AAPI Month: Asian-Owned Brands to Support Now and Always

Check out our faves across fashion, beauty, and food

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AAPI Brands To Support
Photo: Mother in Law's, Bowl Cut, Noodie, Amyo, Dange Dover, Cuyana, Katini Skin, Ranavat

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month, which means there's never been a better time to show your support for this community.

Donating and getting involved with organizations like the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund and Stop AAPI Hate are great first steps, but you can also harness your spending power and make meaningful purchases from Asian-American-owned brands.

We rounded up a comprehensive list of incredible AAPI-owned fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands that you can shop this month — and every month. The inspiring founders behind these brands have motivating stories to tell and innovative products we know you'll love. Keep scrolling to discover our favorites!

Asian-Owned Fashion Brands

AAPI Brands To Support
Avre, Amyo, Dange Dover, Cuyana, Pondla

Ad Astra

This New York-based fashion label was founded by two seasoned designers who wanted to provide modern all-occasion clothes without losing sight of sustainability. Ad Astra is a collection of go-to, timeless pieces that use renewable resources and natural fibers — all wrapped up in eco-friendly packaging.

Shop at: adastrathelabel.com

Amyo

If you're looking for delicate, dainty jewelry, Amyo has you covered. This New York-based and female-founded and -operated jewelry line was launched by seasoned Korean-American jewelry designer Gina Nam, who grew up in a family of jewelers. She quickly noticed how wasteful the industry can be trying to keep up with trends, so she set out to make minimalist and evergreen pieces meant to last at an affordable price point.

Shop at: amyojewelry.com

Avre Life

This female-founded sustainable footwear brand makes stylish and comfy sneakers that are thoughtfully designed and produced with the planet in mind. Co-founder Julie Kuo developed an innovative manufacturing and design process to produce Avre footwear from recycled materials, meaning each shoe is knitted with fibers created from recycled P.E.T. plastic water bottles through Repreve.

Shop at: avrelife.com

Caraa

Caraa was founded by Carmen Chen Wu and Aaron Luo, two Chinese-Spanish nationals who came to the U.S. from Spain. The brand is known for its thoughtfully-designed, hyper-functional handbags that feature convertible straps, antimicrobial lining, charging stations, smart pockets, and so much more for women on the go.

Shop at: caraa.co

Chunks

"A '90s trend making a comeback, hair clips have been on the rise since summer 2021 — but it's hard to find options cute enough for daily wear. That's where Chunks comes in. Tiffany Ju's one-woman basement operation has evolved since its birth in 2019 into a small team, with an emphasis on building community and promoting good vibes. Chunks hair clips are full of personality, and as a Vans lover, I'm living for the checkered claw in lavender for spring." —Susan Brickell, associate editorial director, travel commerce

Shop at: chunks.shop

Cuyana

"Cuyana is on a mission to create fewer, better things to make streamlining your wardrobe easy, which is probably why its sleek, vegan leather bags are loved by Meghan Markle. My favorite is the Mini Double Loop Bag, a teeny-tiny crossbody that surprisingly holds so much. If you're looking to invest in a beautiful and functional bag, head to Cuyana." Alex Warner, senior writer & strategist

Shop at: cuyana.com

Dagne Dover

"Dagne Dover was founded by three women, including Korean-American CEO Melissa Shin Mash, with a mission to create problem-solving, well-designed bags and a commitment to being more sustainable. My favorite piece from the brand is the Dakota Neoprene Backpack, which doubles as a commuter and gym bag since it can hold all of your daily essentials — a work laptop, change of clothes, workout sneakers, water bottle, and more. I love the sleek look, exterior pocket for keeping wallets and phones close at hand, pass-through sleeve that fits over the handle of a suitcase to make travel seamless, and the fact that it's made with recycled plastic bottles." —Susan Brickell, associate editorial director, travel commerce

Shop at: dagnedover.com

Emi Jay

Y2K-inspired hair clips are back in a big way this season, and Emi Jay has several nostalgic styles that will hold your hair back in style. The brand prides itself on producing bold, feminine styles (hair clips, scrunchies, headbands) with high-quality materials and has a running list of celebrity fans, including Kendall Jenner, Emma Chamberlain, and Hailey Bieber.

