14 Asian American–Founded Small Businesses Designing Travel Gear We Love

23.04.2024 - 21:05 / cntraveler.com

As a first generation Taiwanese immigrant, Kathy Yen says she feels a “profound significance” being an Asian American business owner.

“It’s a testament to the perseverance required to overcome the language and cultural barriers that I’ve faced along my journey,” Yen, who runs sustainable personal care products brand Oliver Flynn with her sister, says. “Each day, we work tirelessly to bridge these gaps, striving to communicate effectively and navigate cultural nuances in the business world.”

That’s just one of the challenges that the AAPI community faces these days, along with a rise in anti-Asian hate in recent years, as well as a long history in America of discrimination and exclusion.

“For decades, Asian Americans have been seen as service industry providers, as our parents and grandparents came to this country to open up restaurants, dry cleaners, and nail salons,” says Jin Chen, founder of the multi-purpose Planeket. She says because of the “lower class” perception of those businesses, “some people feel it’s okay to be rude to Asian Americans, especially the older ones. But what I see is that they are also entrepreneurs.”

It’s that can-do spirit despite the inequity that makes Steph Hon, founder of Cadence, which makes reusable toiletry containers, think of her own grandmother—who quit school in second grade to work in a factory sewing sequins in Hainan before immigrating to the US. “I feel very proud to be part of this community because it’s so resilient,” she says.

Banding together has been especially crucial to Asian Americans, as Yen says there’s active participation in community events, forums, and discussions that promote diversity, inclusion, and representation. “Whether it’s sponsoring cultural festivals, hosting educational workshops, or participating in advocacy campaigns, we are dedicated to creating spaces where the voices and experiences of AAPI individuals are valued and celebrated,” she says.

Below, 14 AAPI-owned brands to support while refreshing your travel gear.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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