Fierce Females: Meet Mahsa
A Conversation with Mahsa, Founder of MAHSA Chai®
Bree: How did you first meet Evelyn & Bobbie, and what do you remember most about that time?
Mahsa: My introduction to Evelyn & Bobbie in 2018, during their launch photoshoot, is etched in my memory. After a 20-plus-year modeling career, I faced a unique challenge. I'd always adhered to a personal promise, made when I was 14, to avoid lingerie or bra-and-underwear shoots. So, even as a grown woman and a mother of two, the idea of this shoot was daunting. I still grappled with the nerves and fear of showing 'too much,' the cultural expectations, and the thought of what my family in Iran might think. However, the moment I met Bree and the team, my nerves vanished. Their energy was empowering and undeniably feminine, and the products… they felt like they were designed for me. As a woman of color with larger breasts, I'd spent years searching for undergarments that offered both support and a true 'second-skin' feel, something that was flattering and comfortable. That set was transformative. It wasn't just about posing; it was about finally being seen and represented in a way that resonated deeply with my personal journey. It was a powerful moment of realizing that comfort, support, and feeling beautiful weren't mutually exclusive, and that Evelyn & Bobbie understood that experience. That initial comfort and connection grew so strong that I ultimately found myself in an Evelyn & Bobbie centerfold in Vogue magazine. This was a monumental turning point for me. It felt like I was breaking a barrier, not just for myself, but for all women who are told to stay hidden, to shrink themselves. It was a declaration that we deserve to be seen, celebrated, and comfortable in our own skin.
Let's talk about modeling for a moment. What does that work mean to you, and what role has it had in your life?
Modeling, for me, has been a journey of reclamation. Up until I was 14, I was constantly told I was 'too much.' My nose, my hair, my presence – everything was considered 'big' and a target for ridicule. But when I started modeling, I discovered that those very qualities, the ones that made me feel like an outsider, were the ones that resonated with others. Modeling became a way for me to embody myself fully and see myself through a different lens. It's not just about the external act of being photographed; it's about the deep inner work that comes with being in front of the camera. The camera doesn't lie. It sees through your insecurities, your fears, and all the self-imposed limitations you carry. It reveals the layers of beauty that exist within all us. Modeling has played a significant role in shaping my identity, encouraging me to finally see myself, not as the 'too much' that others perceived, but as the whole, authentic, and perfectly imperfect woman I am. And now, as a mother, this role has taken on an even deeper meaning. It's about setting an example for my daughters, showing them that celebrating our uniqueness is not only okay, but essential. It's about teaching them to never apologize for who they are, for the space they take up, or for the brilliance they bring to the world. That's the legacy I want to leave – a legacy of unapologetic self-acceptance.
Now let's talk about MAHSA. What was the moment that you decided "I'm creating this brand!" What inspired you?
The 'moment' came after my third daughter was born. I was battling intense postpartum anxiety in the thick of the 2020 lockdown, and the comfort of my family's Persian chai ritual was something I desperately craved. But caffeine was my enemy. I needed that warmth, that ritual, that familiar flavor, but without the jittery aftermath. Nothing on the market satisfied my global palate, and I was desperate for something that would soothe my body and mind. That's when my husband, Ali, asked, 'You’re a chef. Why don’t you make it yourself?' And so it began. I went to work crafting what I craved—a blend of bold spices for unparalleled flavor, adaptogens to meet my body's specific needs, and nourishing rooibos tea to replenish my thirst. Crucially, I wanted something easy, a stir-in blend, not leaves that needed steeping. That's why we sourced our premium-grade rooibos powder, like matcha, ready in minutes. It was about creating a blend that met my needs anytime, anywhere. When I shared my homemade blend with friends and family, it took on a life of its own. Even the coffee lovers had to have it. It’s not just addictively delicious, it makes you feel good within moments. MAHSA Chai reflects my obsession for flavor, wellness, quality, sustainability, and an abiding love for nourishing community. It’s more than just tea; it’s a blend of my journey, my heritage, and my mission. Today, more than ever, I appreciate the freedom to experience ease, pleasure, and nourishment. Every cup of MAHSA is an invitation to reset, to find comfort and strength even in moments that feel impossible.
There are a lot of chai products on the market, but when I tasted yours on our last set, I knew this was unlike any other chai I had tasted. What makes it so rich in color and flavor?
The rich color and flavor come from our premium-grade ground rooibos, packed with electrolytes and antioxidants, and the vibrant, high-quality spices we use, like our golden turmeric. But it's more than just the ingredients. It's a harmonious blend. Spices and adaptogens, on their own, can be too intense, even unpalatable. I worked tirelessly to achieve the perfect equilibrium, resulting in a blend that's both bold and nuanced. You taste and see the difference that comes from that dedication.
Tell us about the name. What does it mean?
When it came to choosing a new name, I wrestled with several options. Then, in a moment of clarity, my husband suggested “MAHSA Chai” - after me, the one who nurtured this dream. The name resonated deeply. On a global stage, “Mahsa” had become synonymous with the fight for Woman, Life, Freedom - principles that resonate with my soul. MAHSA Chai became more than just a name; it became a symbol of empowerment, reminding us that all people deserve access to nourishment and freedom.
We are both women who have created products that mean a great deal to us. What do you want our daughters to know about entrepreneurship?
I want my three daughters to know that entrepreneurship is about trusting your gut with wild abandon. We all have an inner north star, and my hope is they surround themselves with people who help guide them towards it. It's about having the courage to follow that inner voice, even when it feels daunting, and knowing that their intuition is their greatest asset.
