Exploring Life & Business with Juan Galvis of Yin Yang Tea

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Galvis

Hi Juan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2020, Lane and I (Juan) made the big decision to move to Nashville. We had just graduated from college and were ready to dive into our careers. Little did we know that our adventure in Music City would lead us to an unexpected and exciting new chapter.

After settling into Nashville, we began exploring the local food scene, and one trend that quickly caught our attention was boba tea. The drink was gaining popularity, and we couldn’t get enough of it. Over time, we visited several boba tea shops around town, but there was one that stood out among the rest – Yin Yang Tea in Germantown. We loved the cozy atmosphere and the delicious drinks, and it quickly became our go-to spot. We made it a point to visit at least once a month to enjoy our favorite boba treats.

As we continued to build our careers and gain promotions, we also began investing in real estate. Our interest in property ownership grew, but in early 2024, we felt a desire to take a bigger risk – to invest in something we were truly passionate about. We both had a deep love for boba tea, and Lane, being a lifelong coffee enthusiast, had always wanted to be involved in the beverage industry. It seemed like the perfect time to explore this dream.

We started researching opportunities in the boba tea and café space, and our excitement grew when we discovered that a boba tea shop in West Nashville was up for sale. We nervously reached out to the business representative, and when we heard back, we learned that the shop for sale was none other than Yin Yang Tea – West Nashville. We couldn’t believe our luck. This was our favorite boba tea brand, and the chance to own it felt like a dream come true.

We scheduled a meeting to learn more about the opportunity and, after touring the store and chatting with the previous owner, our excitement only grew. The space needed a lot of physical work, but as we walked through the shop, our minds were overflowing with ideas. We knew we could turn this place into something really special. When our offer was accepted, we couldn’t contain our joy. All the hard work, sacrifices, and financial investments we had made over the years were finally paying off.

Once we closed on the business and became the official new owners, we knew it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. I made the decision to leave my corporate role as a Project Manager to dedicate myself fully to the business, and we dove into remodeling the space and making it our own. The journey has been rewarding and challenging, but after 8 months, the store looks completely different. I personally took charge of much of the remodeling, with the help of Lane and our amazing employee, Sadie.

In addition to the physical changes, we’ve worked hard to innovate and add new items to the menu to keep things fresh and exciting for our customers. We’ve always prioritized our team’s growth and well-being, offering training and opportunities for personal development. One of our employees, Kelly, has been an incredible asset to the business, and we were proud to help her grow her skills through a marketing internship. She did so well that she eventually landed a marketing job! It’s been a joy to watch our team members thrive.

As we continue to improve the store, we’re also introducing fun new events for our customers, like karaoke nights, trivia, and even our upcoming “Painting with a BesTea” event. We want to make Yin Yang Tea the place where people can come not only for delicious drinks but also for a fun and welcoming experience.

Our journey is just beginning, and we’re excited to continue growing. Our goal is to open a second location in the near future, and we’re working hard every day to make Yin Yang Tea the best boba shop in Nashville.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has made us stronger and more determined. One of the biggest struggles we faced was on the very night we closed on the business. Lane got very sick and ended up being hospitalized for seven days. The stress of everything—making the decision to buy the business, the financial pressure, and the excitement of the new venture—really took a toll on him. He was diagnosed with colitis, and it was a tough time for both of us. We had just become the new owners of Yin Yang Tea, and Lane was in the hospital.

Despite that difficult start, we pushed forward. I took on a lot of the responsibility during that time, and thankfully, Lane was able to rest and recover. It was a reminder that owning a business isn’t always smooth sailing, and life can throw curveballs when you least expect it. But we both stayed committed to our vision for Yin Yang Tea, and having each other’s support through the tough times made all the difference.

In addition to that personal struggle, we also faced the usual challenges of remodeling, adjusting to running a business, and trying to keep everything running smoothly. But with our hard work, perseverance, and the help of our amazing team, we’ve continued to push through and make Yin Yang Tea a place we’re proud of.

Every setback has been a learning experience, and while it’s never easy, we wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. It’s only made us more grateful for how far we’ve come and even more excited for what’s to come next.

We’ve been impressed with Yin Yang Tea, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Yin Yang Tea, we specialize in boba tea and a variety of specialty drinks, including espresso-based beverages. We also offer tasty food options like popcorn chicken, egg rolls, and potstickers to complement your drink. What sets us apart is our focus on creating a fun, welcoming space where people can relax, connect, and enjoy great flavors.

In addition to our high-quality drinks, we host exciting events like karaoke, trivia nights, and “Painting with a BesTea” to make every visit memorable. We’re also proud of the personal connections we build with our customers and team, always striving for innovation with new menu items and seasonal offerings.

Yin Yang Tea is more than just a boba shop—it’s a community spot where creativity, great drinks, and delicious food come together for an unforgettable experience.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Having a charismatic personality is key when it comes to networking and finding mentors. It’s about being approachable, showing genuine interest in others, and engaging with enthusiasm. People are more likely to offer support when they feel your energy and authenticity.

For us, networking has been about building real relationships—reaching out to those who share similar goals and learning from everyone we meet, not just those at the top. A charismatic approach helps make connections feel natural and meaningful, and it can open doors to invaluable guidance and opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://order.getrevi.com/yin-yang-tea-west-nashville-1550
• Instagram: @yytwestnashville