In the heart of California's vibrant food and beverage scene, Nancy Guzmán stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. The founder of Balance Me Out, a coffee truck that has quickly become a local favorite, Nancy embarked on this journey in 2021 amidst the challenges brought on by the global pandemic. With a background in teaching and a sudden shift in career paths, she poured her passion for art and creativity into crafting a business that offers more than just a cup of coffee. Balance Me Out is her answer to the community's need for healthier drink options, proving that flavor and wellness can indeed go hand in hand.

Nancy's dedication to her vision has led to remarkable recognition in the industry. Balance Me Out has proudly clinched multiple awards, showcasing the excellence and appeal of its offerings. Among these accolades, the Gold at the California State Fair stands out, affirming Nancy's belief that healthy drinks are not just a trend but a lifestyle choice embraced by many. Even more telling of her impact is the favorite drink award at the Sacramento Vegan Chef Challenge, a testament to her innovative recipes and the community's endorsement of her mission. This particular honor, decided by customer votes against 50 other establishments, underscores the profound connection Nancy has fostered with her patrons and the broader community through her commitment to health, taste, and sustainability.

As we delve into the Q&A section of our spotlight on Nancy Guzmán, we invite you to discover the person behind the counter of Balance Me Out. Uncover the stories, challenges, and inspirations that fueled her journey from a passionate educator to a celebrated entrepreneur, whose creative beverages are making a significant mark on the California food scene.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

A: When the schools closed due to Covid, my job was terminated. I wanted to start something that allowed me to have a positive impact on the community and that also gave me room to be creative.

Q: What were some of the challenges you faced when you started?

A: Everything was expensive so instead of buying my built out trailer I bought an empty cargo trailer and learned how to use tools I didn’t even know the names of. Also, Covid wiped out a lot of small businesses and that made it difficult to get supplies.

Q: What was the vision behind your business, and how has it evolved since you started?

A: My vision was that I’d create healthy alternatives to the mass amount of sugary drinks plaguing our community. It started with coffee, but quickly matcha and chai became popular as well.

Q: Did you always want to own a business? What did you want to do if not?

A: I was super content teaching. I never pictured myself doing anything besides teaching art.

‍Q: Could you share a milestone or achievement that you're particularly proud of?

A: Every competition we have entered we have won. We took Gold at the CA State Fair proving again that healthy is delicious. But the most proud achievement was winning favorite drink at the SAC Vegan Chef Challenge where we competed all month long with 50 restaurants and coffee shops in the Sacramento area. This has been my favorite award because all the other awards were judged by chefs and local celebrities, however, the vegan chef challenge could only be won by customers taking the time to vote.

‍Q: What’s something your customers don’t know about you or your business?

A: Everything on the menu has less than 7 grams of added sugar.

‍Q: What part of what you do gets you out of bed everyday?

A: Knowing that I create drinks that nourish and fuel the community.

‍Q: In what ways does your business strive to make a positive impact on your community or industry?

A: Every quarter I partner with a local non profit and give away part of my profits to help support their positive impact on the community.

‍Q: What future goals or projects are you most excited about for your business?

A: Introducing reusable cups

‍Q: How do you navigate setbacks or failures, and what lessons have they taught you?

A: Being flexible helps a lot. I learned how to become a handy woman, which has helped me fix problems on the trailer. Learning how things work has taught me to be resilient and problem solve.

‍Q: Is there someone in your industry who inspires you?

A: All the farmers.

Q: What’s some advice you would give to new businesses owners?

A: Truly know how everything works that you work with. At least the basics, because although there’s plenty of help in our community, sometimes the problem has to be fixed at that very moment. Having knowledge of how things work, helps you resolve issues while the expert is on the way.

Interested in learning more about Nancy Guzmán or exploring the innovative and health-conscious world of Balance Me Out? Dive deeper into their journey and get a closer look at their delicious, award-winning creations by visiting their Instagram page

‍