Chai Affairs Branding and Packaging design

Created by Devika Gupta Designs, a boutique design studio based in Mumbai, India

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From Concept to Reality: The Journey of Chai Affairs Packaging Design

Introducing a brand that’s been close to our hearts and has made a mark in the US and Canada: Chai Affairs, a tea brand that brings unique Iranian Tisane and herbal ingredients to a new audience. Our design agency had the privilege of crafting their brand identity from the ground up, delivering a project that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.

The Vision Behind Chai Affairs

Chai Affairs was founded by Mona, an expert in a variety of Tisane and herbal ingredients beloved in Iranian households but novel to many non-Iranians. Her vision was to create a brand that allowed customers to experience these unique ingredients with all their senses, encouraging them to experiment with personalized tea blends and share their creations with loved ones. The brand’s name, Chai Affairs, was inspired by the 17th-century Salon de thé conversations, aiming to foster deeper connections between people through shared moments over tea.

Crafting the Brand Identity

Our agency took on the challenge of rebranding Chai Affairs, providing end-to-end solutions that included packaging design, social media templates, and more. The goal was to seamlessly blend the brand’s Iranian heritage with a contemporary mindset. To achieve this, we adopted a vintage illustrative approach, celebrating the unique ingredients and the rich cultural backdrop from which they originate.

The design process began with in-depth research into Iranian traditions and culture. Our team created elegant, whimsical illustrations that featured traditional teapots, iconic monuments, and other cultural symbols. These illustrations, combined with a premium gold-foiled logo, formed the cornerstone of Chai Affairs’ visual identity.

 

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Bringing the Design to Life

The packaging design process was meticulous and thoughtful. Our illustrations adorned the sides of the tea boxes, capturing the essence of Iranian tea houses, their architecture, and intricate carpets. The logo, embossed in gold foil, added a touch of luxury to the design, making it a standout product in Canadian markets.

My personal journey with the Chai Affairs packaging design started years ago in my sketchbook, fueled by a lifelong passion for floral motifs. This passion is evident in the final product, which draws heavily on floral elements for inspiration.

The Photoshoot: Capturing the Essence

The photoshoot for the packaging took place in my room, a space filled with various floral renditions—from vases of fresh flowers to resin-dried wall art and watercolor paintings. The talented team behind House of Renyou, Anuja and Vinay, conducted the photoshoot beautifully. Each shot was carefully crafted to highlight the premium quality and cultural richness of the Chai Affairs packaging. The tea boxes, ingredient pouches, and instruction cards were all meticulously arranged to showcase their intricate designs and luxurious finish.

In collaboration with my fantastic team members, Amanda and Shreya, we brought the Chai Affairs vision to life. Our efforts culminated in a beautiful representation of a brand that bridges cultural gaps and invites customers to explore the delightful world of Iranian herbal teas.