When Devin Li and Jaja Chen made Waco home after graduating from Baylor, they weren’t planning to start a business. They just wanted the good type of food and drinks they had traditionally grown up with.

But in a city where Asian Americans make up only about 2% of the population, authentic boba tea—like the kind Jaja grew up drinking in Taiwan—was hard to come by. What started as a fun side project to share their love of boba quickly turned into something much bigger.

 

Cha Was Started Because Something Was Missing—Not Just the Tea, But the Community.

Cha Community wasn’t born from a business plan—it was born from a passion to create community through the traditional Taiwan and Chinese cuisine the founders love. Curious what “cha” means in their name? It’s the Chinese word for “tea,” a nod to the founders’ cultural roots and the boba tea that started it all.

When they first launched at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, Devin and Jaja were just hoping people would show up. They didn’t expect the lines, the love, or the way their little booth would become a gathering place.

It wasn’t long before the passion project turned into a mission: to bridge cultures and build community through food and tea.

From that tiny market stand, Cha grew into a storefront in downtown Waco. Then came a second in Temple. And just this summer, a third location on 8th street in Waco opened. Along the way, they hosted public dumpling-making nights, led private community workshops, and even launched bi-annual BIPOC markets. Every event, every cup of boba, every savory dumpling was about something more: building a space where people could belong. 

Hear from Devin himself:
Watch this short video as co-founder Devin Li shares what Cha Community means to him, and how a simple idea turned into something much more powerful.

 

 

Then Came the Hard Part: Growing a Business Without Losing Heart

As Cha expanded, so did the challenges. Inflation was climbing. Rent was due. The dream was real but so was the pressure. That’s when Devin and Jaja realized they needed more than just a loan.

“Honestly, we didn’t even know a line of credit was an option,” Devin admits. “We were running out of money, and TFNB stepped in with not just funding but a plan.”

Jason Lavender, Executive VP of Business Development at TFNB, says, "Devin and his team at Cha Community are some of the most authentic people I know. Their passion for the business comes through in everything they do. It was a no brainer to help support the vision that Devin has to bridge cultures and create community through his business!”

Unlike other banks they’d worked with, TFNB didn’t rush through the paperwork or turn them away. They sat down, asked real questions, and helped the couple understand their options.

“Other banks didn’t even look at our numbers,” Devin says. “TFNB treated us like partners…like people.”

 

 

Shared Values Made the Difference

For Cha Community, TFNB’s support wasn’t just about numbers. It was about shared values. For Devin, one defining moment stood out: discovering that TFNB had a branch in East Waco, a historically underserved area rich in culture. That told him this bank didn’t give lip service to diversity—they invested in it.

That shared philosophy laid the groundwork for a partnership that extended well beyond financing. TFNB helped Cha Community navigate government relief programs during COVID, supported non-profit hosted community events, and remained a steady presence in uncertain times.

“When you find a bank that cares about the same things you do, it’s a game-changer,” says Jaja. “They helped us grow when we didn’t know if we could.”

 

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Cha Community dreams of owning property to have a space that’s fully theirs. They’re also looking into expanding into other markets but we aren’t going to spill that tea! More than just new locations to add to their directory, they want to keep building a place where culture is celebrated, neighbors are welcomed, and everyone feels a little more at home.

 

 

 

Here’s the Tea for Small Business Owners

“Find a bank that gives you a chance,” says Devin. “Personal service matters. Having your money in the local ecosystem matters. Choose a partner who actually believes in what you're building.” At TFNB, we’re proud to be part of Cha Community’s story and honored to support the people who make our neighborhoods stronger, one cup of boba at a time.

 

Curious what TFNB can do for your small business? If you have any questions or would like to know more about our banking solutions, contact us at 254-840-2836.