Kao Khamphilavong – Boba Tea Expert & Tea Shop Owner
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion for boba into a thriving business? Meet Kao Khamphilavong, the mastermind behind Tea & Tea’s success and a leading expert in the bubble tea industry. Kao’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep love for those chewy tapioca pearls.
Kao’s story isn’t just about brewing the perfect cup of boba; it’s about building a brand, fostering a community, and navigating the exciting world of entrepreneurship. He’s faced the challenges, learned from the mistakes, and emerged as a seasoned professional with five successful Tea & Tea locations to his name.
From Boba Lover to Boba Boss
Kao’s passion for bubble tea started as a customer, captivated by the unique flavors and the vibrant social scene that surrounded this beloved beverage. He saw a need for a truly authentic boba experience in his community, a place where people could connect and savor the moment. That vision led him to open the first Tea & Tea, and the rest, as they say, is history.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Kao faced numerous hurdles along the way, from underestimating startup costs to navigating the chaos of a grand opening and adapting to the seasonal ebb and flow of the business. He even weathered the storm of a global pandemic, proving his resilience and business acumen.

Sharing the Boba Wisdom
Kao believes in sharing his knowledge and empowering others to pursue their boba dreams. That’s why he created the Boba Tea Academy, a comprehensive program designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through every step of launching their own boba tea business.
What You’ll Learn at the Boba Tea Academy
- Mastering the Art of Boba: From sourcing premium ingredients to crafting unique flavor combinations, you’ll learn the secrets to creating boba that keeps customers coming back for more.
- Building Your Boba Brand: Develop a strong brand identity, craft a compelling story, and create a marketing strategy that resonates with your target audience.
- Navigating the Business of Boba: Gain insights into financial planning, inventory management, staffing, and all the essential elements of running a successful boba shop.
- Learning from the Best: Kao and his team of experts will share their firsthand experiences, offering valuable advice and mentorship to help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve your boba business goals.
More Than Just Boba
The Boba Tea Academy is more than just a training program; it’s a community of passionate individuals who share a love for boba and a desire to build thriving businesses. You’ll connect with fellow entrepreneurs, learn from each other’s experiences, and gain the support you need to succeed in the competitive world of bubble tea.




Ready to Turn Your Boba Dreams into Reality?
If you’re passionate about boba and ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey, the Boba Tea Academy is the perfect place to start. Learn from a seasoned professional, gain the skills and knowledge you need, and join a community of like-minded individuals.
Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about the Boba Tea Academy and take the first step towards building your own boba empire!
Find Your Boba Fix
Don’t forget to visit one of our five Tea & Tea locations for a taste of what inspired it all. We’re serving up delicious, handcrafted boba creations in Portland and Beaverton.
Our Locations
- NE Alberta Street: 1489 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211
- SE 72nd Avenue: 5013 SE 72nd Avenue Portland, OR 97206
- SW Orbit Street: 3900 SW Orbit St. 160 Beaverton, OR 97006
- SE Division Street: 3307 SE Division St. Portland, OR 97202
- SW Yamhill Street: 855 SW Yamhill St., Portland, OR 97205
Order online and check out our store profiles for more information!



