Entrepreneur Jiaru Cai Traded Data Tables For Meditation Mats and Is Now Transforming Mental Health

In a time when mental health challenges continue to surge and technology evolves at breakneck speed, entrepreneur and former data engineer Jiaru Cai is carving out a path that merges innovation, mindfulness, and cultural heritage. Her platform, JoinSangha, stands at the forefront of an emerging field that prioritizes community-based mental health support, while also pioneering a unique revenue model—Zen merchandise that includes high-quality teas, handcrafted teapots, and incense. “I’ve long believed that technology should augment our deeper human connections,” says Cai. “We need to do more than provide meditative tracks; we need to foster real communities.”

Cai’s journey begins in the data analytics sphere, where she accumulated three years of experience in the advertising and mental health technology sectors. Before transitioning into the entrepreneurial world, she served as a data engineer at TikTok, leading initiatives related to advertising integrity and risk mitigation. It was during this time that she noticed a concerning trend: the constant grind of tech life was taking a toll on mental health, exacerbated by relentless performance metrics and, more recently, waves of layoffs. “My decision to pivot from data engineering was driven by a vision,” Cai explains. “I saw too many of my colleagues—brilliant people—overwhelmed by anxiety and stress. There had to be a way to blend technical capabilities with a more holistic approach to wellness.”

That initial spark led to the founding of JoinSangha in 2023. The platform offers peer meditation sessions, group gatherings, and a digital space where members can share their struggles and triumphs. “When you’re surrounded by like-minded people who truly listen, it transforms how you handle stress,” Cai notes. “It’s this sense of unity—this sangha—that encouraged me to name the platform the way I did.” The term ‘sangha’ finds its roots in ancient Buddhist communities, reflecting a culture of togetherness and shared learning that Cai sees as essential in modern life.

The importance of this community approach is underscored by data. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States lives with mental illness. At the same time, a 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 84 percent of U.S. adults reported feeling stressed at least once in the two weeks prior to their report (Source: American Psychological Association). “For me, those numbers point to a crisis in the way we handle mental well-being,” Cai observes. “We need solutions that address the social dimension of mental health, not just the individual one.”

What sets JoinSangha apart in a crowded field of meditation apps is its distinctive revenue model, which places Zen-inspired merchandise at the heart of its strategy. Cai traces the inspiration for this approach back to her hometown, Yongchun, in China’s Fujian province—a region renowned for its tea culture and artisanal crafts. Drawing on these roots, she named this series of her work after her grandfather, Yanmo Cai, whose name translates to “ethereal ink.”

Cai’s grandfather’s story was viewed and shared by more than 300,000 people in China, and it was covered by major media outlets including Southern Metropolis Daily, China News Service, and People’s Daily. “We realized that while mindfulness apps often rely on subscriptions or donations, we could create a stronger sense of connection by weaving tangible products into the experience,” she explains. “It’s not just about drinking tea; it’s about the ceremony and tradition behind it. When someone holds a handcrafted teapot and sips tea from Yongchun, they’re reminded of the centuries-old wisdom that underpins these rituals.”

By sourcing local materials and partnering with rural artisans, Cai’s venture invests in the local economy and provides an alternative income stream, all while supporting the mental health platform.

Beyond the business model, Cai has also demonstrated a passion for building inclusive communities in the tech world. She has mentored participants at Techstars Startup Weekend San Francisco and served as a judge at global hackathons like Major League Hacking and the AI Engineer World’s Fair Hackathon in 2024. “It’s inspiring to see so many young people energized by what technology can accomplish,” she says. “But I also remind them: The real breakthroughs happen when you keep people at the heart of your solution. Whether it’s mental health, education, or social impact, empathy is the engine that drives innovation forward.”

That sense of empathy is palpable in how JoinSangha fosters human interaction. While apps like Headspace and Calm focus on individual meditation sessions, Cai’s platform actively encourages group discussions and collaborative learning. Users can discover “focus rooms” where they drop in for guided sessions, connect with peers facing similar life transitions, and engage in group challenges that blend mindfulness techniques with real-life goals, like establishing better sleep routines or reducing screen time. “We look at the old monastic traditions, where tea and incense played an integral role in meditation, and adapt them for a modern audience,” Cai says. “Our merchandise isn’t just a product; it’s a conduit for engaging more deeply with the practice.”

The company’s milestones thus far reflect the viability of its approach. Through organic social media efforts—particularly on TikTok, where JoinSangha has already amassed around 2,000 followers—Cai and her team draw in individuals searching for community-based mindfulness. Local gatherings and partnerships with mental health groups, such as Sangha by the Ocean, have expanded the platform’s reach. “We’re not just a digital platform,” Cai emphasizes. “We sponsor in-person events, volunteer opportunities, and networking circles because that’s how you create genuine connections.”

Such community-building efforts are also supported by broader market data. The Global Wellness Institute estimates that the mental wellness economy—encompassing everything from mindfulness apps to wellness tourism—was valued at $121 billion as of 2020 (Source: Global Wellness Institute). Moreover, the mindfulness meditation apps market itself is projected to grow significantly in the coming decade, driven in part by rising awareness around mental health and the search for accessible forms of wellness. “I hope to see meditation recognized as the go-to mental health solution for managing anxiety, much like yoga is embraced for supporting physical health,” Cai explains.

Yet while scaling up can be lucrative, Cai remains focused on ensuring that JoinSangha’s core values endure. “Growth is only meaningful if we preserve what makes us special,” she says. “For us, that’s authenticity, cultural grounding, and genuine social support. I hope to see meditation recognized as the go-to mental health solution for managing anxiety, much like yoga is embraced for supporting physical health.”

In her role as both founder and CEO of the overarching company, Familia io, Inc., Cai has a clear roadmap ahead. The JoinSangha platform will continue to refine its social features, adding more regional chapters and specialized circles—like sessions tailored for corporate employees or women navigating career transitions. At the same time, the Zen merchandise line will expand to include additional artisanal items that evoke the serenity of traditional tea rituals, along with tips and workshops on mindful living. “We plan to eventually hold events in different cities where participants can learn directly from local tea farmers and artisans, melding education, culture, and mindfulness in a single experience,” she reveals.

But how does Cai gauge success? Traditional metrics like daily active users or merchandise sales might convey the platform’s growth, yet she notes that real success is measured by positive testimonials and life changes. “I receive messages from people saying they finally learned to manage their anxiety or that they discovered a new sense of purpose through our community,” she says. “Those stories keep me going. They remind me why I’m doing this.”

Just as noteworthy is Cai’s commitment to empowering other founders—especially women in technology. Having been one of just three female judges at the AI Engineer World’s Fair Hackathon, she knows the challenges women face in an industry that often lacks gender parity. “As someone who’s navigated the tech world from the inside, I see how important it is for more women to be at the decision-making table,” she reflects. “We bring experiences and perspectives that lead to more inclusive solutions. I hope my story encourages other women to step forward, whether it’s in AI, data analytics, or mental health startups.”

That spirit of collaboration and mentorship may be what truly sets Cai apart. While some entrepreneurs focus solely on disruptive technology, she prioritizes sustainability, local partnerships, and cultural ties. Her “Zen merchandise” is a case in point—a tangible reminder that tradition can inform contemporary business models, and that commerce can be a vehicle for social good. “The tech world is still figuring out how to balance profitability with ethics and impact,” Cai says. “In my view, heritage is an untapped source of innovation. It reminds us that people have been finding ways to reduce stress and build community for centuries. We just need to bring those lessons into our modern frameworks.”

Looking ahead, Cai envisions JoinSangha growing beyond a single app or merchandise line, evolving into a global community fueled by shared experiences, cultural exchanges, and mindful living. For her, success is not a finish line but an ongoing journey of learning, iteration, and empathy. “Ultimately, all our technology, all our data pipelines, should serve as tools for human flourishing,” she says. “When I see people coming together—helping each other, sharing tea, practicing mindfulness—I see real hope for how we navigate the complexities of modern life.”

In that sense, Cai’s story is both deeply personal and universally relevant. She’s an engineer who traded data tables for meditation mats, a strategist who found in her hometown’s tea culture a modern solution for revenue generation, and a mentor who channels her experience to guide the next wave of innovators. It’s a narrative that underscores how entrepreneurship, when guided by compassion and cultural awareness, can be a transformative force—for individuals, local economies, and entire industries. “Every step I’ve taken,” says Cai, “has been to show that technology and mindfulness aren’t just compatible, they’re necessary partners in building a better future.”