Shop at: revolve.com

Gatherall

Frustrated by the backless and strapless bras available on the market, founder Louise Lai (of Thai and Chinese heritage) set out to create her own with Gatherall. After three years of research and development, shedeveloped a U.S. patent-pending revolutionary backless, strapless, adhesive silicone bra that actually stays put.

Shop at: jcrew.com and wegatherall.com

Heymaeve

Singapore-based Alicia Sandve created jewelry and lifestyle brand Heymaeve in part so she could use the business as a platform to touch lives, empower women through its community, and give back to causes dear to Alicia's heart, particularly nonprofit organizations that support sexual assault survivors like herself. Every time you shop, $1 goes to a charity of your choice.

Shop at: heymaeve.com

Kinflyte

You'll stand a little straighter with a Kinflyte bra. This brand creates supportive styles (think bras, tops, bottoms, and more) that are designed to improve your posture and your lifestyle. Plus, the bras come in sizes in XXS–6XL.

Shop at: kinflyte.com

Love, Bonito

Love, Bonito was founded in Singapore by a team of all-Asian women with a mission to empower confidence through style by creating thoughtful and well-made clothing. The Southeast Asian fashion powerhouse is known for its modern, minimalist-chic wardrobe staples and flattering, feminine styles that look good on just about everyone.

Shop at: lovebonito.com

Mikcardnas

This accessories brand embraces slow fashion and strives to create beautiful yet thoughtful and lasting designs. Founder Sandra C. Kim designed for fashion brands Edun and Alice + Olivia before launching her own collection of luxury handmade knit bags. Each item is knit to order, so you know you are receiving a truly one-of-a-kind piece you can treasure forever.

Shop at: mikcardnas.com

Mono B

Feel your best in the most stylish workout gear from Mono B. The Korean-owned athleisure brand has the cutest sets that are more affordable without skimping on quality.

Shop at: mymonob.com

Pinsy

"Pinsy makes the prettiest shapewear I've ever laid eyes on, and the smoothing bodysuits (or 'shapesuits') are just as comfortable and flattering as one might hope. I've worn my lace style with jeans for a night out, as well as layered under a slip dress for added support." Jennifer Chan, commerce writer

Shop at: wearpinsy.com

Pond Los Angeles

"Pond Los Angeles founder Daphne Chen has always wanted to make products that make travel easier. And the brand's super cozy Essential Hoodie is the one piece of clothing I always reach for when I'm heading to the airport. It's got a built-in eye mask for catching some beauty rest on the flight and a hidden pocket perfect for stowing your phone while in transit." —Karen Chen, editorial project manager, lifestyle

Shop at: pondla.com

Short Story

Founder Isabella Sun knew it was time to launch Short Story when her shopping frustration as a petite woman turned into a stroke of genius. Sun left her high-powered job on Wall Street to launch this savvy subscription business that helps women 5'4" and under dress with ease and confidence.

Shop at: my.shortstorybox.com

Sonia Hou

Chinese-American designer Sonia Hou started her business in an effort to make affordable yet high-quality jewelry that didn't tarnish, flake, or irritate her skin. Her gold vermeil chopstick earrings are a standout.

Shop at: soniahou.com

State Cashmere

Founder Hao Rong grew up watching his grandparents raise cashmere goats in Mongolia, and decided to combine his passion for his family heritage with his creativity for design with State Cashmere. Rong became inspired to build a more sustainable contemporary brand that sets out to break the rules of traditional cashmere design.

Shop at: statecashmere.com

V Coterie

There is definitely a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, teacher, or vet in your life who'd love one of the cheeky enamel pins or jewelry charms created by Dr. Lynna Van Merkey, the dentist who decided everyone's scrubs needed a little cheeky style.

