Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Chae
Hi Mia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Garden Grounds began as a blend of personal experiences, passions, and a bit of serendipity. I’m originally from Metro-Detroit, but I moved back last November after living in New York City, where I attended Parsons School of Design. The transition back home was bittersweet—while I was still figuring out my next career move, life took a sudden turn when my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. It shifted my priorities, and I knew I needed to stay close to family during such a difficult time.
As I navigated the emotional challenges, I also realized I needed something creative to spark joy in my life. One spring afternoon, while hiking with my mom, we started brainstorming business ideas just for fun. Around that time, I had been experimenting with making unique matcha and coffee drinks at home, playing with homemade syrups and cream foams. I had always dreamed of opening a little café, perhaps one with a garden or a shop—a space that combined beauty with creativity.
That’s when I recalled a conversation with my cousin, who had told me about a successful flower cart business. It inspired me to combine my love for specialty drinks with florals—offering drinks made with botanical flavors and paired with beautiful, whimsical floral arrangements. My mom, who’s passionate about décor and flower arranging, immediately loved the idea. After some brainstorming, we came up with the name Garden Grounds—a perfect blend of “garden” for the florals and “grounds” for the coffee and tea.
From there, everything started falling into place. I began looking for a trailer to bring the vision to life and was lucky enough to connect with my brother and sister-in-law, who run Fisheye Farms in Detroit. They put me in touch with Beaverland Farms, who had an old wooden trailer that had been used by the local community. When I saw it, I knew instantly that this was the perfect space for Garden Grounds.
The renovation process was a true labor of love. My mom and I worked together to make the trailer into something magical—painting it, adding functional décor, and transforming it into a cozy, inviting space. We were both so excited when it was finally ready, and I couldn’t have imagined a more charming little cottage on wheels.
With the trailer in hand, I started planning pop-ups, initially with the support of Fisheye Farms, who graciously hosted me at their farm stands over the summer. It was an incredible experience—getting to meet people who were excited about my concept and were eager to support a local business. The more I talked to customers, the more I realized there was a gap in Metro Detroit for high-quality matcha drinks and floral arrangements that felt natural, whimsical, and not overly polished.
Looking ahead, I see Garden Grounds evolving into a unique event experience, offering elevated coffee and floral services for weddings, showers, and other celebrations. And in the future, I’d love to open a brick-and-mortar café that combines a garden, plant shop, and gift store.
In the few months since launching, I’ve met so many amazing people who have helped bring my dream to life, and I’m so excited about what’s next. It’s been a rewarding journey already, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road so far has been pretty smooth. Though my current hurdle is to amp up my marketing for private events. I realize that pop-ups, while fun and helpful for gaining visibility, are not as lucrative as private events could be. It’s also been challenging to figure out what florals and price points will work best for different demographics at pop-ups. I look forward to the creative challenges of private events, where I can tailor the beverages and florals to the event. I’m thinking floral-themed espresso martinis and bud vase floral placement markers for a wedding, or even build-your-own bouquets for a shower.
I also plan to offer my cottage-on-wheels to rent as a mobile bar for clients who are looking for a unique addition to their event. My entry-level espresso machine has also been a challenge in keeping up high volume orders, which is why high quality matcha has been my focus. I may need to invest in a higher-end commercial espresso machine.
Garden Grounds has just completed its inaugural season, and my next challenge is growing my business to make it more profitable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Garden Grounds, I focus on creating a unique, sensory experience that blends delicious, high-quality drinks with the aromatics of nature. My main areas of expertise are recipe development, baking, and crafting one-of-a-kind beverages. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with different cookie recipes for my pop-ups, often infusing them with botanical flavors that pair beautifully with the drinks. My signature cookie this past summer was my rose pistachio shortbread, which I will definitely be bringing back!
I’m especially passionate about crafting drinks with unique flavor profiles—whether it’s creating floral-infused matcha lattes or experimenting with seasonal syrups. It’s all about offering something that surprises and delights, while also showcasing ingredients that are fresh, natural, and homemade.
Beyond the culinary side, I’m also deeply involved in styling and decorating the trailer. I’ve always loved curating beautiful spaces, and my trailer has become my little mobile sanctuary. From arranging flowers to styling photoshoots for the drinks and the space itself, I enjoy creating a vibe that’s both whimsical and cozy—a place where people can feel like they’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem.
I’m most proud of the unique voice and aesthetic I’ve developed for Garden Grounds. It’s something I’ve worked hard to hone—combining my love of nature, design, and creativity into a cohesive experience. What sets me apart is this mix of thoughtful, nature-inspired design with quality food and beverages. I don’t just want to serve a drink; I want to create a moment that feels special and memorable.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The one book that truly resonates with me and shapes how I live my life is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The lessons in the book—particularly around not taking things personally, being impeccable with my word, and not making assumptions—are principles I try to live by both in my personal life and in my business. It has really helped me stay grounded and maintain clarity, especially when navigating challenges or big decisions.
In addition to that book, I love listening to podcasts that inspire personal growth and creativity. One of my favorites is The Tim Ferriss Show. Tim interviews high performers from all walks of life—entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists—and I always walk away with practical advice or fresh perspectives. Another one I find really inspiring is On Being by Krista Tippett. It’s about deep conversations on life’s big questions, spirituality, and how we can live more meaningfully.
For inspiration, I love using Pinterest. It’s an incredible resource for sparking new ideas, whether it’s for business concepts, design aesthetics, or just personal creativity. We made these dried flower mini pumpkins for a pop-up I did, which was inspired by a photo I pinned! I can spend hours exploring new trends, DIY projects, and visuals that keep me inspired and motivated.
I also use Evernote to jot down ideas, plan my day, and keep track of the small details that keep things running smoothly. And Notion helps me stay organized and balance the creative with the practical side of running my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gardengrounds.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garden.grounds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563102511092
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@garden.grounds
