Ashleigh, an Irish entrepreneur with a deep love for tea, never expected that her journey would lead her to Malaysia - a country known for its vibrant tea culture.

Inspired by both her roots and the rich flavours of her new home, she set out to create a tea business that blends the best of both worlds. Let’s hear more from her! 

What initially brought you to Malaysia? Had you visited the country before moving here?

In 2008 my husband and I travelled in Asia for nine months and spent some time travelling in Malaysia and really loved the culture, the people and of course the food! I am from Northern Ireland, and I loved how similar family focus is in Malaysia and how important family time is.

We had the opportunity to move to KL for work and we immediately said yes. Our daughter was born in KL in 2014, just a few months after we arrived. We spent 10 years in the city before moving to JB to establish the Tea Bird Tea factory and support our export growth. 

What do you like about living here?

It’s the atmosphere - the warmth, the friendliness, and the way people embrace life.

There’s always time for a cup of tea, a chat, and a wealth of incredible experiences, whether you’re here to travel, work, study, seek medical care, or raise a family. Malaysia is safe, and its vibrant celebration of cultural seasons is something I deeply admire. I’m proud to be part of this community.

The weather is perfect for daily walks and swimming, and there’s a strong athletic scene, with cycling races, marathons, and triathlons happening all over the country - something my husband loves. 

Every city has its own unique charm, yet all stay rooted in Malaysia’s rich culture, showcasing its art, food, and music at every opportunity.

Have you always been into tea?

I grew up in Northern Ireland so yes tea was a daily staple, a morning start, an afternoon pick me up and an evening cuppa with tea and biscuits! Back then, it was always strong black tea with milk, but now there are so many choices to explore.

You can experiment with different flavours and enjoy tea however and whenever you like - it’s truly exciting! We started with loose-leaf tea blends before transitioning to our current cornstarch teabags which are free from strings, tags, staples, and toxins. 

What’s the most unexpected ingredient you’ve ever considered adding to a tea blend?

Durian - we haven’t done it yet but we have a lot of Chinese customers who love our tea and also love durian. It’s a bit like Marmite - people either love it or hate it.

Durian has a similarly polarising effect, and its production comes with its own challenges. We have to carefully manage these to ensure our signature blends remain unaffected.

If your tea blends were to have a superpower, what would it be?

Positivi-tea of course!

My whole concept for the brand from the outset was about being as customer centric as possible, I wanted customers to have a daily luxury experience every time they pour a cup of tea.

Opening the colourful tin and inhaling the rich aroma awakens their senses, while selecting their favourite cup adds a personal touch. And, of course, the health benefits of drinking tea regularly make it a truly enjoyable and nourishing part of their daily routine.

What do you miss most about your home country?

My family - though they visit us often, and we travel back for holidays while staying connected through regular video calls. Luckily, they love to travel as well. I grew up in a lively, open family environment where adventure and new experiences were always celebrated.