Here at TQE, we’ve been looking for tangible ways to support Asian American communities across the U.S. with more than just our voices and intentions. Read on for our continuously updated list of our favorite Asian American and Pacific Islander-founded brands to be shopping now and always.
All proceeds generated from the links in this article will go directly towards Red Canary Song, the only grassroots Chinese massage parlor coalition in the U.S. We will also match any revenue generated from this piece up to $5,000.
From Red Canary Song: “There are over 9000 workplaces like these across the country with no political representation, or access to labor rights or collective organizing. Anti-trafficking NGO’s that claim to speak for migrants in sex trades promote increased policing and immigration control, which harms rather than helps migrant sex workers."
In addition to shopping our curated list below, we encourage you to consider donating directly to their fund.
Note: Cover image credit to @kimsaira -- we highly recommend visiting her Instagram for more information and resources.
Home
Outer - The world's most comfortable durable and innovative outdoor sofa that practically keeps itself clean.
Blueland - Everyday eco-friendly cleaning products to save you money and space, without any plastic waste.
Tortuga Living - Rethinking furniture to grow with you.
Dims - Contemporary furnishings from the world's top emergent designers.
Cadence - The next generation of refillable travel containers for your personal care and toiletries.
The Sill - Plants delivered to your door with easy care instructions.
Fable - Dinnerware for every occasion.
Food
Brightland - Fresher, healthier California extra virgin olive oil and premium double-fermented vinegars
Fly By Jing - Good on everything pantry stables crafted in Sichuan
Omsom - Vietnamese, Filipino, and Thai pantry shortcuts
Diaspora Co. - Founded by 3rd gen Mumbai native, Sana Javeri Kadri to build a more equitable and delicious spice trade
Nguyen Coffee Supply - Vietnamese specialty coffee
Sanzo - The 1st Asian-inspired sparkling water
Beauty and Skincare
Common Heir - Clean, plastic-free, planet-friendly skincare.
Doe Lashes - Korean Silk Lashes for Everyday Comfort
Summer Fridays - Clean ingredients for healthy, beautiful skin.
Hero Cosmetics - Customizable acne toolkits to handle any pimple challenge.
Cardon - Providing a simple shopping experience for men to get premium skincare at an approachable price tag.
CocoKind - Effective and affordable skincare for the face and body!
Blume - Self Care That Goes With Your Flow
Tower28 - Clean Makeup Designed for Sensitive Skin
Topicals - A science-backed skincare brand you don't have to hide.
BabyTress - Elevate how to do your edges
Tatcha - Japanese beauty products
Then I Met You - Premium skin care line founded by Charlotte Cho, chief curator of Soko Glam, launching with the double cleanse.
Glow Recipe - Cruelty-free, clean, fruit-powered skincare designed to help bring out your inner glow.
Ellis Brooklyn - Clean Fragrances
Soko Glam - Korean beauty products
Three Ships - Cruelty free skincare
Wellness
Proper - Natural sleep aid
Gainful - Personalized protein powder
The Qi - Helping busy individuals with the most beautiful flower tea ritual to feel a sense of joy and inner calm on the daily basis.
Zzeal - A subscription box service filled with independently produced wellness products.
Fashion
Senreve - Leather and Vegan handbags for the multi-faceted modern woman. Made in Italy, designed in NYC, dreamed up in SF.
Avocado - Seamless core elements for your wardrobe.
Italic - Access 800+ quality goods from the same manufacturers as top brands, with zero markups.
Pepper - Bras that finally fit small chested women.
BRIKA - A modern retail agency.
Girlfriend Collective - Apparel focusing on both quality and community.
Brevite - Sustainable (and beautiful) backpacks and camera bags.
Uprisers - A streetwear apparel brand designed as a platform for "unapologetic activism" and dedicated to vocalizing marginalized community rights.
Alongside Red Canary Song, we’re also supporting the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) and AAPI Women Lead.
Please send any AAPI-founded brands you love to zoe@thequalityedit.com, and we’ll regularly update this piece with your suggestions!
