Who doesn't love discovering new and exciting small businesses? As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we're thrilled to showcase some amazing AAPI-owned small businesses that deserve all the recognition and support. From fashion to food, these businesses are creating waves in their industries and making a difference in their communities.
So, get ready to feast your eyes on some exciting new discoveries and support the AAPI community along the way. In this blog post, we'll be featuring a diverse range of small businesses that we think you'll love, without any mention of artists. With so much creativity and talent out there, we're sure you'll find something that sparks your interest. Let's get started!
Dauphinette
Get ready to fall in love with Dauphinette! Their dreamy and sustainable collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, made from recycled materials and preserved botanicals, will leave you feeling inspired and beautiful. Trust me, you won't be able to resist their unique and innovative approach to fashion!
Friend of a Friend Studio
Friend of a Friend Studio is a creative duo that is truly making their mark in the industry. Jason Mei and Kristi Pagdanganan bring a unique perspective to their design work, creating thoughtful and playful pieces that tell a story. I love that their small-batch collections are inspired by the places they travel to, and the fact that they donate a portion of their sales to support art education for youth is truly admirable.
Tina Frey Design
Meet TF Design - a creative design studio founded by designer Tina Frey! Their sustainable and stylish stationery and lifestyle products celebrate nature and culture, offering a unique touch to your everyday life. Plus, their commitment to ethical practices makes supporting TF Design a no-brainer!
As someone who is always looking for ways to make my home feel cozier and more inviting, I absolutely love Studio Stockhome's home fragrance collection. The scents are incredibly unique and the vessels are so beautiful that I can't help but display them as part of my decor. It's the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to any space.
Ash Chen
We're thrilled to feature Ash Chen as one of our favorite ceramic artists! Based in New York but hailing from Texas, Ash's playful and colorful work creates intimate moments of peculiarity, inviting us into their world of play and comfort. Influenced by their childhood reptile pets and interest in saltwater creatures, Ash's pieces spark the imagination and inspire conversations in any space.
Jen E
Have you ever stumbled upon an artist whose work just instantly makes you happy? That's how I felt when I discovered jen e, an amazing artist based in sunny Los Angeles. Her unique style incorporates whimsical elements and bright, bold colors, and her pieces are sure to add a pop of joy to any space!
Kaarem
Kaarem is a truly unique brand that I absolutely adore! They are an artisanal design studio that creates beautiful and unique pieces inspired by craft and community. Their focus on hand-crafted details and quality is truly impressive, and you can feel the love and dedication that goes into each and every piece they create.
Béo
Béo is not just about crafting the most amazing soaps but also standing for equity and supporting black and indigenous-owned businesses. I was really inspired by their mission to make shifts towards recognizing different senses of beauty and honoring them with respect. And did I mention their soaps are made of natural materials and ingredients? Perfect for keeping your hands, body, and toes relaxed and worry-free!
Sin
Sin creates the most delightful and functional pieces for your home, from porcelain paper plates to amazing graphic-designed weave structures, all while being sustainably conscious. You won't regret checking them out!
Jujumade
Introducing Juliana Hung, also known as Jujumade, a ceramic artist whose pieces are anything but ordinary! With a background in industrial design, Juliana's creations are inspired by the potential of the materials she works with, resulting in playful and unexpected features that can be worn in multiple ways. Her unique approach to ceramics transforms everyday household objects into beautiful and wearable art.
Alyson Iwamoto
Alyson's ceramics are not only beautifully crafted, but also carry a deep meaning that comes from her Japanese heritage and L.A. roots. Her work is a celebration of wabi sabi philosophy and the infinite possibilities that can be found in small spaces.
Christine's Cookie Co.
Who doesn't love a good cookie? And it's even better when it's from Christine's Cookie Company, a business that's dedicated to making them responsibly sourced and organic! As someone who cares about where my food comes from I'm so glad to have found this sweet treat.
Tekuno
If you're a tea lover, you'll definitely want to check out Tekuno! This San Francisco-based tea company is all about bringing the quiet beauty of Japanese teas to life and cultivating meaningful practices around tea preparation and enjoyment.
Black Crane
I just discovered Black Crane, and I'm in love! Their clothes are not only comfortable and practical for everyday wear, but they also prioritize sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices.
Sun at Six
Have you heard of Sun at Six? They're a cool furniture design studio that believes spaces have a profound impact on our daily lives and relationships. With their fusion of ancient Chinese joinery techniques and contemporary aesthetics, their furniture isn't just gorgeous but also practical - a perfect example of tradition and modernity coexisting in harmony!
Dagne Dover
If you're a problem-solving human who loves good design, then you'll definitely want to check out Dagne Dover. These ladies know how to create bags that keep up, stay organized, and look fabulous, all while making your life a little easier. And they're committed to being eco-friendly and partnering with creative makers from all over the world. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Building Block
Building Block is a design studio that creates products that are not only beautiful but also functional, with a focus on form, materiality, and inspiration. I love how their products are meant to complement life and are designed to fit together, piece by piece.
Abacus Row
Abacus Row creates such beautiful and refined jewelry that perfectly embodies the understated style of the sophisticated individual. I’m especially impressed by how they thoughtfully incorporate subtle details into their pieces, creating unique and timeless designs.
Toit Volant
A clothing brand based in the heart of Los Angeles, Toit Volant creates such lovely clothing pieces that exude elegance and style. I'm a big fan of how they blend their founder's West African heritage with the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of Los Angeles to create unique and eye-catching designs.
Soft-Geometry
