Entrepreneurship demands a unique blend of skills—precision, risk-taking, and unwavering grit. Navanethan Ponniah exemplifies these qualities through his diverse entrepreneurial ventures, most notably with his latest endeavour, Nitan Chai (www.nitanchai.com).

Arriving in Canada as an immigrant in 1987, Ponniah pursued studies in fashion marketing and commerce at Concordia University in Montreal. Inspired by the bold risk-taking of fellow entrepreneurs around him, he embarked on his own path to realise his dreams.

Ponniah's journey is deeply rooted in South Asian and Tamil culture, driven by a passion for connecting people with their heritage. With the South Asian population in Canada growing significantly over the past two decades, Ponniah recognized a burgeoning market eager for products and services that celebrate their cultural traditions.

In 2007, he founded Nitan Group in Montreal, originally an events marketing company, which later evolved into Nitan Florist specialising in floral arrangements for South Asian weddings and celebrations, both locally sourced and imported.

Despite facing challenges, such as the impact of COVID-19 on events, Ponniah remained resilient. 

“It was a very special segment for me. It's a personal touch and being a part of each person's life ceremony was very emotional until COVID hit. Our business started losing revenue,” said Ponniah. 

In 2016, inspired by a local bakery’s innovative tea machine, Navanethan Ponniah launched Nitan Chai, offering a range of chai premixes from classic Masala Chai to exotic Kashmiri Pink Chai. He developed the machine to be versatile, capable of catering to diverse tastes and making beverages beyond chai, including coffee and cappuccino.

Post-pandemic, Ponniah focused on expanding Nitan Chai, achieving rapid growth and acclaim in the Canadian market, with plans for further expansion into the United States. Beyond profit, his mission is to provide a taste of home to the South Asian diaspora, delivered conveniently through his chai products.

Outside of business, Ponniah is a devoted father who finds joy in playing hockey and spending quality time with his two boys. He also enjoys sharing his passion for entrepreneurship by teaching and inspiring children, alongside his love for travel.

When asked about the principles guiding his business, Ponniah emphasised a customer-first approach, ensuring that every decision revolves around enhancing customer experience. He also believes in treating his staff well, providing them with the proper tools and support to thrive within the company.

Notably, Nitan Chai also offers specialised chai machines tailored for restaurants, offices, weddings, and events, each designed to enhance the chai-drinking experience with distinct flavour profiles and functionality.

Ponniah's vision extends beyond business success; it encompasses fostering community and providing employment opportunities to immigrants, thereby enriching their Canadian experience. He aspires to internationalise his brand, enriching customer experiences worldwide in the coming years.

For more information on Nitan Chai and its offerings, visit nitanchai.com or contact 647-368-7773.