Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Griggs.
Hi Brandi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Starting Boba Tea Hive was never just about opening a business—it was about healing, legacy, and love.
After my mom passed away, my family and I were trying to find a way to move forward. We needed something positive to focus on, and truthfully, we wanted to keep my dad busy and engaged with something meaningful. We talked about starting a family business—something we could all be proud of. We just didn’t know what that would be yet.
Then one day, my son took me to a boba shop for the first time. I had never tried boba before, and from the very first sip, I fell in love—with the flavor, the fun, the creativity, and especially the culture and history behind it. I learned how boba started in Taiwan as a simple experiment and grew into something that brings people together all over the world. That idea really stuck with me—how something as small as a tea drink could build connection and community.
That’s when the idea started to take shape: what if we brought boba to Liberty?
Liberty has always been home for our family. My great-grandparents actually met on Liberty Square, and both of my sons graduated from Liberty North. Our roots here run deep, and we knew this was the perfect place to grow something new.
We trained down in Texas to really learn the craft of making boba drinks, and when we came back, we opened Boba Tea Hive with the goal of making our drinks accessible to everyone. That meant offering non-dairy options, gluten-free choices, and a wide variety of flavors for all tastes. Whether it’s your first time trying boba or you’re already obsessed, we want everyone to feel like there’s something here for them.
We’re proud to be a woman-owned, family-run business with a 100% satisfaction guarantee—because our customers matter to us like family. The name Boba Tea Hive came from our belief in what food and drink can do: bring people together. A hive is a place that feels like home. It’s community. It’s connection. And that’s exactly what we want to be for everyone who walks through our doors.
This shop is so much more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s a piece of our heart, and we’re honored to share it with the community we love so much.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When people walk into Boba Tea Hive, they usually see the bright colors, the smiling faces, and the delicious drinks—and I’m so proud of that. But what they don’t always see is just how much it took to get here, and how much we’re still learning every single day.
This journey hasn’t been easy. From the very beginning, we ran into buildout delays and construction issues—things that cost us more time, money, and energy than we expected. There were days I questioned if it would even happen. On top of that, I’ve faced personal health challenges that have forced me to slow down, even when everything around me felt like it was demanding more. It’s hard to juggle it all—especially when it’s something you care this deeply about.
Starting a business from the ground up is humbling. No matter how many hours you put in, there’s always more to learn. I had no idea how tricky it would be just to keep inventory consistent. The world is constantly shifting—shipping delays, price hikes, products being discontinued or out of stock without notice. We’ve had to get creative, pivot quickly, and sometimes disappoint customers when things don’t go as planned, which is never easy.
And then there’s the part that’s closest to my heart and sometimes the hardest: owning a business with my son. I love working with him—it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for—but that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth. It can be a real challenge figuring out where the lines are between parent and business partner. We’ve had to learn how to communicate better, how to give each other space, and how to show up as teammates even when we don’t always agree. That growth hasn’t come easy, but it’s been worth it.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through all of this is that we don’t know everything—and that’s okay. Our customers have been our greatest teachers. When they speak up, we listen. Whether it’s feedback about our drinks, ideas for new flavors, or just sharing what they love (or don’t), it all matters. We’re not just serving drinks—we’re building relationships. And we know we wouldn’t be here without our community showing up, encouraging us, and cheering us on even when things aren’t perfect.
This business has stretched me in ways I never imagined. It’s tested my strength, my patience, and my faith. But it’s also shown me what’s possible when you keep showing up—even when it’s hard. We’re still learning. We’re still growing. And we’re so grateful for every single person who’s been part of this story with us.
We’ve been impressed with Boba Tea Hive, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Boba Tea Hive, we’re not just pouring drinks—we’re creating a space where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. We’re a woman-owned, family-run boba shop located right in the heart of Liberty, Missouri, and we specialize in handcrafted boba tea, cream blends, and specialty drinks made with care, creativity, and quality ingredients.
We offer a wide variety of drink options—from classic milk teas to fruity tea’s, Italian soda’s, lemonade’s, red bull’s to indulgent blended treats or our delicious Messenger Coffee drinks and now we are specializing in our all new Bee-licious Scoopable frozen Cheesecake! What sets us apart is how much thought we put into making sure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or just want something less sweet, we’ve built our menu with intention so all customers can find a drink they love. Our goal is to make boba accessible to all, regardless of dietary needs or preferences.
But more than that, we’re known for creating a sense of community. That’s where our name comes from—Boba Tea Hive. A hive is a home base, a gathering spot, a place to return to. We want our shop to feel like your hive, where you’re always welcome, always heard, and always valued.
What we’re most proud of, brand-wise, is the love and heart behind everything we do. From our family history in Liberty to the relationships we build with our customers, every part of this business is deeply personal. We didn’t just open a shop—we created a space that reflects who we are and what we believe in: family, connection, community, and incredible drinks that bring people together.
What makes you happy?
There’s a kind of magic that happens behind the counter at Boba Tea Hive—something I never could’ve fully understood until I was living it every day.
Of course, I love making drinks. I love the creativity, the colors, the flavors, and how every cup feels a little bit like a work of art. But what really fills my heart is everything that happens around those drinks—the people, the stories, the small everyday moments that become something so much bigger.
I can’t describe the joy I feel when someone walks in and their face lights up because they know their favorite drink is waiting. Or when we get to lend an ear to someone who just needs to talk. Sometimes it’s a hug. Sometimes it’s watching best friends laughing their way through the afternoon. We’ve seen kids grow up here, people fall in love here, and friendships bloom over a shared table.
And what blows me away every single time is when someone walks through the door and says, “I was thinking about you today.” Maybe they saw something that reminded them of our drinks, or they were craving the comfort of our space, or they just wanted to check in. That means the world to me. It’s one thing to run a business—but to be a part of people’s lives? That’s something I never take for granted.
Behind the counter, I get to witness life happening—real, beautiful, messy, honest life. I get to cheer people on, comfort them when needed, and celebrate the tiny wins right alongside them. It’s a front-row seat to humanity, and it’s one of the greatest honors of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thehive-kc.com
- Instagram: thehivekc