Shop at: vcoterie.com

Asian-Owned Beauty Brands

AAPI Brands To Support
Jason Wu Beauty, House of MBeauty, Everyday Humans, Katini Skin, Ranavat

Apothékary

Founder Shizu Okusa is a former Wall Street alum and wellness entrepreneur on a mission to marry traditional eastern Ayurveda values with western modern medicine in an effort to help relieve everyday health issues. Through its plant-based herbal blends, Apothékary unites the mind, body, and soul into balance thanks to its farmacy, which mixes and customizes over 60 herbs that are ethically sourced from countries all over the world.

Shop at: apothekary.co

Blume

"Blume started with the mission of making periods less shameful, and in turn created products that are free of sulfates, silicone, and parabens. It was founded by two sisters, and the company donates a portion of sales from every single item to Days for Girls, which helps young women learn about periods in a non-shameful way. In terms of products, I love the Daydreamer Face Wash (which is also a 2021 Byrdie Eco Beauty Award Winner). It's super lightweight and not greasy at all, and it removes my makeup from the day prior. It also doesn't strip my skin, so if I forget to put a moisturizer on after it, it's not the end of the world." —Meg Lappe, senior editorial director, commerce news and deals

Shop at: blume.com

Cocokind

"I love to spread the good word of Cocokind, a brand that skips endocrine-disrupting chemicals and focuses on gentle, effective botanicals. They also measure and share their carbon footprint on each label, transparency that every brand should echo." —Rachel Nussbaum, editor, beauty commerce

Shop at: cocokind.com

Eadem

"Co-founded by Alice Lin Glover and Marie Kouadio Amouzame, Eadem skincare is designed by women of color for people of color. I love how its Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum brightens acne scars and lessens hyperpigmentation, and its newest launch, the Cloud Cushion moisturizer, is actually inspired by snow mushrooms, a classic ingredient in East Asian cooking." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: eadem.co

Everyday Humans

Everyday Humans founder Charlotte Chen Pienaar created a pro-planet SPF brand that's so popular, there are often waitlists for restocks on her sustainable skincare line. The brand just launched Rose From Above, the first sunscreen to incorporate upcycled ingredients, which serves double-duty as a primer and barrier protector.

Shop at: everyday-humans.com

Evolvetogether

"This personal health brand, co-founded by Cynthia Sakai, is popular among celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Sarah Jessica Parker, to name a few. Its stylish, city-inspired KN95 masks are my go-to any time I have to step out to meet friends." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: evolvetogether.com

Fable & Mane

"Sephora's competitive best-seller charts are home to some of the hardest-working products in the world, so it's a testament to Fable & Mane's formulas that within two years of launching, its hair oil has secured a top spot. At work: Ashwagandha and castor oil, which support scalp circulation and hair growth." —Rachel Nussbaum, editor, beauty commerce

Shop at: sephora.com

Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe is the K-beauty-inspired brand that formulates natural, fruit-powered skincare products, and the new Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 is a must for summer. It's a gentle chemical and mineral sunscreen that hydrates and evens skin tone over time with effective ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe.

Shop at: glowrecipe.com

Hero Cosmetics

"Hero Cosmetics is already known for its incredibly popular Mighty Patch pimple stickers that sell every three seconds, but I'm in love with its other skincare products, too. The brand's sunscreen is one that I swear by for a no-white-cast, non-greasy finish, and its body wash leaves skin soft without feeling dry." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: herocosmetics.us

Honua

"I was first turned onto Honua by its ultra-light sunscreen, and the Hawaiian-founded brand's Aloha Youth Serum is just as good. The brand was founded by an esthetician and combines the region's traditional healing plants with 2022's skincare technology — so much good stuff." —Rachel Nussbaum, editor, beauty commerce

Shop at: honuaskincare.com

House of M Beauty

House of M Beauty incorporates saffron in all of its products and praises the potent ingredient for its ability to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, reduce redness, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and so much more. It's no wonder that celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg recently used the Saffron Miracle Serum on Chelsea Handler to prep her skin before makeup application for the 2022 Grammys.

