In today’s fast-paced world, balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities can be challenging. We sat down with Wei, the founder of Brew, to delve into his inspiring journey of ambition, resilience, and the creation of a platform that reflects the true essence of life.

Kimberly: Thank you for joining us today. To start, could you share a bit about your early life and what you consider your primary form of ambition?

Wei: Absolutely! Growing up, I always saw myself as someone driven by a powerful curiosity rather than traditional ambition like conquering the world or amassing wealth. Whenever I encountered something new and interesting—be it photography, chess, painting, various sports, playing instruments, or even video games—I felt an irresistible urge to try it out.

Kimberly: It sounds like you had a wide range of interests. How did your parents support this curiosity?

Wei: My parents were incredibly supportive, though it wasn’t always easy for them financially. They invested a lot in me, buying cameras, instruments, specialized equipment, and enrolling me in professional courses. While it wasn’t a wealthy lifestyle, their love and dedication ensured my childhood was filled with diverse activities and experiences. It wasn’t until I had my own family that I truly appreciated the sacrifices they made.

Kimberly: As you transitioned into adulthood, how did your passions evolve?

Wei: Even after entering the workforce and starting my own family, my curiosity remained intact. I bought a drum set, then a piano, and later rekindled my love for video games. However, I soon realized that balancing these interests with work and family responsibilities was becoming increasingly difficult. My collection of unfinished instruments and untouched games became a constant reminder of the time and energy I lacked to pursue my passions fully.

Kimberly: That sounds challenging. How did you cope with this realization?

Wei: It was a tough period. My daily routine left me with only a couple of hours of free time, and by then, I was too exhausted to engage in any meaningful activities. I watched TV, scrolled through short videos, or watched game streams just to unwind. Weekends were no better, as they were consumed by odd jobs and small tasks. I felt trapped in an endless cycle, yearning to break free but unsure how to balance everything.

Kimberly: When did you decide to take action to address this cycle?

Wei: I knew I had to make a change to avoid future regrets. I spent a lot of time reflecting on how to balance family, work, and personal interests. These reflections inadvertently laid the groundwork for what would become Brew. I attempted to reignite my passions by dusting off my drum kit and piano and following YouTube tutorials. Initially, it was exciting, but the enthusiasm faded after a few weeks or months, leading to another wave of exhaustion and resistance.

Kimberly: How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence your journey?

Wei: COVID-19 was a turning point. With new challenges at work and a mental slump, my life felt directionless. I started isolating myself, uninstalling games, and cutting off contact with friends. During this time, I became addicted to travel videos on YouTube. While I loved them, I noticed that many creators struggled to present complete and continuous stories due to platform limitations. This observation sparked my curiosity about what drives creators and how their content connects with audiences.

Kimberly: That’s fascinating. How did this insight lead to the creation of Brew?

Wei: My original idea for Brew was to create a platform for authentic, extended, and complete travel videos without the pressure of view counts or likes. Inspired by Instagram Stories, I envisioned a blend between Netflix and Twitch TV that encouraged genuine storytelling and interaction between creators and viewers. With support from my wife, who encouraged me to pursue the idea, I secured initial funding and began developing the app with a software outsourcing company in the summer of 2022.

Kimberly: It must have been exciting to see your idea take shape. How did things progress initially?

Wei: Initially, I was optimistic and dreamt of Brew bringing me financial freedom and more time to pursue my interests. However, over a year, the project faced significant delays due to underestimated complexity, limited funding, and a shortage of skilled personnel. By the end of 2023, the app was far from launch-ready, and the pressure from my day job intensified. I reached a point where I considered leaving my job to save Brew but was worried about the financial risks and the impact on my family.

Kimberly: Facing such challenges, how did you find the motivation to continue?

Wei: I looked to the stories of successful individuals like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, but realized that even they faced immense sacrifices and pressures. A recurring internal dialogue made me question what I truly wanted in life—whether it was a fulfilling career, cherishing important relationships, or contributing meaningfully to society. This introspection led me to understand that life is about embracing the present while pursuing what truly matters to us.

Kimberly: Did a particular moment or experience solidify your decision to continue with Brew?

Wei: Yes, during a trip to China in the spring of 2024, I encountered my 15-year-old nephew, who was under immense academic pressure. His desire to travel and spend time with friends resonated deeply with me. It highlighted the universal longing for balance and meaningful experiences despite external pressures. This encounter reinforced my belief in creating a platform that helps people discover and pursue their "small expectations" amidst life's demands.

Kimberly: What is the core philosophy behind Brew, and how does it reflect your personal journey?

Wei: Brew is built on the philosophy of "Stay Curious, Stay Connected, and Experience Life." It aims to offer a space where people can authentically capture and share life’s moments—the good and the bad, the joys and sorrows. We believe in embracing imperfection and finding meaning through continuous exploration and connection. Brew supports individuals in pursuing their passions while balancing life's responsibilities, much like the journey I’ve been on myself.

Kimberly: How has your personal experience influenced the features and vision of Brew?

Wei: My experiences taught me the importance of authenticity, continuous storytelling, and meaningful interactions between creators and their audience. Brew is designed to remove the superficial metrics like view counts and likes, allowing creators to focus on genuine content. The platform encourages extended narratives and deeper connections, reflecting the true essence of personal experiences and fostering a community that values meaningful engagement over fleeting popularity.

Kimberly: What are your hopes for Brew's impact on its users?

Wei: I hope Brew helps people discover their "small expectations"—those little passions and interests that bring joy and meaning to their lives. By providing a platform for authentic storytelling and connection, we aim to inspire users to embrace their true selves, explore new possibilities, and find balance amidst their busy lives. Ultimately, Brew is about capturing the essence of life and helping individuals live with purpose and fulfillment.

Kimberly: Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Wei: Thank you for having me. I want to encourage everyone to stay curious and connected, to find joy in both the big and small moments of life. Embrace your passions, even amidst life's challenges, and remember that it's the journey, with all its choices and experiences, that truly defines us. Together, we can inspire each other to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Through resilience and unwavering curiosity, Wei, the founder of Brew, has transformed personal challenges into a platform that celebrates authentic experiences and meaningful connections. Brew stands as a testament to the belief that embracing our passions can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

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