In the serene town of Chengmari, Samtse, a 35-year-old entrepreneur is making waves with his innovative venture that blends tradition, health, and taste. Bidyash Chhetri, the founder of Gurjo Herbal Tea, a company that has been transforming the way people consume tea by infusing it with the goodness of various herbs.

In 2021, when the world was grappling with the pandemic’s aftermath, many businesses suffered setbacks and faced closures. However, amid the adversity, some individuals like Bidyash found the courage and determination to turn their dreams into reality. Gurjo Herbal Tea was born during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic when Bidyash saw an opportunity to provide people with a healthful and immunity-boosting beverage.

It all started with Bidyash’s homemade herbal tea, which he shared with friends and family to help bolster their immune systems and fight off diseases. The positive feedback and encouragement from his loved ones motivated him to take a leap of faith and establish his herbal tea business. And so, the journey of an entrepreneur commenced.

“I shared my tea with my friends and neighbors, and everyone liked the flavors and the idea behind it. They encouraged me to start a business out of it,” Bidyash shared with a smile, reminiscing about the humble beginnings of his entrepreneurial journey.

Starting a business from scratch is never easy, and Gurjo Herbal Tea faced its share of challenges. Financial instability and lack of government support initially plagued Bidyash’s efforts. “I had no working capital to manufacture the tea because I was in terrible shape financially. I had been running from office to office looking for assistance,” he confessed. Nevertheless, his unwavering belief in the healthful qualities of his products kept him going.

In the early days, Bidyash would sell just fifty packets of herbal tea in a day, but the income generated from these initial sales served as a stepping stone for the company’s growth. Slowly but steadily, Gurjo Herbal Tea expanded its reach, and Bidyash began producing more teas in the southern and central-western parts of Bhutan.

However, like any new venture, Gurjo Herbal Tea faced its fair share of obstacles. Financial instability and a lack of government support initially plagued Bidyash’s dream. He struggled to secure working capital for his business, running from one office to another in search of assistance. Despite the challenges, he remained steadfast in his belief in the product and pushed forward.

In the beginning, selling merely fifty packets of herbal tea a day, Bidyash slowly but steadily built his business. As the income grew, so did the production, expanding the reach of Gurjo Herbal Tea to the southern and central-western parts of Bhutan. The unwavering confidence in his products and their health benefits propelled Bidyash forward.

Today, Gurjo Herbal Tea boasts an impressive array of nutritious herbal teas that cater to diverse tastes and health needs. From hibiscus tea and Moringa (Miracle Tree) Tea to avocado tea, guava tea, and tulsi lemon tea, each cup offers a delightful and calming experience while providing numerous health benefits. These herbal teas are known to aid conditions like low blood pressure and low blood sugar while boosting the immune system.

The inspiration for the name “Gurjo” comes from a medicinal herb that had been used in ancient Vedic medicine to treat various ailments. Bidyash seeks to revive this age-old herbal remedy and reintroduce its benefits to the new generation. As he puts it, Gurjo is truly the “king of all plants.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Bidyash’s journey offers valuable lessons. He emphasizes the importance of innovation, courage to pursue dreams, seizing opportunities, conducting physical inspections through small consignments, and learning from mistakes. Seeking advice and continuous self-education are also vital ingredients for success.

According to him, Gurjo Herbal Tea has become more than just a business; it’s a symbol of hope, health, and tradition. Bidyash’s passion for promoting wellness through his products has garnered him a loyal customer base and recognition in the region. His story exemplifies how determination and belief in one’s vision can overcome even the most formidable challenges.

As the sun sets over the green hills of Chengmari, Bidyash Chhetri continues to brew his dreams, serving cups of health and happiness to people one herbal tea at a time. With his inspiring journey, he reminds us all that the pursuit of a healthier and happier life begins with a single sip of Gurjo Herbal Tea.

By Tendrel Zangmo