We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Finny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of a chai business had been looming over our heads for some time and we had even catered under the name “Chechi’s Chai” for a few family friends before officially launching the business. At the beginning of 2023, Jess had the opportunity to pitch the business for a class and then for a few competitions at Belmont University which won us the money we needed to establish the business. From that point we realized that there was way more to this chai business than we had realized and we’ve been expanding and developing the business since.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets Chechi’s Chai apart is more than just the chai—it’s the story, the heart, and the heritage behind every cup. We’re not just selling chai; we’re sharing a piece of our South Indian roots, our sisterhood, and our deep love for community and culture. Chechi means “older sister” in Malayalam, and that word captures the warmth, care, and strength we aim to bring to every event and interaction.

We started with a vision of creating an authentic chai experience in a market where South Asian flavors were often watered down or misunderstood in what is known as the “Chai Tea Latte”. What began as a small pop-up turned into something much bigger than we imagined: a platform to tell our story, to celebrate where we come from, and to invite others into a space of hospitality and belonging. There were and are many challenges. From learning how to scale without losing authenticity, to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship as women of color, to doing it all while juggling school and other jobs—this journey took grit, prayer, and community. We stayed rooted in who we are and committed to why we started.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency and care go a long way. People might come for the chai, but we hope they experience belonging and learn more about what chai represents to our culture. Chechi’s Chai is proof that stories matter. That culture is something to be celebrated, not diluted. That when women lead with vision, authenticity, and heart—beautiful things happen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! Food wise, I would say Deg Thai, Sunda, Bartaco, Benji’s Bagels, Sadie’s, and Prince’s Hot Chicken. For coffee I would take them to Crema, Honest Coffee Roasters, The Awaken House (in Columbia) and Dose. I think visiting the Parthenon and hanging out at Centennial Park is a must – maybe make a picnic out of it! Then, a walk down broadway and the river walk for the views. I feel like Nashville has some cool spots to go kayaking or go on a hike so that feels like a good way to get some activity in. Lastly, I usually have friends see if they can come visit when there is a concert in town so that they can experience live music in Music City – specifically at the Ryman or the Grand Ole Opry or one of the smaller venues in town like The Basement.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jess and I could not be doing any of what we’re doing without our parents. As South Asians, we live in a culture that puts such an emphasis on success and that success is typically tied to educational accolades and STEM careers. We really lucked out with parents who believe that we all have a specific purpose to live out and that we can’t all be the same thing. They have whole hearted supported our decision to take the risk that is business by showing up to our markets, brainstorming ideas with us, staying up with us to prep and package our products. They are truly the wind beneath our sails. There are a lot of things they sacrificed in their 20s by moving from India to America to start a new life here. Now, being in our 20s, we hope that the opportunities we have and the life we build would be in honor of them.

Website: https://www.chechischai.co

Instagram: @chechis_chai

Other: TikTok: @chechischai

Image Credits
@caseyirwinphotography (Instagram)

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