Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Moon.
Hi Brent, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s daunting to write a story that you have no idea how will end or includes situations that you have no idea how they occurred. Is it luck? God? Accidental circumstance? (Brent shrugs) I just keep Rolling with the Punches and inevitably am always waiting for the next shoe to drop. Who knew fate had so many feet. I was raised as a performer. When I told my parents that I wanted to go into Psychology they responded by saying Psychology is a tough field and to stick to acting… I sang and Danced my way through the first 30 years of my life. I did great shows, worked with legends, felt seen. Then, I found myself wondering if I was happy. How does one find a new dream or passion? If your Dream comes true, how does one find another dream? It’s not like you can just pick some random thing and decide, yup this is my heart’s truest desire. Along the way, I got lost, used Drugs and alcohol to the point I felt like a bad character in an after school special. Three years ago, I decided to live in solution and sobriety. That decision didn’t make life easier but, it did enable me to not make it any harder. My best friends and I dug in 7 Years ago to create a restaurant program in Venice called Wabi. Wabi stands for something. Community, Work Family and to be a focal point for Life’s celebrations and defeats. Breakups, first Dates, Wedding parties and celebrations of life. We love our Wabi on Rose. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I know where I’m going but, not knowing means it can be better than I possibly imagine…acceptance.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
On the way, there’s been a massive learning curve not only navigating a fickle industry but standing true to the ideals that began the whole journey. Dedication means showing up and doing the things you have to do even when you don’t feel like doing them. Uffff… Who has had to still show up to life through a Death or a Heartbreak. Have you ever had a sober Heartbreak? Where there’s nowhere to hide from the chilling gut suck that takes all your happiness away? In Wabi, we started with the intention to lead with kindness. It’s extremely difficult to lead with something that you just can’t see in your own life…especially when dealing with hangry guests. I started giving out cookies to Random guests on my hardest days so, at least my sad days meant someone else got a free cookie. It gave purpose to my lows and gave joy to a random human. In restaurants as in life, we should be in this world to make things a little easier on each other. I’ve had friends say I do too much. That I can’t be everywhere for everyone. I take care of myself and in doing so can take care of others. It’s the best I can do so, I continue to try and do it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Wabi on Rose is this beautiful place where people come together. I hold our line in the front of the house (with a lot of help) Flowers in our flower beds, Throwing benefits for local charities and outreach groups, Hiring and ultimately firing Members of the Wabi team. It’s a powerful thing to give someone a job that they want so badly. It’s also a heavy burden to have to let someone go. But, letting go of something or someone that isn’t in your best interest to keep in your world is a skill that transcends restaurant life. We get to treat our space as a living entity. Boundaries, goals and self-care is as true for a business as it is for a person. I protect loved ones and this space with equal dedication. We love what we’re doing… and Chef Rain’s sushi is delicious.
How do you define success?
Success equals purpose for me. Things like Happy or Sad or successful or unsuccessful are traps that start putting my heart in a place of comparison. I have purpose therefore I have all the things.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Wabionrose.com
- Instagram: @wabionrose
Image Credits:
Casey Eiland photographer
