Relax. Taste. Enjoy.

Boba tea and dessert shop opens in Gig Harbor

Courtesy of Pearl Tea

At just 16, Jacqueline Tran saw an opportunity and took it. She spent her days in class and her evenings building Pearl Tea, Gig Harbor’s first dedicated boba shop. Growing up in her parents' restaurant, she saw firsthand what it took to create something from nothing. When the pandemic put life on hold, she decided to turn her vision into a reality.

"I always loved the experience of getting boba with friends," Jackie says. "It’s more than just a drink—it’s about community. I wanted to bring that here."

With no prior business experience, Jackie pitched her idea to local investors, secured funding, and launched Pearl Tea in July 2020. She sourced high-quality ingredients from Taiwan, worked with designers and photographers to shape the brand, and built a streamlined system to keep operations running smoothly. Now, just two months in, Pearl Tea draws in nearly 200 customers a day, with 40% returning weekly.

But Jackie doesn’t just focus on the drinks. "If you want people to keep coming back, you have to listen to them," she says. She listens closely to customer feedback, refines flavors, launches seasonal specials, and makes sure every drink is crafted with fresh-brewed tea and real fruit purees.

Beyond perfecting each drink, Jackie built a team. Many of her employees are working their first jobs, and she takes her time to mentor them. "It’s important to me that Pearl Tea isn’t just a great place for customers, but for my team as well," she shares. She also manages supplier relationships overseas, overseeing logistics to keep ingredients fresh and consistent.

Launching a business mid-pandemic wasn’t easy. Supply chain delays, shifting regulations, and uncertainty made every day unpredictable. But Jackie adapted quickly, using social media to keep customers engaged and drive foot traffic, boosting it by 30% and launching a digital loyalty program that increased repeat visits by 25%.

"The best part? Seeing customers come back, bringing their friends, and making Pearl Tea part of their routine," Jackie says. "That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a business. People genuinely loved it, whether it was the quality of our drinks, the welcoming space, or the experience we created. It became a place they wanted to return to."

Pearl Tea is more than just a boba shop. It’s a space where people gather, where first jobs turn into valuable experiences, and where a simple drink becomes something more. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pick-me-up or planning to stay awhile, Jackie and her team are ready to welcome you.

Pearl Tea

4621 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 400

Gig Harbor, Washington 98335

253.509.0759

PearlTeaBoba.com