15 Asian-Owned Businesses You Need To Know About
Investing in the entrepreneurship, leadership, and creativity of Asian American business owners is a meaningful way to contribute to the health of our communities.
By Dr. Michelle Reyes
M
any Asian American businesses have struggled this year – not simply due to the pandemic and shut-in orders, but also because of anti-Asian racism. Discrimination against Asians and stigma surrounding the coronavirus have led to drops in customers for Asian American businesses as high as 80 percent, the most of any demographic.
For those of us committed to anti-racist work, and demystifying anti-Asian stigma in particular, we need to put our money where our mouth is. One way to do that is to spend our money supporting Asian-owned businesses, especially local ones. Supporting Asian-owned businesses means supporting Asian communities. Asian-owned businesses are community spaces for meeting and connection. They are cultural hubs and platforms for local artists. They provide programs and resources that the community needs. The more we support Asian-owned businesses, the more we help strengthen our communities.
At AACC, we want to celebrate and support Asian-owned businesses this Christmas. We hope that you will shop simple, small, and Asian this season as well as throughout the year.
1. Nuunchi Masks
Nuunchi is a small family-owned business based out of Michigan that specializes in making face masks and accessories. They aim to make beautiful masks that people enjoy wearing and will protect them through the pandemic. Their Hanbok masks are made with traditional satin found locally in South Korea, and have become a way for people to learn about and appreciate Korean culture. Their goal is to make Korean culture more accessible and create opportunities for people to connect on a deeper level. You can visit their shop on Etsy or find them on Instagram @nuunchimasks for the latest shop updates and mask tips.
2. Chowbus
Chowbus is an authentic Asian food delivery app. Founded by Chinese international graduate students at the Illinois Institute of Technology, this app offers more authentic Asian food options, including Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian. Though it started in Chicago, it now serves various Big 10 college towns along with major cities in the US, Canada, and Australia. Using Chowbus is also a way to support Asian restaurants impacted by Covid-related racism. Learn more on their website and download the app via the Apple Store or Google Play.
3. Alabaster & Co
Alabaster & Co explores the intersection of creativity, beauty, and faith. Run by Brian Chung and Bryan Ye-Chung, this company integrates visual imagery and thoughtful design into different texts of the Bible. They are interested in how imagery changes the way we experience the text. Learn more about Alabaster & Co on their website and on Instagram @alabster_co. You can also visit their shop for their latest products.
4. Live Tinted
Live Tinted is a digital platform and a beauty product line that explores diverse beauty and creates products for “every shade in between.” Founded by South Asian Deepica Mutyala, this platform gives voice to underrepresented individuals and features their personal journeys with beauty, culture, and identity. You can visit her shop, Live Tinted, or find them on Instagram @livetinted for the latest shop updates.
5. A Jar of Pickles
A Jar of Pickles offers everything that card and letter lovers need to send the written word. Founded by Kirstie Wang, this company offers card sets, notebooks, and custom wedding essentials, including invitations, RSVP cards, and thank you cards. Learn more on her website and on Instagram @ajarofpickles_.
6. Milk and Honey
Milk and Honey is a passion project founded by Filipina American Jayna Greenleaf-Perez to bring awareness to the injustice of human trafficking. For each pair of earrings purchased, 20 percent of profits are donated to anti-human trafficking organizations in the US and around the world. Every earring pair is handmade and crafted with love and care to promote purchasing with a purpose. Learn more on their website and on Instagram @milkandhoney.clay.
7. Waco Cha
Waco Cha is a boba tea shop in Waco, Texas, co-founded by Chinese and Taiwanese Americans Devin Li and Jaja Chen. Their premium boba tea celebrates authentic Taiwanese culture. Their drinks are handcrafted and always made to order. The tea is never powdered, drinks are sweetened to your preference, and the boba is never over- or undercooked. You can order online at their website. They ship items nationwide, including loose leaf teas, boba kits, and merchandise. Follow them on Instagram @waco_cha.
8. AfterMayCo
AfterMay Co is a handmade candle studio based out of Novi, Michigan. This Asian-owned company specializes in hand-poured coco soy candles. They focus on a minimalist design, scents that are not overpowering, and excellent customer service. Learn more on their Etsy Shop or on Instagram @aftermay_co.
9. Jocelyn Chung
Jocelyn Chung is a lettering artist & graphic designer. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants and based out of Southern California, Chung believes in the importance of storytelling, cultivating empathy, and living in the intersection of faith, art, and pursuing justice and liberation. You can visit her shop to learn more about her prints and find her on Instagram @jocekittyllama for the latest updates.
10. Hannah Sy
Hannay Sy is the founder of ByHannahSy and makes small-batch handmade ceramics. A Hokkien-speaking Chinese American woman and daughter of Philippine-Chinese immigrants, Hannah offers mugs, bowls, and more on her Etsy shop. You can also follow her on Instagram @byhannahsy.
11. GraceLaced
Gracelaced is a blog and art shop by Ruth Chou Simons. Offering encouragement to accompany the cross-centered life, this shop offers painted scripture art prints to adorn the truth of the gospel. Gracelaced also houses Ruth Chou Simon’s books, including Beholding and Becoming as well as Foundations, which was co-written with her husband, Trey. You can visit her website and follow her on Instagram @gracelaced to learn more.
12. Crate To Table
Crate to Table is a Minnesota-based grocery shopping and food prep service founded by Christina Siemer. This service helps make people’s lives easier, save them valuable time, and provide fresh and delicious food options. Each week Christina recommends recipes based on the client’s needs and preferences. Then she does the grocery shopping, cleaning, chopping, and portioning of ingredients so everything is ready to cook. Christina believes that every meal has the potential to deliver full bellies and full hearts. Learn more on her website or on Instagram @cratetotable.
13. Jason Park
Jason Park is a Korean American clinical social work/therapist who specializes in codependency, trauma and PTSD, and mood disorders. Based in Puyallup, Washington, Park describes his business this way: “As your therapist, I may not have perfect solutions, but I want to help you navigate the rough place you are in. Using the psychodynamic therapy model to gain insight, we will develop confidence in your abilities to coach yourself when things get challenging. It’s okay to not be okay, and we can figure out a way to navigate it together.” To learn more or contact Jason, visit his profile on Psychology Today.
14. Global Welcome Clothing
Global Welcome Clothing was started in 2020 by Chinese American Jacob Molewyk as a response to racism and xenophobia related to the pandemic and in general. He started this clothing line so everyday people could send a message through their attire about the importance of loving our neighbors and making people feel welcome in America. Much of their starting lineup is in patriotic colors to send a strong message that being a patriotic American includes welcoming minorities and immigrants who contribute to American greatness and exceptionalism. You can check out their shop and learn more on Instagram @globalwelcomeclothing.
15. Five Two Foundation
Five Two Foundation is a registered nonprofit based in Seoul, South Korea. The mission of this fundraising platform is to multiply God’s resources for the common good. Their name is derived from the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish. Five Two equips ministries with the technology and online tools for people to give and connect with causes. Learn more on their website.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Dr. Michelle Reyes is the vice president and co-founder of AACC.
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