Shop at: houseofmbeauty.com

Jason Wu Beauty

Fashion designer Jason Wu's accessible beauty line is what dreams are made of. Everything is sleek, simple, and multipurpose for the busy person on the go. The new Tinted Moisturizer Meets CC Cream has good-for-you ingredients like vitamins B3 and E and goji berry extract, so your skin will look as good as it feels.

Shop at: jasonwubeauty.com

Katini Skin

As a young girl, Katini would travel to Japan to visit her grandmother, who introduced her to age-old Japanese beauty secrets and traditions that are known to keep the skin supple and youthful. The Clarity Oil is packed with ingredients native to Japan such as Tsubaki, rice, and sea algae.

Shop at: katiniskin.com

Kimchi Chic Beauty

This playful beauty brand, Kimchi Chic, was founded by drag queen KimChi, an alum from RuPaul's Drag Race, and celebrates all things gorgeous, glamorous, and sparkly. The Puff Puff Pass Powder works wonders when it comes to setting your makeup for all-day staying power.

Shop at: kimchichicbeauty.com

Komenuka Bijin

This luxe hair and skincare line originated in Japan, but its paraben and sulfate-free formulations are only available in the States. Its hair shampoo and conditioner — made from natural ingredients including rice bran and spring water — has a cult following and is made for all hair types and textures.

Shop at: komenukabijin.co

Lapcos

There's something for every single skin concern when it comes to Lapcos. This innovative Korean beauty brand is best known for its hydrating sheet masks; but don't sleep on the collagen eye masks, transformative hair care, and exfoliating face pads either.

Shop at: lapcosusa.com

Liane V

Beauty influencer Liane V is known for her glamorous look, so it's no wonder she came out with her own line of classic and magnetic lashes. These are easy to apply and comfortable for all-day wear, and for the month of May, the brand is donating 10 percent of magnetic lash and liner sales to National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum.

Shop at: lianevbeauty.com

Maelove

"Maelove was founded at MIT with the goal of creating products that work and aren't insanely expensive. The Moonlight Retinol Super Serum is a retinol that smells amazing. While I only use this every other night (alternating with the Night Renewer Glycolic Acid Cream), I honestly look forward to it." —Meg Lappe, senior editorial director, commerce news and deals

Shop at: maelove.com

Manna Kadar Beauty

Manna Kadar's face mists have gone viral on TikTok — and for good reason. The Sea Minerals Face Mist instantly refreshes and hydrates your skin and works double-duty to set makeup, too. Pick up a trio of face mists on Ulta and get your glow on this summer.

Shop at: ulta.com

Mo Mi

Mo Mi, short for Modern Minerals, makes haircare that not only is vegan and cruelty-free, but looks good on your vanity, too. Founder Diane Read credits her heritage for helping her source the plant-based ingredients that make up the line.

Shop at: momibeauty.com

Mount Lai

"Mount Lai is a beauty brand rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, which I am so fascinated by. The brand's facial tools are amazing, but I'm particularly fond of the vitamin C oil made with antioxidant-rich goji berry. It left my skin glowing after my first use." Eva Thomas, entertainment writer

Shop at: mountlai.com

Plantkos

"According to Plantkos, founder Sejal Patel combined her pharmacist training with Ayurvedic wisdom from her Indian heritage to take on the most common concerns of melanated skin. That comes through especially well in the popular Phyto Triple C Serum, which shoppers say makes a 'huge difference' for dullness and fine lines." —Rachel Nussbaum, editor, beauty commerce

Shop at: plantkosskincare.com

Rael

Rael is a Korean American-owned brand that designs safe, effective products that support all phases of your cycle — not just your period. You can discover period care, acne care, vulva care, and countless other body care products made from high-quality organic materials from the U.S. that utilizes cutting-edge Korean manufacturing technology. It's the best of both worlds.

