{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep 3 - Natalie Chiu: Founder, podcast superfan, and lifelong learner","description":"Welcome back to Cheers with Nat \u2013 the podcast dedicated to cheering on women in drinks. In today\u2019s episode, you\u2019re going to hear from Natalie Chiu, co-founder of Saicho Sparkling Tea. We explore how Natalie\u2019s lifelong love of food and her fascination with science led her to train as a flavourist\u2026 and how an unexpected twist during her and her husband\u2019s PhD programmes set them on the path to creating Saicho. In addition to learning all about the business and the many roles Natalie plays within it, you\u2019ll also get a mini tea masterclass, hear the long list of podcasts that keep Natalie grounded outside of work, discover what she enjoys most about being part of the drinks industry, and a whole lot more. --- What stuck with me from this conversation: On wearing her many hats in the business: \u201cIt\u2019s such a joy, because every touch point is just so different. And it\u2019s nice to be able to see everything from conception of the product, to production, and then to release. And then seeing people come back and tell us they enjoy it, it\u2019s such a humbling experience.\u201d On Saicho\u2019s impact: \u201cCreating Saicho is actually allowing people to have those moments. Because it\u2019s looking at something to appreciate it\u2026 Often we\u2019re so fast \u2013 in terms of eating, consuming, moving around \u2013 there\u2019s so much going on. And, actually, creating that and being part of that experience of slowing people down is just amazing.\u201d On starting the business: \u201cNeither of us are business backgrounds. We\u2019re both scientists and we were just figuring things out. So we learned along the way.\u201d On how the market has changed: \u201cWhenever we go out to see consumers and we\u2019ll do tastings, we used to get a really confused faces about sparkling tea. Now, it\u2019s people are actively seeking out sparkling tea. It is such a difference just over the couple of years we\u2019ve been around.\u201d On advice for her younger self: \u201cSomething that I definitely think is important to get through and start a business is to make sure you have grit and perseverance through those challenges. I think, for me, not giving up is probably one of the most important things\u2026 And then finding your people. Whether or not you\u2019re looking at hiring your first person and continuing to hire people. Finding people that fit when you\u2019re looking for advisors or investors. It\u2019s important to find those people that fit with you. And I think trusting your gut is often the best thing.\u201d   Links & things: Saicho Sparkling Tea We were tasting the Osmathus, which was a seasonal, but is now part of the core range Try them all here Check out 'The Art of Pairing' University of Nottingham Food science research Natalie's podcast reccs: Acquired Hungry Dish Science vs The Check up And one TV recc for good measure Emily in Paris  (I wholeheartedly agree with this one! \ud83d\ude04)   Recording info: December 2025 in London --- Subscribe | Follow on Instagram | Email ","author_name":"Cheers with Nat","author_url":"https:\/\/cheerswithnat.substack.com\/","html":"