Supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander Businesses

This month means business. As in, to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month we’re highlighting some businesses we admire that are either founded or run by Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders.

For when calculating the group dinner tip is a struggle…

Here’s a tip: STEM classes. Brilliant teaches classes in math, science, and engineering. Whether you’re looking to make a career change or just brush up on your physics, it’ll give you the steam-slash-STEM to do it right. And founder and CEO Sue Khim was only 25 when she started the company. The answer to this equation is “impressed.”

For when your bag can’t fit all your sh*t in it…

We’re gonna need a bigger boat, er, bag. Tara&Co, founded by Julia Lam, is all about making products that help women on the go. The bags will fit everything you need for work, plus your extra baggage that comes up throughout the day. Check it out.

For when you hang out with your co-workers on the weekend…

I’m very Fond of you. Fond, co-founded by Taro Fukuyama, is a company that promotes a good workplace culture. It has a bunch of tools for employers to measure how happy their employees are and get perks.

For when you’ve worn the same pair of pants three days in a row…

Order a new wardrobe off the menu. MM LaFleur, founded by Sarah Miyazawa LaFleur, has what it calls “bento boxes” of styles to make dressing for work easy. Bonus: putting a bento box will make you excited for lunch.

For when you need a pick-me-up…

Shine bright, shine far. Shine, co-founded by Naomi Hirabayashi, is an app that send you an uplifting text to start your day. Think: you got this, but more specific.

For when you’re sick of the puppy filter…

Make your own filter with Filipino beauty brand Sunnies Face. Their lipsticks, brow pencils, and more will have you looking like a VIP even when you feel like a VTP (very tired person).

For when you’re hungry for more…

Buttermilk it for all its worth. Buttermilk Co is an Indian meal delivery service. All fresh ingredients, delivered to you in eco-friendly packs. Get the “spicy lovers pack” at your own risk. Indian-American founder and CEO Mitra Raman is a 27-year-old former Amazon engineer who missed her comfort food when she left India for college. Her homesick fix is all of our gain.

For when you’re falling asleep in Monday meeting...

Fake it ‘til you zzz. Glow Recipe is a Korean skincare brand that was featured on “Shark Tank.” And Skimm HQ’s eyeing the “Watermelon Glow” sleeping face mask. The (watermelon) seed of sleep is planted.

PS: Want to continue to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? We got you covered.