Shop at: getrael.com

Ranavat

"I've sniffed hundreds of thousands of perfumes through my time in the beauty industry, but with every fiber of my being, I can tell you Ranavat has some of the best scents I've come across. The clean line modernizes the rituals of Indian royalty, and its Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum is a standout for gorgeous-smelling and -looking hair." —Rachel Nussbaum, editor, beauty commerce

Shop at: ranavat.com

Rèphr

Founders Tom Shen and Kenny Leung are on a mission to offer elevated experiences through Rèphr's collection of best-in-class daily essentials. It's no wonder that Daniel Martin, a celebrity makeup artist whose client list includes Meghan Markle, Elisabeth Moss, and more, is a huge fan of the brand's affordable and high-quality brushes and tools.

Shop at: rephr.com

Savor Beauty

"I might not be able to go to Savor Beauty's spa in the West Village of New York City every day, but I can stock up on its ultra-effective, small batch-made skincare and try to replicate its incredible facials at home. My favorite, can't-live-without-it product from Savor Beauty is its Truffle Face Cream. It's so hydrating that my skin feels super soft after using it, but is lightweight enough to never feel heavy on my face, even on humid summer days." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: savorbeauty.com

Then I Met You

"Perhaps no one is more familiar with Korean skincare than Charlotte Cho, co-founder of K-beauty specialist retailer Soko Glam. With that intel, it's no surprise Cho's brand, Then I Met You, has created one of the most delicious, soothing cleansers on the market." —Rachel Nussbaum, editor, beauty commerce

Shop at: thenimetyou.com

Tower 28

"If you want an SPF that's also moisturizer and foundation, Tower28's SunnyDays is excellent (and, bonus, just as cute as the brand's famous Lip Jellies). The SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray is another hit — it uses hypochlorous acid, a component of white blood cells, to tone down redness and inflammation." —Rachel Nussbaum, editor, beauty commerce

Shop at: tower28beauty.com

U Beauty

Less is more when it comes to U Beauty's tech-driven, science-backed, high-performance skincare. Founder Tina Craig was committed to simplifying routines to save time and waste while simultaneously providing effective, non-irritating, sustainable, inclusive products. The popular Resurfacing Compound transforms skin for the better with consistent use.

Shop at: ubeauty.com

Venn

Venn is all about patented, science-backed technology that provides visible, proven results, and the Probiotic-Tensive Hydro Firming Body Cream is a great at-home indulgence. It provides long-lasting, deep hydration that visibly improves your skin's elasticity, firmness, and texture. The founder of the brand is Korean beauty expert Brian Oh, who made it his mission to produce effective formulas that really work.

Shop at: vennskincare.com

Yensa

This gorgeous range of skincare and makeup was inspired by an ancient Chinese practice where new mothers heal their bodies by integrating superfoods into their daily routines. Founder Jennifer Yen wanted to spread the magic of these centuries-old rituals to others, so she ensured that each Yensa product is not only high-performing, safe, and innovative, but also infused with eight superfoods for maximum benefits.

Shop at: yensa.com

Asian-Owned Food and Lifestyle Brands

AAPI Brands To Support
Mother in Law's, Bowl Cut, Te Company, Noodie

Blueland

"I'm all for sustainable cleaning products that actually work, and Blueland is changing the game when it comes to eco-friendly home products. Plus, the hand soap is amazing, and everyone who uses it at my house asks where it's from." Eva Thomas, entertainment writer

Shop at: blueland.com

Bokksu

"Bokksu's subscription brings you a seasonally themed box full of Japanese candies, teas, snacks, and more every month, plus a booklet introducing the artisans who made all these goodies back in Japan. It's the second-best thing to actually taking a trip to Japan, and the brand even launched a marketplace to shop individual snacks you fell in love with from your subscription." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: bokksu.com

Bowlcut

Created during the height of AAPI hate crimes and the peak of the pandemic, Bowlcut was founded by kids of Chinese restaurant owners. Take your pick from its trio of sauces: Char Siu, Chili Crisp, and Spicy Chili Crisp, which are all small-batch recipes made in California packed with purposeful ingredients and no artificial additives.

