Bald & Bold: Sunil Chandra Saha's Impact on My YouTube Journey

From Bartender to Brand Ambassador

Today, as I navigate the vibrant world of content creation, embracing my role as a full-time YouTuber and influencer, I attribute this immersive journey to the profound impact of Sunil Chandra Saha. Serving as the remarkable Co-Founder and CEO of the widely acclaimed Shark Tank Featured "Blue Tea," Sunil's visionary leadership has been the driving force behind my transformative professional trajectory.

The unexpected turn of events began in the summer of 2017, in the vibrant city of Kolkata, where I served as a Senior Bartender at Aromas, the coffee shop nestled within Hotel Kenilworth. Sunil Chandra Saha, with his charismatic presence, entered the scene and introduced us to the enchanting world of "Blue Tea Flowers." These mesmerizing blue pea flowers underwent a magical transformation to vibrant purple with just a few drops of lemon, captivating the curiosity and imagination of everyone present. Blue Tea was yet to be launched in the Indian market, and Sunil was conducting offline backdoor testing to gauge consumer reactions to Flower Tea. Intrigued by the concept, Sunil suggested incorporating Blue Tea into my cocktail creations, turning them into unique and vibrant concoctions that would later become a hallmark of my journey. Today, the enchanting elixir, 'Blue Tea', has transcended borders, making waves not only in India but also gracing glasses across the USA—a testament to its global appeal and widespread acclaim.

From the bar to YouTube stardom

As our paths continued to intersect, Sunil's influence became more profound. During a lunch visit, he learned about my YouTube channel and future aspirations. It was during this meeting that Sunil advised me to consider YouTube as my full-time career. One day, in the cozy winter of January 2018, Sunil called me and extended a life-changing offer, proposing the role of Brand Ambassador for Blue Tea. Faced with a pivotal decision between continuing my role as a Senior Bartender or diving into the world of startups, I took the leap of faith, embracing the exciting opportunity Sunil had presented.

Sunil's mentorship transcended mere business advice; it reached a deeply personal level when, upon seeing a photograph of mine, he suggested embracing a bald look. Despite my initial reservations, Sunil persisted in a manner that seemed as if he had a master plan in mind. Undeterred by my hesitation, I took another chance, this time not for a career transition but a transformation in my appearance.

The decision was not taken lightly, and one day, without informing my wife and daughter of my intentions, I ventured out. The moment arrived when I decided to "just do it," as if the spirit of Nike's famous slogan had taken residence in me. Upon my return home with my new look, the initial reactions from my wife and daughter were that of shock. However, Sunil's encouragement had a profound impact; soon, they not only embraced the change but turned the situation into a celebratory moment.

What made Sunil's influence even more remarkable was his ability to infuse humor into the process. Playfully welcoming me as "Shakaal," he not only lightened the atmosphere but also set the tone for a positive personal transformation. This encouragement marked the beginning of a journey that went beyond mere physical appearance. This transformation included a revamped wardrobe and, more importantly, a newfound sense of confidence that permeated every aspect of my life.

But Sunil didn't stop there; he emphasized the importance of brand identity. He connected me with Jitendra Khater, a Brand Consultant associated with Blue Tea. Jitendra worked on the makeover of Cocktails India, giving it a Midas touch. In December 2018, when it reached the milestone of 100,000 subscribers, I decided to reveal the new identity. The success of Cocktails India and a revamped look was celebrated in January 2019 at "Lords and Barrons" in Park Street, Kolkata.

Being a full-time YouTuber and influencer is not just a profession; it's a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and visionary leadership. Sunil's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, fostering creativity, and embracing innovation has created an ecosystem where individuals like me can thrive and explore their true potential.

Six years later, Sunil remains not just a mentor but a steadfast guide, offering valuable insights and support in both professional and personal spheres. Our journey has been marked by shared drinks, laughter, business brainstorming, and the wealth of Sunil's profound knowledge. As I express profound gratitude for the transformative impact he has had on my life, I echo the sentiment: if you have a mentor, express your gratitude for how they've intricately shaped the course of your life.

Life's concoction is a blend of unexpected twists and visionary mentors. Sunil Chandra Saha stirred my path from bartending to YouTube stardom with the magic of Blue Tea. Remember, even in the unexpected, there's a sweet symphony waiting to be danced to. So, shake things up, embrace the unexpected melodies, and let the rhythm of mentorship craft your extraordinary tale!

narrated by Sanjay Ghosh (Dada Bartender)

penned by Jitendra Khater

Sunil, alongside his co-founder Nitesh, secured a lucrative deal with Shark Aman Gupta, Co-Founder-CMO of boAt.