40 Woman-Owned AAPI Brands to Support All Year Round
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40 Woman-Owned AAPI Brands to Support All Year Round

Today marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than by using your dollars for good and supporting brands founded by AAPI women? Here, we’ve curated the best picks of AAPI women-owned products, from delish easy-to-make noodles to your new go-to skincare. Bookmark this roundup and come back to it all year round!

Fashion

Custom Freshwater Pearls Necklace with Charms, Buttercup Studio

The Nostalgic '90s Necklace

Custom Freshwater Pearls Necklace, Buttercup Studio, starting at $75

Looking to switch things up from dainty accessories? Enter your statement era with this Y2K-inspired necklace. Handmade in Toronto, each piece is designed with you from start to finish, using unique beads, pearls, and charms to create something that feels one-of-a-kind. Dare we say it’s the accessory of the year?

ApeMod Batik Bag

The Artful Statement Bag

Batik Bag, ApedeMod, $601

We’re officially in our art-gallery-bag era. Inspired by the iconic floral forms of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, this ApedeMod bag is oh-so-sumptuous. Each bag from the New York City-based brand is hand-crafted and designed as a celebration of women who are delicate, independent, and unapologetically strong. Hear hear! Available for pre-order now.

Maddy Triangle Top in Brown Croc, Blackbough Swim

The Best-Selling Bikini

Maddy Triangle Top, Blackbough Swim, $78

Founder Jemina Ty started Blackbough Swim out of her bedroom, where she was the web designer, social media manager, marketing director, and photographer all in one. Now, her pieces have been worn by Kendall Jenner, Miley Cyrus, and Vanessa Hudgens. This croc triangle top has adjustable cups and faux seashell charms and beaded details on the strap ends and between the cups. How cute?

The Cuddle-Friendly Earrings

Cosmic Nap Earrings Duo, Maison Miru, $180

You know how annoying it is when you fall asleep (or you’re snuggling up on your boo’s chest) with earrings, and the backings poke into your skin? These genius studs—made from medical-grade titanium—have a push pin flat back, so you can lay with them comfortably. Seriously, how cute would these sparkly evil eye and moon earrings look as a stack? We're drooling.

The Tank Top Worth Getting Excited About

Gingham Flower Cami, YanYan, $310

How adorable is this knit cami?! Made from Italian-spun linen and an organic cotton blend, this gingham tank with bow details and a statement flower motif will elevate everything from a pair of jeans to a white maxi skirt. It's giving picnic chic (in the best way).

The Customizable Work Shoes

Malbec Puff Pointed Loafer + Marilyn Stra, Alterre, $462

We know, we know. Sneakers at the office are de rigueur (if you work in a casual corporate setting), but we’d like to start a petition to officially bring back fancy flats because how stinkin’ cute are these deep burgundy suede slides from Alterre? They have a 3/4-inch heel made from recycled plastic, a cushioned foam midsole for all-day comfort, and removable straps, so you can create over 40 different pairs with just one shoe.

Simply Smooth T-Shirt Bra, Pepper

The Bra For Small Boobs

Simply Smooth T-Shirt Bra, Pepper, $65

It's hard to find a bra that fits—even if you're a smaller size. No more—Pepper’s bras are specifically designed for AA-B cups only, light on padding, and no gaping (goodbye, stratosphere of air between your breast and the edge of your bra cup). Don’t sleep on the brand’s best-selling t-shirt bra, which provides a flattering, smooth, natural shape under shirts.

Briar Jacket Sandy Liang

The Sharp Suit Jacket

Briar Jacket, Sandy Liang, $750

We spend a good chunk of our workday wistfully scrolling Sandy Liang's website, waiting for our size to magically become available in her most coveted pieces. Exhibit A: This gorgeously tailored jacket with a dramatic oversized bow detail on the shoulder. It's fully lined, made in NYC, and dangerously chic. Imagine wearing this to your next negotiation?  The ultimate power move.