Shop at: thebowlcut.com

Brightland

"Brightland has such good oils and vinegars. The strawberry one is a top seller and tastes so good! On May 17, they are also releasing an exclusive, limited-run summer BBQ capsule, which is a bundle stocked with the essentials for a flavorful, elevated cookout (just add your favorite fresh veggies and protein!) Stock up before it sells out." —Jenna Fortino, affiliate manager

Shop at: brightland.co

Cadence

"Traveling with skincare and other toiletries is usually a hassle, but Cadence capsules have totally streamlined my packing routine. The sustainably made capsules are leak-proof and airtight, so I know my products are stored safely inside without the risk of spilling in my toiletry bag mid-flight. If you're looking for a way to stay more organized during travel while supporting a brand that values sustainability and eliminating plastic waste, Cadence is the way to go." —Madeline Diamond, associate editor, travel commerce

Shop at: keepyourcadence.com

Dear Bella Creamery

Alice Cherng and chef Belinda Wei are the Taiwanese American co-founders of this Los Angeles all-natural and plant-based ice cream shop, Dear Bella Creamery. The creamery is celebrated for taking a chef-driven approach to inventive flavors like Halva and Italian Butter Cookie, as well as Asian flavors like Taiwanese Pineapple Cake and Mango Sticky Rice. Today, they proudly churn some of the country's best plant-based ice cream, and integrate Asian flavors and ingredients into the mainstream through ice creams that honor their heritage and lived experiences.

Shop at: dearbellacreamery.com

Deux

Founder and CEO of Deux,Sabeena Ladha is a first-generation immigrant of Pakistani and Indian descent who created good-for-you cookie dough that can be eaten straight from the jar. Ladha set out on a mission to combat toxic diet culture by offering nostalgic, better-for-you versions of our favorite childhood snacks, and even appeared on Shark Tank for her vision. Each specialty recipe contains functional ingredients for immune support, collagen support, stress relief, and more.

Shop at: eatdeux.com

Fly by Jing

"Fly By Jing's Sichuan Chili Crisp is so good, it turned me from someone who used to avoid spicy foods at all cost to someone who can't start dinner without a jar of this spicy oil on hand. It adds a hit of heat and gorgeous flavor from its sesame oil and Sichuan chili to any dish; I even put it on eggs for breakfast." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: flybyjing.com

Irvins

Crunchy, savory, and delicious, Irvins is a gourmet Singaporean snack brand, best known for its salted egg salmon skins, and has received love from Cardi B and Andrew Zimmern, among others. Try a sampler variety pack to get a grasp on the unique, highly addictive flavors from this niche brand.

Shop at: eatirvins.com

Material World

Longtime friends Eunice Byun and Dave Nguyen were inspired to found this stylish and functional kitchenware line after cooking in tiny NYC apartments, but its products will make any space more efficient. It launched with a set of three essential knives and a sleek magnetic block, but now offer everything from slim, colorful cutting boards to minimalist dishware. Its stainless-steel, copper core Coated Pan is easily the hardest worker in the kitchen and truly doesn't stick!

Shop at: materialkitchen.com

Momofuku Goods

Chef David Chang put Momofuku on the map as one of America's most iconic restaurants, and now you can shop a line of restaurant-grade, Asian-American pantry essentials including chili crisp oil, noodles, seasoned salts, and more.

Shop at: shop.momofuku.com

Mother-in-Law Kimchi

Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine, and now you can order delicious jars of fermented napa cabbage and cubed daikon radishes straight to your door from Mother-in-Law Kimchi. Founder Lauryn Chun was inspired by the beauty of Korea's handcrafted tradition of kimchi as a fine food that belongs in the ranks of fermented favorites like wine, cheese, and beer, so she launched this cool company that merges old with new.

Shop at: milkimchi.com

Noodie

Noodie was founded by Isabel Khoo, a Harvard Business School grad whose grandmother's ramen recipe inspired her to create a healthier alternative to instant noodles for busy people. Packaged in convenient (but fully recyclable!) single-serve cups, Noodie's Irresistible Ramen includes real whole vegetables (kale, bok choy, and broccoli), non-fried spirulina jade noodles, and MSG-free broth and sauce. Pick from flavors like Peanut Chili (vegan), Tonkotsu (vegan), and Smoky Garlic (vegetarian).

