Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Hong
Hi Mandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started samar inspired by a transformative visit to Tea at Shiloh in downtown LA. My experience there was deeply meaningful and grounding, and it sparked a question: why isn’t there a similar sanctuary in Austin? With a vision for a wellness teahouse here in Austin, I began planning and reaching out to people—including contacts at Tea at Shiloh—for connections and opportunities.
Initially, stepping into this new world was challenging. I was used to relying solely on myself, and the idea of reaching out, collecting funds, and building a team pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. To manage the stress, I decided to take things slowly by focusing on building genuine connections and a community. I started hosting tea social events—in my apartment, in common lounge areas, and outdoors at places like Pease Park and Zilker Park—deeply rooted in the core values I envisioned for samar: presence, love, and connection.
Samar (سمر) is an Arabic word that captures the beauty of late-night conversations with friends—unfiltered, intimate, and full of warmth. In a world that often feels disconnected—whether through remote work, social isolation, or personal struggles—samar is a space designed to foster healing through presence, love, and open-hearted connection.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been many challenges along the way—mostly internal ones. For instance, I’ve often been scared to reach out to people due to the fear of rejection. In reality, most have responded positively, offering invaluable insights and advice, which has led to some truly great conversations and connections.
I’ve also dealt with imposter syndrome. Navigating the tea market felt daunting, especially when comparing myself to established tea shops and wellness centers. I’m not an expert in tea, nor am I a yoga teacher or meditation guide, so I often felt like I needed to work extra hard just to feel ready. I’ve also found it difficult to identify any skills I have that could be valuable. Many of the entrepreneurs I spoke with had extensive networks or special talents, and there were times when I doubted whether I had the money or abilities to succeed.
Yet, I’ve come to understand that entrepreneurs rarely wait for the perfect moment when everything is ready. Hosting events has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, even when my own friend group wasn’t large enough to build a community. This struggle, however, has opened me up to new opportunities, events, and connections that have been tremendously enriching both personally and professionally—especially after spending three years in remote work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At samar, we’re building a tea community that blends wellness, mindfulness, and genuine connection with the unique experience of tea. We specialize in hosting themed tea socials—from outdoor ceremonies in parks to intimate indoor gatherings—designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster authentic connections. Our deep commitment to cultivating presence, love, and connection sets us apart in a city where dedicated tea communities and teahouses (beyond boba shops) are rare. We believe in healing through meaningful engagement with ourselves, one another, nature, and tea.
This vision is beautifully brought to life through our diverse events that celebrate not only tea, but also the human spirit. For instance, during the Valentine’s Day season, I hosted a love letter writing event that perfectly encapsulated our ethos. Attendees were invited to express love and gratitude by writing heartfelt messages—to themselves, friends, or partners. The room filled with shared stories and quiet reflections, and as some community members even contributed stamps and wax seals to help mail these letters, the event became a tangible symbol of connection and care.
Looking ahead, I plan to establish a dedicated space where we can host even more events and deepen our community ties. I am also excited to collaborate with wellness facilitators to co-create events that integrate tea with holistic practices. Ultimately, samar is more than just tea—it’s a community that heals, connects, and grows together.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I also maintain a personal blog where I share my startup journey, focusing on entrepreneurship and self-exploration. If you’re curious, feel free to check it out at https://couchtostartup.com/.
If you’d like to connect or collaborate—whether you’re a wellness facilitator, venue owner, entrepreneur, artist, or simply someone passionate about creating meaningful experiences—please reach out to me at mandy@samartea.com.
Pricing:
- Most of our events are donation-based—your presence is the most valuable contribution.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samar.teahouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samar.teahouse
- Other: https://lu.ma/samar.teahouse
