Meet Amir and Aizhan Jakishev, the dynamic duo behind ArTeA TeaShop & TeaLab. Inspired by a passion for tea and a desire to promote a healthy lifestyle, they opened the doors of ArTeA TeaShop on May 1st, introducing McLean to a new world of organic, low-sugar boba teas and architectural-style desserts. Soon to be followed by the launch of TeaLab, a full-time restaurant offering nutritious breakfasts and lunches, ArTeA aims to become a community favorite. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Amir and Aizhan are set on redefining the tea experience for local residents.
Q. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind ArTeA TeaShop & TeaLab?
ArTeA offers two spaces with two different ways of serving tea:
The TeaShop opened its doors to customers on May 1st with soft opening hours to polish the menu and train the staff. Boba teas, iced/hot teas, architectural style desserts with gluten free, dairy free, raw and plant-based options, low sugar ice cream/yogurt/sorbets are our signature products. Boba is very popular tea-based drink among children and young adults. It is usually made out of tea concentrates and has a lot of sugar. Our goal was to create the same product using freshly brewed organic tea with minimal sugar. We are excited to provide local residents with a boba menu that supports a healthy lifestyle. We recently added a delivery option with DoorDash.
The TeaLab, a full-time restaurant, will start welcoming its guests with healthy breakfasts and lunches in mid-summer. Afternoon tea and high tea will be presented in mid-September. The grand opening event is planned for the second week of September.
Q. What made you choose McLean as the location for your new boba shop?
Downtown McLean, middle and high school students usually go to Tysons, Vienna, or Falls Church to get bubble/iced tea, which takes at least half an hour. We decided to bring their favorite drink closer and in a more natural format.
Q. What sets ArTeA TeaShop apart from other boba shops?
Our no tip policy: We value our employees and guarantee them payment regardless of sales performance, fostering a sense of security. Because of our commitment to customer satisfaction, we strive to maintain fair pricing for healthy desserts and bubble tea. We challenge ourselves to provide delicious products and excellent service at no extra costs. We use only organic loose leaf tea. We created desserts with minimal or no sugar and infused them with unique contemporary flavors. We have developed enjoyable gluten-free, dairy-free, plant based and raw delights for customers with dietary restrictions .
Q. What is your favorite drink on the menu and why?
Our favorite drink is the Honeydew Pistachio Tea! We love pistachio milk as a non-dairy alternative, authentic organic tea flavor and a lot of variation of condiments to add to. Fun and unusual flavor!
Q. Do you have any unique or signature drinks that customers should definitely try?
We think everyone should try our signature Nomad Tea, which is a traditional Kazakh style tea. Everyone cup fills me with childhood memories and we love the unexpected crunch of gluten free Tary (millet) grains on the top. Delicious!
Q. What challenges did you face in opening ArTeA TeaShop, and how did you overcome them?
It was difficult to understand what local people knew about the difference between tea bags and loose leaf teas, organic and non organic teas, their flavor preferences, and whether or not they are interested in creating their own blends. We decided to add a TeaLab to our space where DMV residents can experience the process of making tea and explore the fantastic tea variates that mother nature has to offer.
Q. Can you share a bit about your background and how it led you to start this business?
ArTeA TeaShop & TeaLab was created by the Sapar and Amir families, art and tea aficionados. Raushan Sapar is the founder of the Manhattan-based Sapar Contemporary Art Gallery. Amir Zhan is a healthy lifestyle enthusiast with a degree in restaurant management from the International Culinary Center and a Tea Room Owner Certification. Blending their backgrounds, the owners aspired to curate a high-quality tea palette from around the world. After nomading through multiple continents and states, they settled down in Northern Virginia and are sharing their passion with the local community. The families strived to create a unique space where people could come together to enjoy the art of tea.
Q. Are there any special events or promotions that ArTeA TeaShop will be hosting for the community?
We are offering a 5% discount to students all summer! Use promo code SUMMER.
We are offering a 25% discount for all cake preorders. This is perfect for customers who want to celebrate special occasions with a unique cake that is artsy and health-conscious.
Q. Do you have any plans for expanding ArTeA TeaShop in a future.
ArTeA TeaLab is planning to offer catering, pop up events, and collaborate with corporate customers. We also hope to open an additional location in the future.
ArTeA TeaShop & TeaLab: Location: 6635 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA 22101
Interview by Nimera Shanil. Shanil is the social media content curator for McLean Today. She is a rising senior at McLean High School and is the Opinions editor of her award-winning school newsmagazine, The Highlander.