as well as metabolic benefits. There are so many health benefits to drinking whole leaf tea. The flavor journey also is wonderful and leaves a sweet aftertaste which is an iconic feature of Taiwanese tea.

You’re bringing tea to unexpected places like DJ sets, chef tastings, bars, and fashion shows. What has been your most memorable experience so far?

I loved partnering with Gentle Monster for their store launch in Vegas back in 2024!! I always looked up to the GM brand so much especially when I was in the ideating phase for Kace– I really think they’re the epitome of creative expression so getting to share Kace at their launch event and meet their amazing team was iconic.

What is the last thing you were curious about? 

I was curious about ways I can make Kace better and resonate more strongly with a wider audience without losing our “soul”. I’m always a student of other brands!!

What can the community help you with?

The community can help me share Kace Tea with more AAPI communities. We’re a small team with only 2 full time– me and my co-founder Kyle, our teas are all brewed in Taiwan where I grew up, they’re very authentic and delicious!!

Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!

I’m inspired by Fly by Jing. Jing was able to introduce chili crisp to the world in such an explosive way and have it resonate strongly with Americans– which is way harder than you might think– she changed the conversation about food forever. She also got the whole condiment category poppin and deserves all her flowers.

At the heart of KACE Tea is more than just exceptional Taiwanese tea — it’s a celebration of culture, community, and connection. Ashley Yao’s journey reminds us that passion, authenticity, and curiosity can transform a simple beverage into an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re sipping a cup at home, sharing a pot with friends, or discovering KACE at a pop-up event, every moment is an invitation to slow down, savor the flavors, and connect with the story behind the tea. To connect or collaborate,

https://drinkkace.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drinkkace/