Prafull Billore, widely known as MBA Chaiwala, is an Indian businessman, investor, keynote speaker, influencer, digital content creator, and CEO of MBA Chaiwala Pvt. Ltd. He was born on January 14th, 1996, in the Dhar district of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Despite dropping out of his Bachelor of Commerce programme and MBA in Finance, Prafull Billore’s business acumen and entrepreneurial skills have made him one of the youngest millionaires in India.

His desire to become a “big businessman” led him to start his tea stall, which he initially financed by borrowing 8,000 rupees from his father. His first day of tea sales earned him 300 rupees and inspired him to create a business plan for MBA Chaiwala Pvt. Ltd.

Through determination and hard work, he has turned his small tea-selling operation into a thriving business with a turnover of more than INR 4 Crores. Today, he is recognised as one of India’s youngest celebrated entrepreneurs.

MBA Chaiwala’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Prafull’s entrepreneurial trajectory is riddled with many ups and downs. Read on to find out how Prafull Billore was able to take every difficulty in his stride and fulfil his dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Challenges

Prafull aspired to obtain a master’s degree from IIM Ahmedabad before launching his eatery. However, to gain admission into a reputable MBA programme, one must take the CAT, recognised as one of the most challenging exams in India. Prafull dedicated over 10 hours a day to studying to achieve his goals, but unfortunately, he failed the CAT exam three consecutive times. Prafull’s parents supported him despite his setbacks, but he became depressed and struggled to focus on anything.

During this challenging time, Prafull sought comfort by exploring Ahmedabad and found solace in the city. Although his dream of obtaining an MBA from IIM was shattered, he was determined to find his way. Prafull eventually landed a job at McDonald’s, starting as a housekeeper and eventually being promoted to kitchen crew and customer service.

Despite working for a renowned company, Prafull always yearned for more. He believed that starting a business was the best way to gain independence and establish his identity. Initially, he wanted to open a café, but he was uncertain about the costs and abandoned the idea due to lack of funds.

How Did He Start His Business of Selling Tea?

He borrowed Rs. 8,000 from his father on the pretext of pursuing a short-term educational course and started MBA Chaiwala in Ahmedabad, on July 25, 2017.

Fortunately for Prafull Billore, MBA Chaiwala managed to gain traction despite a rocky start. His previous work experience at McDonald’s proved helpful as he attracted customers by conversing with them in English, which impressed them. However, although his business was doing well, his family was unaware of his new venture.

Strategies Used for Growing His Business

To make his tea stall more appealing, he served tea in earthen cups instead of plastic ones and offered toast and tissues along with it. He sold this combo for just Rs. 30 and soon began selling 10,000 to 11,000 cups daily, steadily growing his business. However, it wasn’t until his family stumbled upon his successful venture on Youtube that they became aware of his success. Though initially hesitant, his family gradually came to accept his new venture.

Prafull utilised a range of marketing tactics to grow his tea business. In India, tea is a popular beverage. Still, Prafull’s unique approach of serving it with a soft English-speaking style and distinctive presentation, including toast, clay tea cups, and tissues, attracted even more customers to his tea café.

In addition, Prafull strategically set up his tea store at political events, weddings, and other gatherings to create a stronger brand and reach a wider audience.

Furthermore, social media marketing played a crucial role in promoting his tea business. Prafull maintains a consistent online presence on various social media platforms to engage customers and inform them about the latest offerings and events.

Prafull also organised book drives and open mic evenings at his store to further engage and attract customers. These innovative strategies helped his tea business get a firm footing and turned him into a national sensation.

MBA Chailwala Branches

Despite facing setbacks initially, Prafull Billore was determined to make MBA Chaiwala a success. Using his connections, he approached a hospital owner and the authorities for a space to set up his tea stall. He was granted permission, rented the space for Rs. 10,000, and expanded his offerings to include snacks and coffee. He even created a space in his shop for job seekers to leave their information for potential employers.

Eventually, Prafull Billore opened a restaurant called MBA Chaiwala, and despite being criticised for his lack of qualifications, he embraced the name and its significance to him. With his dedication and hard work, MBA Chaiwala grew in popularity and established many franchises and cafés across India, earning Prafull Billore crores of rupees. Their franchise network spans over 100 cities across India, with 200 or more franchises in operation.

Contribution to Social Causes

Apart from running a successful café business, Prafull Billore also uses his success to support social causes such as economic upliftment for underprivileged people and women’s empowerment. He organises fundraisers and campaigns for these causes and was invited to speak at prestigious institutions like IIMs and Harvard.

What is the Net Worth of MBA Chaiwala?

As of March 2023, MBA Chaiwala’s net worth stands above INR 24 crores.

Year-Wise Revenue of MBA Chaiwala

MBA Chaiwala’s Assets and Investments

For Praful Billore, his only asset is his business. In addition to his business venture, he has invested in cryptocurrencies and the stock market, with a particular interest in shares of the Adani group and Reliance.

MBA Chaiwala’s Income Sources

Prafull Billore has become a highly accomplished content creator and entrepreneur with diverse income streams. Some of his sources of income include MBA Chai Wala outlets and franchises, sponsorships, investments, other business ventures, brand deals, promotions, and more.

Lessons Learned From MBA Chaiwala’s Success

Prafull Billore, also known as the MBA Chaiwala, is a living example that success has no limit. His story proves that one can succeed in any field with passion, dedication, and hard work. It is important to note that Prafull did not let his past failures define him; instead, he persevered through numerous obstacles to reach the top.

Inspiration for Entrepreneurs

Prafull Billore’s journey from a failed MBA aspirant to a successful entrepreneur inspires all those who aspire to start their own business. His story shows that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, anyone can achieve success.

Prafull’s unique approach to serving tea and his focus on customer experience helped him differentiate his brand from others and attract a loyal following. Moreover, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities helped him grow his business and diversify his income.

Conclusion

Prafull Billore’s story is a remarkable testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the limitless possibilities it offers. Despite having humble beginnings, selling tea on the streets of India, Prafull’s unwavering dedication, hard work, and vision helped him turn his tiny tea stall into a thriving business empire worth millions. His success is a reminder that with perseverance and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small.