Yahoo Movies 15 AAPI-owned brands to shop right now
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May is AAPI Heritage month, which means it’s an especially great time to celebrate all of the success, contributions and influence Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have in the United States. From our vice president, Kamala Harris, to author Amy Tan, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shaped American society. As we recognize all of the rich history of the AAPI community, it’s the perfect time to support AAPI-owned companies—and find new favorites to shop year-round. Whether you’re thinking about getting a graduation gift or a Father’s Day gift, we have a list of AAPI-owned companies that you can support this month and all year round.
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1. 100% Pure
If you're a beauty enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of this organic and natural beauty brand 100% Pure. The brand was started by Susie Wang, who was on a mission to create a 100% natural beauty line made from premium ingredients and free of all the toxic chemicals that go into mainstream beauty products. Her entire line has garnered a huge following but some of her standout products include the Vitamin C Serum, Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum, Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream and Mattifying Primer.
2. Tea Drops
Whether you like sipping tea in the morning to start your day or in the afternoon for a pick-me-up, you’ll love Tea Drops. When founder Sashee Chandran couldn’t find a premium quality tea that was also convenient and eco-friendly, she created organic whole leaf teas that were bagless—which creates 15% less waste than regular teas. You can shop for kits, samplers, bundles and even sign up for Tea Drops Tea Club for $25 a month. Some of their best sellers include the Matcha Green Tea Drops for $15, the Chai Spice Tea Drops for $15 and the Deluxe Boba Bubble Tea Kit, marked down from $50 to $45.
3. Baggu
With more awareness about the damage of single-use plastics and even bans in certain states, reusable bags have become an industry unto themselves, and a great alternative to packing your groceries, goods and anything else. When Emily Sugihara noticed that there was a need for bags that were both fashionable and sustainable, she came up with Baggu. While the brand carries everything from bags to home goods, her line of bags are the stars of the show. Take a look at this Deadstock Camo Flower Standard Bag and the single-use plastic bag replica, Thank You Happy Standard Bag, both priced affordably at $14.
4. Blueland
If you’re a fan of Shark Tank, you may have already seen Blueland founder Sara Paiji Yoo make a deal with Kevin O’Leary for a 3% stake in her less-waste cleaning line in exchange for $270,000 plus royalties. After becoming a mom, Sara was horrified at the amount of single-use plastics that she was throwing away, and set out to find everyday household products that weren’t packaged in plastic. When she couldn’t, she created her own solution: Blueland. From starter kits to refills, you can take care of your household needs without impacting our oceans, our wildlife and our drinking water. Some of the brand’s best selling items include the Clean Suite Kit for $83, the Hand Soap Duo for $30 and the Clean Essentials Kit for $39.
5. Cocofloss
Looking for a luxury floss that takes flossing to a whole new level? Meet Cocofloss. The brand was started by two sisters, Dr. Chrystle and Catherine Cu, who were on a mission to make flossing an enjoyable experience. Just take a look at their Pineapple Upside Down Cake pack, which includes 4 flosses flavored in Sweet Pineapple, Fresh Coconut, Delicious Mint and Confetti Cake—all for you adults. The prices range from $9 for the Cocofloss Single to $55 for Celebrate Smiles Gift Set—and you’ll get free shipping with your $25 purchase.
6. The Sill
Want to spruce up your home with some living elements? You want The Sill. Founder Eliza Blank started The Sill after running into issues finding house plants for her small apartment—and then struggled with taking care of the ones she did find. At The Sill, the idea is that even the most inexperienced plant parent could own a plant. You can choose from a variety of plants including easy-care, pet-friendly and low-light tolerant plants. If you’re still on the fence, our tester said that they “would buy another Sill plant in a heartbeat.”
7. Fly By Jing
One of the best ways to celebrate AAPI month is through the amazing foods that all the different communities that make up the Asian-America experience have to offer. From the spices to sauces, there are so many delicious flavors to try. We love Fly By Jing’s chili crisp and there’s a whole line of products to explore. Inspired by her hometown of Chengdu, China, Jing Gao developed a line of products that could spice up your dishes. Some staples to try include Sichuan Chili Crisp for $15, Zhong Sauce for $15 and if you want food-food, then try the Dumplings Variety Pack for $107—choose “Subscribe and Save'' to get 15% off your order.
