Overcoming Failure: The Beginning of a Success Story
Success is often born from failure, and Anubhav Dubey’s journey is a testament to this truth. Dubey, the co-founder of Chai Sutta Bar, once aspired to become a civil servant but faced repeated failures in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. However, instead of letting setbacks define him, he used them as stepping stones to build one of India’s most popular tea brands.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Dubey shared how self-doubt almost held him back and how a shift in mindset helped him turn his life around. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that failure is not the end—it can be the beginning of something extraordinary.
A Life Without Recognition—Until Now
Reflecting on his younger years, Dubey admitted that he never received any awards or accolades, even up until the age of 25. He described himself as an average student, a backbencher with no remarkable achievements to his name.
Taking to X, he wrote:
“This is for those who haven’t received any award or recognition in their life. Till the age of 25, I hadn’t received a single award. I was a backbencher. Awards and certificates never meant anything to me.”
At a time when his dream of clearing the UPSC exam seemed unattainable, Dubey had an important conversation with his childhood friend Anand Nayak. Instead of dwelling on failure, the two decided to take a different path—one that would soon change their lives forever.
The Birth of Chai Sutta Bar
With uncertainty looming over his future, Dubey hesitated before launching Chai Sutta Bar in 2016. He feared that failure might follow him yet again.
“Being an average student and not excelling at anything, I was afraid before starting Chai Sutta Bar. The thought of ‘What if I fail at this too?’ kept haunting me. But this time, I had a different mindset. I was more serious, and I was ready to put all my time, effort, and energy into it. And it paid off,” he shared.
Despite his initial fears, Chai Sutta Bar, co-founded with Nayak and later joined by Rahul Patidar, quickly gained popularity. What started as a humble tea shop in Madhya Pradesh has now grown into a national brand, with franchises across India. The company is known for its kulhad chai (tea served in clay cups), a concept that resonates with millions.
From UPSC Aspirant to Award-Winning Entrepreneur
Success, recognition, and awards, which once seemed unattainable, eventually found their way to Dubey. His startup flourished, and accolades started pouring in.
“CSB received a lot of love, and as a result, we have received recognition and so many awards that our cabin is now full of them,” he proudly shared.
His journey stands as proof that not all success comes from traditional paths. While he once envisioned himself serving the nation as a civil servant, he ultimately made a significant impact as an entrepreneur, providing employment and creating a brand loved by millions.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Dubey’s story carries a powerful message: failure does not define a person—perseverance does. His experience teaches that lack of recognition or academic excellence does not equate to incapability. Success often comes in unexpected ways, and the key is to keep trying, no matter how many times you fall.
“Just because you haven’t received the recognition or awards doesn’t mean you are not capable. Maybe you will get it from a different place. The only condition is that you don’t stop trying,” he concluded.
The Power of Resilience
Dubey’s journey from a struggling UPSC aspirant to a thriving entrepreneur is an inspiring example of resilience and adaptability. His success story encourages individuals to embrace failure, take risks, and follow unconventional paths to success.
For every individual facing setbacks, Dubey’s journey is a reminder that failure is never final—it is often the first step toward greatness.
(With inputs from agencies)
