Hidden Gems: Sustainable, Stylish AAPI-Owned Lifestyle Brands to Try
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than by supporting AAPI-owned lifestyle brands? These brands offer a range of products from home goods to wellness items, all of which exude style and individuality while prioritizing ethical sourcing, quality, and responsible consumption. Here are some of the top AAPI-owned brands that you can support this AAPI Heritage Month.
Material is a sustainable kitchenware brand that offers a wide range of stylish and functional products for modern homes. From ceramics to cookware, culinary tools, and storage solutions, Material's collection is thoughtfully designed to elevate the dining and cooking experience. Co-founders Eunice Byun and Dave Nguyen drew inspiration from their Korean and Vietnamese heritage to create eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing kitchenware that seamlessly integrates into any home décor. With Material, you don't have to sacrifice quality or style for affordability.
No. 8, a wellness brand rooted in Chinese culture, is dedicated to promoting mental wellness by bringing balance to the body and mind. Their name pays homage to the significance of the number 8 in Chinese culture, which symbolizes luck and harmony through its perfect symmetry both vertically and horizontally. No. 8 offers gummies in four categories: sleep, focus, calm, and energy. The gummies are produced in a GMP-compliant facility located in the USA and are free from synthetic colors, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. They are also low in sugar, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
Sundays Studio is a nail care brand that offers non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free polishes that not only look great but also promote healthy nails. Unlike other polishes, Sundays Studio's 10-free vegan-friendly polish lasts longer and is more robust. Their polishes are free from harmful chemicals such as TPHP, phthalates, toluene, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, parabens, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, as well as animal-derived ingredients. Sundays Studio’s customers can feel good about supporting a brand that values wellness and sustainability.
Maiya tranforms the humble yoga mat into a modern statement piece. This piece of equipment is more than just a functional item - it's a physical space that facilitates mindfulness and connects individuals to a tradition that spans thousands of years. Vibrant prints display the most spiritual symbols of yoga and were designed in Mumbai by globally renowned artist Shweta Malhotra. Designed in India and crafted with unparalleled proprietary technology in Germany, Maiya's yoga mats are an embodiment of luxury, mindfulness, and cultural pride.
Onsen offers signature waffle robes, bath towels, hand towels and towel sets. Founded in 2017 by Shane Monson, Onsen draws on his experiences in both Hawaii and Japan to develop a product that is not only exceptionally soft but also fast-drying and lightweight. The journey starts with supima sourced from family farms in the United States, which is then woven into the signature lightweight waffle weave that the brand is known for.
Blueland is a sustainable brand committed to reducing single-use plastics through its revolutionary low-waste cleaning, hand soap, and personal care products. Blueland offers a variety of popular products, such as dishwasher tablets, powdered dish soap, and hand soap tablets. By simply mixing with water in your preferred reusable containers or purchasing one of Blueland's durable glass containers, you can clean your home in an eco-friendly way. Blueland's CEO and co-founder, Sarah Paiji Yoo, began her journey to reduce single-use plastic when she became a new mom. Since 2019, their products have helped eliminate over 1 billion single-use plastic bottles from landfills and oceans.
This AAPI Heritage Month, let's celebrate and support AAPI-owned beauty and lifestyle brands. By choosing to buy from these businesses, you are not only supporting their livelihoods but also contributing to the representation and visibility of AAPI-owned businesses in the beauty and lifestyle industries. Let's come together as a community to uplift and celebrate the diversity and creativity of these brands.
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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.
Yvon’s upcoming Lifestyle Magazine will stylishly tell stories of trailblazers and tastemakers.
As an entrepreneur and influencer, she has been featured in LA Times, Thrive Global, OC Register, Modern Luxury Magazine, and more. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel!