Projects
Focen
At 15, I built a fully automatic, AI-powered focus app that helps students and people like me who constantly get distracted to stay on task. Unlike current focus apps, Focen starts and stops itself based on how you work, and classifies distracting apps and tabs by itself using AI.
focen.app
Somba
As a young entrepreneur, I noticed the gap in networking opportunities for the rising numbers of ambitious teenagers being empowered by the modern age. So I built a solution in the form of Somba, a collaboration and networking platform for young people ages 13-17.
somba.devBefore that
Pioneer Valley Marketing
I co-founded a digital agency for small businesses across Western Massachusetts. I'd frequently go door to door pitching the service, and was turned down 36 times before closing the first deal, which taught me how to handle rejection.
pioneervalleymarketing.netNextWorth
At 13, I created a business funding concept where entrepreneurs could sell small percentages of their company in exchange for funding at a massive scale. It did not hold up, but from it I learned more about how companies get funded, which would help me later on.
Seeds of Wealth
At 12, I started a financial literacy project for students. Though it ultimately failed, I was able to learn how to build a community and a platform, which would eventually lead to Somba.
LightningProxy
I used to play a ton of video games in school, and I used proxies to get past the school blocker. Eventually, I sold proxies of my own under the name LightningProxy.
BetaKraft
At age 8, inspired by the giant servers in Minecraft, I built one of my own. Over the next 3 years, I would scale it, eventually making a total of $3,000 before ending it. This was my first introduction into the business and entrepreneurial world.
Guitar
I have been playing the guitar since age 5, starting with acoustic, then transitioning into classical guitar at age 10. I was a finalist in Division 1 of the Connecticut Guitar Festival in 2024, and have continued to frequently perform for my community in Western Massachusetts.
Skiing
Since age 7, I had a passion for skiing. In 2025, I joined the PVCICS ski team, and regularly competed in races.
Fencing
From 2023 to 2026, I did epee fencing at the Riverside Fencing Club. Though eventually dropped due to time constraints, while I was there, I competed in regional tournaments, and practiced 3x a week.
Community
I have been volunteering with the Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts since 2022, serving as emcee at their Spring Festival Gala for four years, and performing the classical guitar in their events as well.
Content
I share what I am learning on Instagram, talking about business, entrepreneurship, societal issues, and whatever else is on my mind. It is where the day to day of building Focen and Somba gets documented.
@jyang.ming