Founder's Stories

Founder's Stories

Founder's Stories

After meeting in New York, co-founders Levi and Rong Gao now call Wuyishan home. Though they grew up on opposite sides of the world, the energy from the mountainous green reminds them both of their childhoods.




Rong Gao

Co-founder Shifting Senses & Xiang Tu Cha Shuo

Rong Gao believes that curiosity is the beginning of understanding. A third-generation tea expert born in Fujian, China, Rong’s ongoing passion for tea informs an integral part of her identity.

She’s traveled the world sharing her passion for tea through education and gleaning insight on how Chinese culture is perceived and interpreted around the world.

As founder of Shifting Senses, Rong weaves her passion for people, culture, and ancient philosophies into intimate, first-person stories about the nuances of Chinese identity through tea.



Levi

Co-founder Shifting Senses & Xiang Tu Cha Shuo

As co-founder of Shifting Senses, Levi Ward brings his background in branding and strategy to re-imagining and localizing the spirit of Chinese tea traditions for audiences of all backgrounds in a culturally authentic, accessible and transformative way.

His passion for exploring the interior landscape as revealed through tea practice inspires him to strive to share the discovered space, slowness and compassion with others.

When he’s not sharing, sourcing or talking tea, you can find him hiking in the Wuyi Mountains.