Shop at: getnoodie.com

Pearl River Mart

"Blessedly, this iconic Chinese-American emporium in New York City has an online storefront. Pearl River Mart has been a stalwart in the heart of New York's Chinatown for four decades, and its collection of kitchenware and home decor always makes me dream of home in Taiwan. I use my blue porcelain bowl from Pearl River Mart every night for dinner." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: pearlriver.com

Sanzo

"Sanzo is my absolute favorite brand when it comes to sparkling water. Its Asian-inspired flavors like calamansi, lychee, and mango are the first things I crave on a hot day, and I can't stop myself from stocking up whenever I get the chance. Its latest launch, a refreshing infusion of yuzu and ginger, is destined to become your go-to for a cool-down this summer." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: drinksanzo.com

Shoott

Co-founder Jen Tsay wanted to make it easier to pair pro photographers with people looking to book shoots, so she helped launch this site in 2018. Users can book a 30-minute session for free with a freelance photographer that posts up in one location that day, and only pay for the photos they want to keep.

Shop at: shoott.com

Studio Sukoon

Founder Jessica Tsang created Studio Sukoon in 2020 with a desire to share colorful and cute candles that are meant to bring moments of happiness into your space. Tsang not only uplifts other small businesses, but she also donates 15 percent of her profits to local animal rescues and uses upcycled packaging to send off her whimsical creations.

Shop at: studiosukoonnyc.com

Té Company

"If you ask anyone about the best tearooms in New York City, Té Company will surely come up. Its expert selection of teas, all sourced directly from local tea harvesters in Taiwan, are some of the highest quality of teas you can buy, but its scrumptious Pineapple Lintzer cookies that will leave you hooked and coming back for more." —Nina Huang, commerce writer, lifestyle

Shop at: tecompanytea.com

V Coterie

There is definitely a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, teacher, or vet in your life who'd love one of the cheeky enamel pins or jewelry charms created by Dr. Lynna Van Merkey, the dentist who decided everyone's scrubs needed a little cheeky style.

Shop at: vcoterie.com

Virginia Sin

Designer Virginia Sin crafts simple and beautiful ceramics (including the curvey, coiled candlesticks seen here) out of her Brooklyn studio. The chic designs shoppable on her site — and available at West Elm — are still refreshingly affordable considering her pieces have been acquired by museums and a set of plates she designed is used in one of the most exclusive restaurants in the world, Eleven Madison Park.

Shop at: virginiasin.com

We Love You Korean BBQ Sauce

Korean-American sisters Ann and Janet Chung just announced the launch of We Love You, an award-winning Korean BBQ sauce and condiment company, specifically to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The sauces are based on family recipes, made with the highest-quality ingredients in small batches, and include tantalizing options like The Original Korean Bulgogi BBQ Sauce & Marinade.

Shop at: weloveyou.com

Xiao Chi Jie

If you love restaurant-quality soup dumplings (or xiao long bao), you've got to check out this inspiring frozen dumpling company that launched during the pandemic. Xiao Chi Jie co-founders Caleb Wang and Jen Liao started freezing batches of their handmade dumplings during lockdown and made local deliveries to bring more awareness and representation to delicious Chinese food to others. Word spread like wildfire, and nationwide shipping is now available.

Shop at: thexcj.com

Yami

If you've ever craved the unique food and snacks typically found in Asia, you'll want to bookmark Yami, the largest online Asian marketplace in North America with over 260,000 products to pick from. The food delivery business recently partnered with Ivan Orkin, Michelin star chef and founder of Ivan Ramen, to bring Japan's sweetest and trendiest treats directly to you. The Yami x Ivan curated chocolate box features 11 of the most popular Japanese-produced chocolate items, from various Kit Kat bars to Pocky biscuit sticks.

Shop at: yamibuy.com

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