Vapouround magazine ISSUE 17 | Page 45

The focus on coffee flavours goes beyond marketing and taste ; the popularity of coffee speaks to a shared , global product that we can all bond over . “ If you step out into the world you ’ ll find commonalities in every country . Beyond language , we all hold common ground : the device in your hand . It ’ s not like being around the poker table during the glory days of smoking , saying ‘ try my Marlboro !’ – whether you ’ re a juice maker , a mod maker or regular vaper , we speak the same language . I ’ ve had full conversations in foreign lands just through hand signals . I ’ ve made friends that last a lifetime over vaping .” Wes never listened to sceptics when it came to travel . “ People have called us crazy for going to Russia or Colombia . Despite the warnings , you experience so much love . Don ’ t allow your parents or your media to tell you where you can and can ’ t go . Get out of the cubicle . You may say to yourself : ‘ I work a job I may or may not like , I ’ m grinding myself down .’ If you have just a little time for vacation or some R & R , step out of your comfort zone and see the world . Go somewhere filled with beautiful aromas and interesting people .
“ The point of Barista Brew is breaking lines that divide . Coffee – no matter what country you ’ re in , creates a bond .” Barista Brew Co is also noted for its packaging : cold and heat-sensitive coffee cups show their logo when filled , allowing consumers to market the brand to bystanders wherever they go , and hopefully save a smoker . In his acceptance speech , Wes thanked his family for their efforts in helping him get where he is . ‘‘ My wife Yen was five months pregnant when we decided to go on the road . Myself , my colleagues , everyone promoting us , they ’ re family . We all started on our path from a desire to quit smoking . We wanted to be around so our kids and grandchildren could enjoy us more . The day my wife and I were going to hospital for the birth of our child , we did an Instagram shoot to show our devotion – ‘ We ’ ll get your orders out , right after we finish packing this box we ’ re going to the hospital !’ ’’ Wes loves not having barriers between work and family life . “ We barely call it a job , travelling around the world , meeting great people and seeing the good purpose of our products . It ’ s indescribable .”
But entrepreneurship comes with sacrifice , and Wes counts his blessings daily . “ I missed my kid ’ s first Easter . I missed Father ’ s Day . I made a conscious effort to work harder than ever because once he was old enough to travel , I had two years to get free tickets for him , so he could be a lap baby . Now he has thirteen stamps on his passport . Now I get to work with him there in the warehouse in a kids-only area . I may be the face of the franchise – people call me Mr Barista , but my wife runs the organisation ; everything from warehousing to finances . Most importantly , mom and dad can raise their kid , and a big beautiful company under one roof .”
“ Whether you ’ re a juice maker , a mod maker or regular vaper , we speak the same language . I ’ ve made friends that last a lifetime over vaping ”
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