AAPI Goods: Asian-American Owned Businesses
As a proud Japanese American, I was honored to report on AAPI goods for the TODAY show. There are so many companies doing good work, producing phenomenal product and inspiring the next generation of leaders. May this May and every day be a celebration of Asian American culture and entrepreneurship!
Left to right: lifestyle journalist Amy E. Goodman, Today co-hosts Dylan Dwyer, (mother) Mary Ann Goodman, Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin.
TRAVEL
May Day Splash-Proof Bag Collection, from $24, aloha-collection.com
Aloha Collection
Two native Hawaiian women, Heather Aiu and Rachael Leina’ala Soares founded Aloha Collection, which features splash-proof, water-resistant bags made of 100% coated Tyvek. The bags store everything from wet bathing suits, to sweat-soaked gym clothes and clothes for a trip (like travel cubes). Their Limited-Edition May Day Collection (also known as Lei Day in Hawaii) celebrates the Aloha spirit and features a unique, beautiful design for each of the eight Hawaiian islands. 6 different sizes for each print including a mini pouch, small pouch, mid-pouch, max pouch, reversible tote, day tripper, and a separate Men’s Collection offers a dopp kit, trendy hip pack, etc. They donate back 5% to Hawaii-based conservation organizations.
I’ve visited their flagship store in Waikiki, and I adore these bags for their punchy prints, functionality and water resistance.
FOOD
Superfood Granola, $10 a bag, gr8nola.com
Gr8nola
Erica Liu Williams sought a better granola, so she created gr8nola, a low-sugar granola packed with superfoods and simple, all-natural ingredients. All of her 6 delicious flavors are made with organic coconut oil, whole-grain oats, coconut flakes and sunflower seeds. We couldn’t stop noshing on this yummy granola behind the scenes!
Peanut Butter: peanut butter, peanuts, ashwagandha and chia seeds
The Original: crunchy whole almonds, honey, flaxseed and cinnamon
Black Coco Chia: crunchy chia seeds and activated charcoal powder (V)
Cacao Crisp: antioxidant-rich cacao powder (V)
Golden Spice: pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, turmeric powder, chili powder, black pepper (V)
Cinnamon Chai: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves (V)
Each variety is packed with layers of flavor. I like the Golden Spice which features turmeric powder and a splash of chili and pepper!
HOME
The reBoard, from $25, materialkitchen.com
reBoard, $35, Material
Friends Eunice Byun and David Nguyen co-founded Material as a means to streamline modern kitchen accessories for every occasion The site features everything from cookware to knives, but...one of their standout products is the reBoard made from 75% recycled plastics and 25% renewable sugar cane.
The original reBoard is $35, the mini reBoard is $25 and their new Grippy reBoard, which is launching today on TODAY, is $40. The Grippy features silicone “feet” so that your board doesn’t budge when you use it on a slippery countertop, which is such a lifesaver for me: I can stop placing a wet paper towel under my cutting board so that it won’t slip away!
All boards are made with BPA-free plastic and are available in a variety of attractive colors.
The Mini reBoard, $25
Grippy reBoard, $40
FASHION
Handmade Headbands, $45, simitri.com
Simitri
Simran Kaur and Gayatri Chopra are sister-in-laws who combined their first names to form SIMITRI! Their fashion brand namely features bold clutches and handbags, and they also make dazzling headbands.
Headbands have been trending for awhile now, and I love these playful and unique designs that are so statement and cost $45 each! Handmade in India and designed in USA, the women bridge the best of both worlds to honor artisans and age-old techniques and their own love of urban design, color and texture.
I have to tell you, I love headbands because when you’re head is as big as mine and cool hats don’t fit…a headband nearly always does!
BATH & BODY
Astrology Skincare Collection, from $28, pinkmoon.co
Once In a Pink Moon Water Element Collection from Pink Moon
Lin Chen is the owner of Pink Moon skincare, that’s a 100% plant-based, sustainable beauty brand. She just launched the Once in a Pink Moon Astrology Skincare Collection, which combines her love of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Astrology: she claims in the world’s first Astrology-inspired skincare brand! As with all Lin’s products, these are steeped in ancient holistic practices.
How does it work? You customize what your skin needs according to the elements. Mix and match per your skin’s individual needs. The collection features 12 cleansers, essences and moisturizers.
Fire sign energizes tired, stressed skin
Example: Aries Cleanser is a silky cream gel that energizes as it plumps
Water sign hydrates and cools - perfect for summer
Example: Scorpio Essence softens, soothes and calms
Air sign brightens and evens out skintone
Example: Aquarius moisturizer is featherlight and brightens as it hydrates
Earth sign nurtures compromised skin (great for mature and dry skin)
Example: Taurus Cleanser is creamy clay and is multipurpose: deep cleansing, exfoliating, detoxifying and more
Pink Moon gives back 1% to charitable partners, and the purchaser determines where the funds go upon checkout.
Fable & Mane Hair Oil, from $16, fableandmane.com
AAPI-owned by siblings, Nikita and Akash Mehta, this haircare brand is rooted in ancient Indian wisdom in using the wholeness of plants roots for healing hair roots.
Their products are vegan and cruelty-free, and also free of silicons, parabens, phthalates and sulfates. Great for all hair types!
As we transition from spring to summer, these hair treatments come as a saving grace for stressed scalps and tresses:
MAHAMANE SMOOTH & SHINE HAIR OIL- $38.00- A strengthening leave-in hair oil to smooth frizz and protect strands from heat formulated with six potent fruit oils for instant shine and smoothness.
FABLE AND MANE SAHASCALP AMLA SOOTHING SERUM- $36.00 - Enriched with ancient Indian super berry Amla, a potent form of Vitamin C and Bakuchi, a natural remedy to soothe dry, sensitive scalps
HOLIROOTS HAIR MASK- $34.00- This high-performance formula with an exquisite creamy texture is a nourishing treat for all hair types. Feels & smells like a soft whipped delicious dessert to restore hydration, condition and shine, helping to repair the damage to your tresses caused by styling, pollution and environmental stress.
SAHASCALP WILD GINGER PURIFYING SCALP SCRUB- $34.00- This gentle exfoliating treatment soothes oily, flaky, and itchy scalps with healing Neem, known for its antifungal properties, and includes stimulating, antioxidant-rich Wild Ginger.
To watch this editorial TODAY segment and see these products in action, check out the link!