We recently connected with Tyng Chiu and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tyng thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

When I first started my yoga business, many people doubted my chances of success because I didn’t have an established clientele. The journey was certainly stressful as I worked to get my name out there and attract clients. However, I believe that through hard work and a genuine passion for the fitness industry, people will eventually take notice
I didn’t come from a business background or have a high-level degree, but I committed myself to continuous learning. Participating in training sessions and learning from people around the world—especially our clients—has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
The connections we have built with our clients are what truly form our community. While many suggest that we need experienced teachers to draw in clients, I respectfully disagree. It’s the personal relationships and the sense of belonging we cultivate with each individual that truly strengthen our community. In the end, it’s not just about the number of experienced instructors; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and connected.

Tyng , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I began my yoga journey in 2005 as part of my weight loss efforts, but what started as a personal goal quickly evolved into a daily practice that transformed my life. In 2017, I took the leap to enroll in yoga teacher training, and since then, I’ve made it a point to pursue any yoga-related training I could find each year. In 2018, I discovered aerial yoga and completed my certification, only to realize that there were no nearby studios offering this unique practice for me to teach. That realization sparked the dream of opening my own studio
In 2022, we launched our yoga studio with the initial thought of following the same strategies as other studios. However, I soon recognized that many of our clients came in not just to practice yoga but to share their personal journeys—both the highs and the lows. Our studio has become a haven where individuals feel happy and comfortable, creating a space that nurtures their well-being
What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a community that values connection and shared experiences. We don’t just provide a service; we aim to help our clients achieve a balance in their lives both inside and outside the studio. We take pride in knowing that our clients not only enjoy their practice but also find joy and fulfillment in their lives beyond our walls
I’m most proud of the supportive environment we’ve cultivated, where everyone feels welcome and valued. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that our studio is a place where they can truly be themselves, embark on their wellness journeys, and find a community that cares. Here, we’re not just practicing yoga; we’re building a life of balance and happiness together.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The story of how I met my business partner goes back two decades. We’ve been friends since high school, sharing countless memories and experiences over the years. He had his own boba shop in Los Angeles, which was thriving until the pandemic hit and he ultimately decided to sell his business
During this challenging time, he noticed my journey on social media as I documented my path in yoga. Inspired by my dedication, he reached out to me with an exciting idea: what if we combined yoga and tea? At first, I was a bit hesitant, as I didn’t have any business experience to draw from. However, his vision and enthusiasm were infectious, and I saw the potential in his idea
This collaboration ultimately led to the creation of “Bootea Flow Yoga.” He took the lead in guiding me through the business aspects, sharing his insights and expertise. Together, we began to explore how we could create a unique space that blended the calming practices of yoga with the inviting atmosphere of a tea lounge.
It was a dream partnership, merging our passions and strengths to create something special. This is how “Bootea Flow Yoga” started—bringing together our love for yoga and tea in a harmonious experience for our community. I’m grateful for his support and guidance, and I truly believe that our shared journey and long-standing friendship have been crucial in shaping our business into what it is today.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Pivoting in business can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, and for us, it came after investing a significant amount of money into remodeling our studio. Initially, we envisioned a space that combined a tea bar and yoga studio, creating a unique environment where clients could enjoy both practices. However, after two years of trying every possible avenue to build a full kitchen, it became clear that this dream was simply unattainable
That’s when I had to rethink our approach. I realized that instead of a full kitchen, we could focus on selling loose tea. While tea wasn’t my area of expertise, I was more than willing to learn and innovate. I began experimenting with different blends, aiming to create unique flavors that could enhance the yoga experience. I wanted to share the calming benefits of sipping tea and how it can help center the mind
Now, we are proud to offer a selection of loose teas, including our signature “Beautea,” a floral blend designed to benefit both the body and mind. This pivot not only allowed us to adapt to the challenges we faced but also opened up a new avenue for creativity and connection with our clients. It’s amazing how embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities, and I’m excited about where this journey is taking us!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.booteaflowyoga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booteaflowyoga/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booteaflowyoga
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bootea-flow-yoga-studio-placentia

Image Credits

Image credits: Kara Sperling (Sperling Photo Co)