8. Glow Recipe
Co-founders Sarah Lee and Christine Chang drew inspiration from Korean spa menus to develop Glow Recipe. Based on the idea that your skin changes daily and that no two skins are alike, the products are formulated to work with your skin’s needs. Just like the name, the products have glowing reviews from customers, especially the game changers such as the Watermelon Glow Pink Juice moisturizer for $21 and the Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner for $15.
9. Our Place
Are you thinking about cooking up a plate of mapo tofu or even some chicken tikka masala in the kitchen? If you are, you can do it with the ever popular Always Pan from Our Place. Founded by Shiza Shahid, Our Place’s mission is to bring the family together through home-cooked meals while making dinner as easy as possible. The Always Pan is an all-in-one cookware that functions as a fry pan, skillet, sauté pan, steamer and more. When we tested it, we loved that it was super easy to clean and even better to store away. Whether you are cooking something simple like eggs or a full-on gourmet meal, this pan will have you covered—and for only $145. Even better, you’ll be supporting an Asian-American owned business.
10. Tatcha
We love our beauty brands but Tatcha is a celebrity favorite that you may want to consider trying. Based on Japanese beauty rituals, founder Vicky Tsai created the brand after going to Kyoto and seeing her skin transform using Japanese ingredients and following ancient rituals. Known for using premium ingredients such as gold, pearls and silk, fans say this luxury beauty brand is worth every nickel and dime. Some of the bestsellers include The Dewy Skin Cream for $69, The Water Cream for $69 and Indigo Overnight Repair for $88.
11. Mount Lai
We’ve all come across a jade roller or even a gua sha facial tool while looking for ways to improve our skincare routine. Deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, these tools have been known to help with circulation, reducing puffiness and even healing. After being inspired by her grandmother’s daily practice of gua sha and jade rolling, Stephanie Zheng created Mount Lai, a line of beauty products. From jade rollers to skincare, Mount Lai’s products are made to bring out your most glowing skin. In honor of AAPI month, you can take advantage of the Limited Edition AAPI Bestseller Beauty Collection, marked down from $183 to $100.
12. Luna
Calling all weighted blanket enthusiasts. Whether you want to reduce stress, get a good night’s rest or want to feel hugged by your blanket, Luna weighted blankets do the trick—they’re also one of the best weighted blankets we tested. Founded by Eddie Huai and Robin Zhao, Luna came about after Eddie had a life changing moment with a weighted blanket. Suffering from sleeping issues growing up, nothing ever worked to get him to sleep until he tried his first weighted blanket. Eddie struggled to find a high-quality weighted blanket—founding Luna was his answer. The brand’s blankets embody the qualities of a luxury blanket with soft material, high-end look and are even eco-friendly. The best part? They are surprisingly affordable, with prices starting at $45.
13. Ilha Candles
There’s nothing like walking into a room and being delighted by a scent that makes you feel pampered. If you’re a candle lover, you have to check out Ilha Candles. Founded by Michelle Hsu, each soy candle is hand-poured, packaged and shipped from a home studio in Queens, NY. Using toxic free fragrances and natural products, these candles will delight even the pickiest user. For a gift, check out The Everything Bundle for $78.
14. Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover uses Repreve recycled polyester, vegan leather, 100% organic cotton and more—while also making a commitment to being a more eco-friendly brand using recycled materials, having ethical manufacturing practices and even giving a second life to used bags through Almost Vintage. Led by Melissa Mash, Dagne Dover creates bags that not only look stylish, but keep you organized throughout your day—in other words, fashionably functional. As a way to celebrate AAPI month, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Stop AAPI Hate when you choose it from the drop-down menu at checkout all month long.
15. Amy Zhang
With many upcoming celebrations on the calendar, you may be searching for the perfect card or a unique gift. If you are, then you need to take a look at the cards, décor and gift items from Amy Zhang. Created by (and named after) Denver-based illustrator Amy Zhang, the line takes greeting cards to another level with cute designs such as Gray Hares Birthday, Oh The Pasta-bilities Grad Card and Snappily Ever After Wedding Card. At only $5 pop, they are affordable for anyone to enjoy—and you can get free shipping with your $30 purchase.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 15 AAPI-owned brands to shop now