The Travel MVP

The Weekender, BÉIS, $108

Actor Shay Mitchell knows a thing or two about looking chic while catching flights, so naturally, her brand BÉIS made the weekender bag to end all weekender bags. This bestselling carry-on tote has an easy-access opening that makes packing way less stressful, a bottom compartment to keep shoes and toiletries separate, and a back zipper pocket that turns into a trolley sleeve. A travel game-changer!

Beauty

The Must-Have Claw Clip 

Big Effing Clip in Blush Polka Dot, Emi Jay, $54

^ Our apologies if viewing that was too much cuteness to take in. Hair accessories brand Emi Jay is kinda known for that, thanks to her melding a signature pastel pink aesthetic with practical wearability. Take this cult-beloved claw clip, which is big enough for a full head of hair, stays morning to night, and never causes a headache.

Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss

 

The Non-Sticky, Oh-So-Shiny Gloss 

Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss, Sephora, $16

Introducing: the key to soft colorful lips. Founded by former Smashbox beauty executive Amy Liu, Tower 28 has risen to cult-favorite status, thanks to its commitment to clean ingredients and quality, long-lasting beauty products that are actually inclusive. This hydrating vegan lip jelly is the perfect example. 

The Acne-Fighting Elixir

Meltdown Acne Oil Treatment, Blume, $65

Forget every fear you’ve ever had about putting oil on your face if you’re acne-prone. This superhero product fights blemishes while fading the look of acne scars, preventing future breakouts, and keeping skin feeling hydrated and nourished instead of stripped. We love to use this gentle yet effective formula—dreamed up by an AAPI sister duo—for those stubborn hormonal pimples during our periods, too. Try it as a spot treatment or mix it into your daily moisturizer if your skin needs more TLC.

Code Red Rosso, CTZN Cosmetics

The Velvety Matte Lipstick For Any Complexion

Code Red Rosso, CTZN Cosmetics, $43

The Khan sisters—three South Asian women who were born in Los Angeles—recall shopping for beauty products and noticing that not a single model looked like them. So, they founded CTZN Cosmetics, a brand dedicated to inclusivity with shades for every complexion. Take the Code Red Lipstick, which comes in six shades that range from orangey-red to rich mahogany. 

The Luxury Face Cream

The Longevity Memory Cream, Tatcha, $84

Skincare that makes your bathroom counter feel like a five-star spa? Say less. Tatcha’s Longevity Memory Cream is a plush, lightweight moisturizer designed to hydrate, plump, and support skin’s elasticity and resilience. Powered by Japanese botanicals, bio-fermented hyaluronic acid, and nonapeptide-1, it leaves skin looking brighter, bouncier, and ridiculously glowy. The gold spoon? Just the cherry on top of the rich-lady ritual.

HoliRoots™ Hair Oil, Fable & Mane, $38 for 1.8oz

The Pre-Wash Hair Oil

HoliRoots™ Hair Oil, Fable & Mane, $38 for 1.8oz

Your hair deserves a little pre-wash ritual, too. This Ayurvedic-inspired hair and scalp oil nourishes roots, hydrates dry strands, and helps strengthen weak hair before you even step into the shower. It’s lightweight, silicone-free, color-safe, and made for all hair types—plus, it’s scientifically shown to reduce breakage from brushing. Add a scalp massage and suddenly “wash day” feels like a spa appointment.

Perfecting Makeup Sponge, Orce Cosmetics

The Ultimate Beauty Blender

Perfecting Makeup Sponge, Orce Cosmetics, $18

The perfect makeup sponge doesn’t exi—. We spoke too soon. This ultra-soft and durable Orce Cosmetics sponge is not just any beauty blender—it’s a pointed plush sponge that has been ergonomically designed to fit the natural contours of your face. Farewell, concealer smears and foundation smudges! 

Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo, Pink Moon

The Holistic Wellness Ritual Kit

Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo, Pink Moon, $138

By integrating ancient wisdom from Eastern healing practices with daily grooming regimens, Pink Moon is working to revolutionize mainstream ideas of self-care. Take this (award-winning!) gua sha and oil pair that comes with a handy user guide. The 4,000-year-old holistic health massage technique calms puffiness, soothes skin, and gives you a relaxing ritual.

Underlined Kajal Eyeliner, Kulfi Beauty

The Smudge-Proof Eyeliner

Underlined Kajal Eyeliner, Kulfi Beauty, $20

Kulfi Beauty’s beloved kajal eyeliner delivers bold, long-lasting pigment in vibrant shades inspired by South Asian textiles, with a formula that’s waterproof, smudge-proof, drag-proof, and safe for the waterline. Plus, it’s made with moisturizing aloe vera and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, so it glides on smoothly and then actually stays put. Bye-bye, raccoon eyes!

Build Your Own Capsule System, Keep Your Cadence

The Upgraded Travel Containers

Build Your Own Capsule System, Keep Your Cadence, from $21

These leak-proof capsules will make packing for a trip *so* much more efficient (we all know how anxiety-inducing it can be trying to fit a week’s worth of shampoo into a cheap plastic container that will definitely spill all over your suitcase). You can customize each one with a different color and label—and the best part? They’re completely magnetic, so you’ll never lose them in your carry-on.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush

The Lazy-Girl Blush

Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush, Glow Recipe, $35

Somewhere between skincare and makeup lies this product. It's a sheer, buildable cheek serum that gives you a natural, dewy tint while helping brighten and hydrate over time. It melts in with your fingers, doesn’t require a brush, and comes in juicy shades like Cherry, Dragon Fruit, Watermelon, and Berry Flush. Basically, it’s blush for people who want that "I just ran a mile and now I'm lightly flushed" look.


The Thirst-Quenching Moisturizer

Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Ultra-Hydrating Cream, Three Ships Beauty, $38

First, we aren’t the only ones who are obsessed with this moisturizer. This is the brand’s best-seller. This revolutionary product uses grape stem cells, which absorb environmental UV radiation throughout the day, to protect skin from sun damage and leave you with healthy-looking skin. It also contains prickly pear, argan oils, and natural squalane, which hydrate and lock in moisture.

Wellness

The Daily UTI Support

Bye Bye UTI, Cheeky Bonsai, $20

The vaginal-wellness brand has some of the cutest branding we’ve ever seen and is dedicated to making conversations about everyday down-there care feel a little less awkward. Case in point: its #1 doctor-recommended UTI drink mix, clinically studied D-Mannose and cranberry blend and developed with expert urogynecologists to help support urinary tract health and flush unwanted bacteria. No wonder it's trusted by 500,000 women.

The Sustainable Toothpaste (That Actually Works)

Toothpaste With NHA and Bamboo Salt, Ojook, $20

Sensitive teeth girlies, this one’s for you. This gentle peppermint toothpaste is designed for everyday use without overpowering fragrances or dyes. It reduces plaque buildup, restores tooth enamel, and promotes gum health. Free of fluoride, sulfate, and preservatives, this vegan toothpaste also comes in a recyclable tube.

Shangri-La Rose Tea, The Qi

The Tea Rooted In Relaxation 

Shangri-La Rose Tea, The Qi, $28

Growing up in the Northeast of Beijing, Lisa Li drank a lot of tea with her grandma—an early, joyous memory of holistic wellness. After feeling burnt out from working for over 10 years in the fashion industry, she was inspired to get in touch with self-care. That’s how her tea brand The Qi was born. Look no further than this Rose tea, which is made from whole flowers that were handpicked from the gardens of Shangri-la at 10,000 ft. above sea level.

