Celebrating Asian-American-Owned Businesses!

It’s AAPI Heritage month and a beautiful time to celebrate all the creativity, inspiration and community-minded fabulousness of some fellow Asian-American businesses from all across the USA. As a fellow Japanese American, this is a very near-and-dear segment for me shared with FOX viewers. Arigato!

M.M. La Fleur

Founded by Sarah LaFleur (half Japanese), head designer Miyako Nakamura and Narie Foster, M.M. La Fleur is a stylish line of practical workwear and loungewear options for women that merges modern design with comfort.

The line features clean lines and sophisticated chic, but with comfort and a modern lifestyle in mind. Especially as some of us might be transitioning back to a workplace--a great way to freshen up your spring work wardrobe!

Women’s Workwear, from $50, mmlafleur.com

Mohala Eyewear

When Honolulu-based Ashley Mariko Johnson traveled to Japan, she realized that eyewear was designed differently there to better fit an Asian face shape. Since most “mainstream” eyewear designed in the US was scaled for a narrow face, she set out to found Mohala: a collection of inclusive eyewear that addresses different face shapes, nose bridges, cheekbones…and even long lashes!

Whether you have a round, oval, square-shaped face, higher or lower nose bridge, Mohala eyewear has a pair for you, and because of the exceptional fit, it’s great for sport-loving women too as the frames stay snuggly in place. Each pair of sunglasses sold sends a girl to school in Room to Read.

Inclusive Eyewear, from $169, mohalaeyewear.com

Savor Beauty

Certified Organic ingredients, clean natural skincare, bodycare, masks and more are at the heart of Savor Beauty, created by Korean-American entrepreneur and spa owner Angelia Jia Kim. Savor Beauty is rooted in Korean beauty practices that are highly customizable to your skin’s needs, while maintaining high-performing clean formulas top of mind. The feeling is luxurious! I love that it is handmade, poured and shipped by women, and their small-batch skincare has a cult following.

Check out her new Hyaluronic Acid Serum that features 2% hyaluronic acid for a deeply, moisturizing skin quench and her limited-edition, professional-grade Fountain of Youth: Restore Elixir that contains 8 essential oils to bathe your face in a collagen-boosting serum bath!

Clean Skincare, from $24, savorbeauty.com

Paper Culture

Paper Culture, owned by environmental activist Christopher Wu, creates recycled paper stationery, cards, announcements and photo books that inspire through chic, modern design and sustainability. This time of year is perfect to consider this line for beautiful graduation cards and stunning wedding invitations that will truly standout! Plus for every order, Paper Culture plants a tree, having planted over a million trees to date!

Recycled Stationery, from $.83, paperculture.com

August Sage

August Sage, a homeware brand owned and curated by Rownea Lei of Austin TX, who works with artisans from all over the world to create exclusive and ethically made, sustainable hand-crafted pieces for the home--from Moroccan glassware to Mexican lumbar pillows and more. She has bath apothecary items from France and exquisite ceramics, vessels and tabletop must-haves that are perfect for uplifting your home decor or gifting to others as a hostess gift!

Handcrafted Home Decor, from $24, augustsage.com

Bokksu

As a Japanese American, this next subscription box speaks to my stomach!

Bokksu is a Japanese Snack subscription box founded by CEO Danny Taing, that provides 20-24 authentic snacks shipped directly from Nippon to your doorstep! You’ll experience everything from real rice crackers to candies, teas and more... along with an informative guide to walk you through flavors, allergens and confectionary backstories. Per box, $49.95, but buy an annual subscription and make it $39.95 monthly!

Japanese Snack Box, from $39.95, bokksu.com

Twrl Milk Tea

Can there really be guilt-free milk tea? I’m determined to find out!

Launched in early 2021 during Covid by Pauline Ang, this canned, plant-based milk tea was meant to be a healthier version for the milk tea obsessed! It’s crafted with organic, fair-trade tea from small family-owned farms, plant-based milk and less sugar. Taste test the tea-forward flavor and quality for yourself with their three signature flavors of Black Premium, Hojicha Roasted Green Tea and Jasmine. Sold in brick and mortar throughout the state of California; shipping available in the US and Canada.

Milk Tea Varieties, $3.95 each, twrlmilktea.com

Prices reflect time of publication; product samples were received for editorial evaluation: this segment is editorial.