Meet Vivian Nguyen | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, what do you attribute your success to?
Dori Boba is more than just a business; it is a testament to the values of family and a commitment to freshness. When I first opened the shop, my main objective was to provide a space where families could genuinely taste and experience the essence of boba. Opening Dori Boba not only provided an opportunity to build my dream business, but also allowed me to bring my own children closer and instill important values to them.

I discussed my vision with my children, sharing my passion for creating a space where we could enjoy healthy and refreshing drinks together. It was a way to strengthen our bond and create lasting memories.

A driving force behind opening Dori Boba was my desire to provide my own children with a healthier alternative. I wanted them to avoid consuming the overly sugary and questionable beverages that were so common elsewhere. I needed to create a place where they could enjoy drinks made with fresh ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and additives.

That’s why, at Dori Boba, we prioritize using fresh ingredients and avoid using any unnecessary additives. We strive to deliver the best quality by boiling fresh tea daily and preparing our drinks with care. Our goal is to provide customers with a truly authentic and refreshing experience, while ensuring the health and well-being of our loved ones and the community.

Authenticity is vital to us. That’s why our commitment to using fresh ingredients has been a critical factor in our success. We want every sip of our beverages to embody the values of a loving family and the satisfaction of enjoying a homemade treat.

We import everything from Taiwan, the birthplace of bubble tea culture. We source the teas we use. This dedication to authenticity, and our ties to the roots of bubble tea, sets us apart from other places. It allows us to bring the true essence of Taiwanese bubble tea to our customers, delivering an experience that cannot be replicated.

Ultimately, it is the combination of our commitment to freshness, exceptional customer service, and our direct importation of authentic Taiwanese ingredients that makes Dori Boba genuinely unique. We believe in providing a space where families can come together, savor delicious drinks made with love, and feel a genuine connection to the origins of bubble tea.

What should our readers know about your business?
One of the initial challenges I faced was the need for familiarity with the intricacies of the bubble tea industry. I knew I wanted to bring the authentic flavors and culture from Taiwan to my customers, but I had to learn everything from scratch. This included understanding the business aspects, setting up operations, and ensuring a smooth workflow.

Communication was another hurdle that I had to overcome. I’m naturally a fast talker and tend to rush through conversations, which made it difficult for me to train employees and provide clear instructions effectively. Building a solid team was another aspect that required effort and perseverance. As a small business owner, I had to wear multiple hats and handle various responsibilities. It took time to find the right employees who shared my passion for providing an exceptional experience to our customers.

Despite the initial overwhelm and obstacles, I have grown and adapted. I have learned from my experiences and embraced the challenges as opportunities for growth. With time and dedication, I have developed effective training methods, improved communication, and created a positive work environment for employees and customers.

Favorite Spots in the City – Chula Vista

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view, what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week-long trip, I would show them the best time ever. Our itinerary would start with a delightful brunch at a local spot near Hillcrest, known for its fantastic food options and vibrant atmosphere. We would indulge in delicious dishes and enjoy the restaurant’s cozy ambiance.

After our satisfying meal, I would take my friend to the Beauty Lounge for a luxurious spa experience. We would immerse ourselves in relaxation and pampering, releasing stress or worries. It would be the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge our energy.

Of course, visiting Dori Boba would be a must during our trip. As the owner of this bubble tea shop in the Chula Vista area, I would proudly introduce my friend to the world of handcrafted drinks made with fresh ingredients. We would enjoy the shop’s unique flavors and cozy atmosphere, savoring the authentic taste of Taiwanese bubble tea. It would be a quick-refreshing stop that adds a delightful touch to our day.

Throughout the week, I ensure we explore the most fun, engaging, and exciting places in the area. We might visit famous tourist spots like the San Diego Zoo or Balboa Park, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoying their diverse attractions. We could also spend a day exploring the local beaches, soaking in the sun, and appreciating the stunning views.

To truly experience the cultural scene of San Diego, we would attend a live performance at the Old Globe Theatre or visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. These experiences allow us to appreciate the local art and creativity that the city has to offer. And, of course, we would also have plenty of opportunities to sample the diverse culinary scene, from trendy food trucks to upscale restaurants indulging in different cuisines and flavors.

To add some excitement and adventure to our trip, I might plan a day trip to nearby attractions like Coronado Island or La Jolla Cove. We could engage in water activities, such as kayaking or paddle boarding, and take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the coastal areas.

My best friend’s week-long trip would perfectly blend delicious food, relaxation, exploration, and fun. From enjoying brunch at a local spot to indulging in a spa experience and sipping on refreshing bubble tea at Dori Boba, we would create beautiful memories together while discovering the best that San Diego offers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to express my gratitude to the college and high school students who joined our team at Dori Boba. While they may have started with little knowledge or experience, they played a significant role in our journey.

Each of them brought their own unique qualities, interests, and creativity to the table. I admire their enthusiasm and potential, and I wanted to create an environment where they felt empowered to explore and discover their passions and future career paths without feeling confined.

I provided guidance and mentorship. I shared insights about the business industry and engaged in conversations about their aspirations. I encouraged them to think critically about their futures and helped them understand the business landscape. I want to instill awareness and curiosity about the world they’re entering.

One of the most important traits I emphasize during their time at Dori Boba is building a strong work ethic. Regardless of the industry or job, it is crucial to approach work with seriousness, honesty, and integrity. I strive to teach the students the importance of being dedicated to their tasks and having confidence in their abilities. I want to empower them to work hard and develop a strong work ethic that would benefit them in the future, regardless of their chosen paths.

Seeing the growth of these young individuals has been incredibly rewarding. I witnessed their gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities I provided and the lessons they learned. It was more than just about boba; it was about teaching them the value of hard work, instilling confidence, and showing them the realities of the professional world.

Nurturing the next generation and teaching them the importance of a strong work ethic, resilience, and learning from mistakes is crucial. By imparting these principles, they will carry them forward in their future endeavors, whether working for themselves or others.

The students I’ve had the privilege to work with have played a vital role in our journey at Dori Boba. They deserve recognition for their contributions, growth, and willingness to learn. It brings me joy to know that I have positively impacted their lives and helped shape their understanding of dedication, integrity, and hard work.

Website: https://doriboba.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doriboba/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoriBobaShop/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dori-boba-chula-vista-2

Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32210-d25079636-Reviews-Dori_Boba-Chula_Vista_California.html

Image Credits
Nick Tran