Invisible Spot Cover, Rael

The Pimple Eraser

Invisible Spot Cover, Rael, $13.99

There’s nothing worse than a pesky pimple that won’t subside. Instead of trying to cover it with pore-clogging concealer, try these Rael daytime patches, which instantly flatten acne and seamlessly fade into your skin. Founded by three Korean-American women, Rael’s products use South Korean manufacturing technology to deliver top-of-the-line feminine and skin care. 

Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier, Hey Dewy

The Portable Humidifier

Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier, Hey Dewy, $59.95

Think your office desk can’t feel like a spa? You haven’t tried this facial humidifier. It’s wireless and rechargeable, so you can’t take it from your bed to your car to your office easily. With up to eight hours of mist on a single charge, it guarantees dewy skin and calming energy anywhere you take it. 

Food & Beverage

Classic Variety Pack, wildwonder

The Gut-Loving Sparkly Bevvies

Classic Variety Pack, wildwonder, $44/12 pack

Sorry, Ollipop, Poppi, Cove, and Culture Pop, there’s another gut-healthy sparkly beverage that’s been stocked in our fridge—and it’s these fruit-forward sips from wildwonder (the founder, Rosa Li, was on Shark Tank!). The delectable flavors are inspired by the healing tonics of Li’s Chinese grandma, and each can contains 5g of dietary fiber, only 6g of sugar, and one billion probiotics. Sip, sip, hooray!

The Brownies That Ship To You

Dark Chocolate Brownies, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, $80/12 pack

Can we be real for a sec? Brownies are one of life’s best little luxuries. And these dark chocolate squares take them to the next level: rich, fudgy, intense, and made with Valrhona cocoa, dark chocolate chips, fresh creamery butter, and vanilla bean paste. They even have that nostalgic boxed-brownie chew you know and love. Oh, and they ship nationwide.

The Omsom Saucy Noodle Sampler from Omsom.

The Weekday Pantry Meal Essential 

The Omsom Saucy Noodle Sampler, Omsom, prices vary by store 

These are not your typical pantry-ready meals. Omsom serves ready-to-eat authentic Asian flavors via sauces, shakers, and noodles, curated by sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham. Their noodle offerings alone are mouthwatering. We’re talking soy garlic, chili sesame, garlic black pepper, and coconut lemongrass curry. Intrigued? This 10-pack sampler set lets you try all those flavors. Intrigued? Look for them at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, and more.

The Next-Level Condiment 

Original Sichuan Chili Crisp, Fly by Jing, $30/2 pack

Delivering a rich explosion of spice with a crunchy textural delight, Fly by Jing’s best-selling chili crisp makes all food taste better. Crafted in Chengdu, China, the recipe is inspired by flavors from the Sichuan province, where founder Jing Gao was born. By design, it’s made to top just about anything, from fried eggs and veggies to mashed potatoes and bread… even ice cream, if you’re feeling wild. 

Vietnamese Coffee: Cinnamon Coconut Latte, Nguyen Coffee Supply

The Refreshing Canned Cold Brew

Vietnamese Coffee: Cinnamon Coconut Latte, Nguyen Coffee Supply, $48/12 pack

Nguyen Coffee Supply is America’s first specialty Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster, bringing the ultimate Vietnamese coffee experience to your morning ritual. In our cart? The new Cinnamon Coconut Latte, a ready-to-drink spin on Vietnamese coconut coffee made with bold 100% robusta, coconut milk, and cinnamon. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, shelf-stable, and only has 10g of sugar per can. Your afternoon slump just met its match.

Open pints of Signature Ice Cream, Malai Ice Cream like mango and masala chai.

The Unique Flavor-Rich Ice Cream

Signature Ice Cream, Goldbelly, $89.95/4 pints

Malai draws inspiration from South Asian ingredients, aromatic spices, and founder Pooja Bavishi’s upbringing. Goldbelly's ice creams—which ship nationwide, BTW—offer an explosion of uniquely refreshing flavors, from lemon cardamom to sweet roti. They also have vegan options, ice cream sandwiches, and ice cream cake. Can’t decide where to start? This sampler pack has four winning flavors: Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Masala Chai, Orange Fennel, and Sweet Milk.

