February 22, 2026
Women together are a beauty, a power, and a source of stories, and CWE is the center.
What inspired Lei's business?
As a former high school teacher and single mother, Lei was inspired to start Wise Mouth to bring healthy and delicious drinks to her students every day. She wanted to change how young people think about choosing food and drinks, helping them understand the profound impact these choices have on their minds and bodies. Drawing on thousands of years of Eastern herbal traditions and modern food science, she created all-natural, handmade beverages made with only fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, tea leaves, and flowers—with no powders, concentrates, additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Business Highlight
Wise Mouth blends ancient Eastern herbal medicine with modern Western food science principles from Cornell University. Every recipe is purposefully crafted, with each ingredient selected for its specific benefits to body and mind—even the natural sweetness serves a healthful purpose. The drinks are 100% natural and handmade, rooted in traditional regimens used for millennia. Lei takes immense pride in creating something good for people and the world, with a dream to use Wise Mouth to make a broader positive impact.
How has CWE helped Lei in her journey?
CWE helped Lei by providing a supportive community and access to resources that have guided her through the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through CWE, she found mentorship, learning opportunities, and a network of like-minded women who understand the ups and downs of running a business. These connections gave her both practical tools and emotional support as she built Wise Mouth from the ground up.
CWE helped Lei see the value of collaboration and community in her journey. She describes CWE as a place where she could share her successes and struggles, finding encouragement and inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs. The guidance, programs, and camaraderie have strengthened her business approach and reinforced her commitment to creating products that positively impact her students, community, and beyond.
How has the journey of building her own business changed Lei's life?
The demanding beverage business has transformed Lei into a different person. She now cares deeply about the world, people, and small businesses. It has given her a larger dream—to use Wise Mouth to help make the world a better place—and a profound sense of calling.
The impact extends to her family and community: she sold her home to fund the business, trading her personal American dream for a bigger vision of helping many people. Though the journey has been incredibly hard on her and her daughter—at times making her question the decision—she knows she would choose this path again. In difficult times, she discovered she was never truly alone, as countless people and businesses rallied to support her. She feels truly blessed.
What creating a business of her own has done for Lei.
Owning Wise Mouth brings Lei immense pride because she is doing something meaningful for people and the world. The journey is challenging, empowering, and transformative, turning a former teacher into an entrepreneur with a mission far greater than herself.
She wants you to know this about CWE.
CWE has been my supportive family through smiles and tears, a place where I find like-minded entrepreneurs and the helping hands I need on this challenging journey.
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