Zen Compound’s founder, Paul Hemming, has spent his life traveling between two worlds. Born in Taiwan on the birthday of his adopted country (July 4), Hemming has built an eclectic business that reflects not only the duality in himself but also the yin and yang of zen philosophy.
By day, Zen Compound operates as Mirus Gallery, Mirus Coffee Bar and as ECO-SYSTEM, a co-working space that also serves as an incubator for startups in which Hemming takes an interest. By night, Temple, an innovative club known for its entertainment programming, production feats and legendary hospitality, thumps as patrons provide the kinetic energy that lights up the dance floor.
“Though each business is vastly different, the fundamentals behind each are the same: responsibility in all forms, to each other and our planet; constant evolution; and a drive to create something meaningful,” Hemming says.
In 2017, Hemming expanded with a new location in Denver, launching the ten-year anniversary of the opening of the original San Francisco location. Two more domestic locations are in development now. Long-term, plans call for building Zen Compound into a nationally and internationally recognized brand.