Home

The Sill Large Double Bi-Color Anthurium

The Online One-Stop Shop For Houseplants 

Large Double Bi-Color Anthurium, The Sill, $129

Ordering houseplants online can be a risky business, but The Sill continuously stands out as a reliable foliage shopping platform. From large plants to pet-friendly plants to plants for beginners, it has something for everyone at an array of prices. Take this Large Double Bi-Color Anthurium, which features heart-shaped blooms in shades of pink and red and arrives ready to display in a classic green ceramic pot. It’s easy to grow and adds an instant pop of color to your space.

The Evergreen Ottoman from Sabai Design

The Eco-Conscious Ottoman 

The Evergreen Ottoman, Sabai Design, $445

At Sabai Design, stylish plans meet sustainable practices. Crafted with non-toxic and natural materials, this statement piece uses hemp upholstery for a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. Founded by friends Phantila Phataraprasit and Caitlin Ellen, all pieces are produced in ethically-run factories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Michigan, and can be custom-made.

The Game Night Upgrade

Singaporean Mahjong Set Gold Tile, Chop Suey Club, $298

Lately, it feels like mahjong is everywhere. For the uninitiated, it's a strategic tile-matching game originating in China during the mid-to-late 19th century, and it’s often compared to the Western card game Rummy. This beautifully packaged set includes traditional Chinese mahjong tiles, plus extra Animal, Face, and Fei tiles for Singaporean, Malaysian, and Southeast Asian-style play. The classic motifs, hand-polished acrylic tiles, and engraved wooden carrier case make it just as gorgeous to display.

Clean Essentials Kit, Blueland

The No-BS Cleaning Supplies

Clean Essentials Kit, Blueland, $46

We can all agree that scrubbing away the gunk at the bottom of our fridge makes us feel like we have our lives together, right? Level up your Sunday deep-clean with Blueland’s eco-friendly cleaning sprays and hand soap, which come in refillable bottles designed to cut down on single-use plastic.

Chinese Peony Gold Pillow Cover, Society Social

The Modern Chinz Pillow

Chinese Peony Gold Pillow Cover, Society Social, $155

Want to be the kind of person who has pillows that make your couch look professionally styled? Well, now you can. This Society Social floral pillow is reminiscent of traditional chintz, but updated in a fresh, modern color palette that feels more cool-girl living room than grandma’s parlor. With a curated mix of furniture and home decor, that’s the magic founder Roxy Te Owens brings to the table—or, in this case, the sofa.

Always Pan® 2.0, Our Place, $135

The All-In-One Cooking Tool

Always Pan® 2.0, Our Place, $135

By now, you’ve likely heard of the viral Always Pan—and for good reason. Shiza Shahid grew up in Pakistan surrounded by shared home cooking and co-founded Our Place to forge connections. This magic kitchen tool does the job of 10 (!) pieces of traditional cookware, from braising to steaming to boiling and more. Plus, it’s made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum—so you’re investing in sustainability and unlocking a new level of cooking possibilities. Gordon Ramsey is shaking. 

The Cult-Classic Kush Candle

Kush, Boy Smells, $44

If your favorite way to celebrate 4/20 is lighting up (a candle), then this intoxicating Boy Smells one is for you. It’s like a lush herbal bouquet with cannabis leaf, tulips, lemon, and eucalyptus, while the brushed suede and amber add an intoxicating layer that will keep you flying high (metaphorically speaking) throughout the 50-hour burn time.

The Fancy Flatware

Mother of Pearl 5 Piece Place Setting, Jung Lee NY, $49

Need a foolproof way to add drama to your dining room table? Look no further than these mother-of-pearl utensils. With mesmerizing iridescent handles, they add a striking touch to any dinner party spread. They’re the work of NYC-based designer Jung Lee, who has been honing her knack for mixing chicness with function since 2002. 

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