Asian Owned Clothing Companies to Support

Over the last year, there's been an uptick in violence and racism against the Asian population. The group Stop Asian Hate recently released data that covers 3,795 incidents received from March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021. This is a high number, yet it does not include a third of the incidents that occur. These issues stem from discrimination against Asians, which has worsened with stigma surrounding the coronavirus. The pandemic has led to drops in customers for Asian American businesses as high as 80 percent, the most of any demographic. Violence has not improved in 2021, with just the latest mass shooting in Atlanta last week, where six of the eight victims were Asian women. 

In these scary and uncertain times, it’s important to show support to Asian communities. One small way of doing so is to shop at Asian-owned businesses. Doing so will help show Asian pride and unity, which in return will help empower and build up communities. So next time you’re looking to shop, consider supporting one of these Asian owned businesses. 

If you enjoy thrifting, or shopping from sites like Depop, check out Red Bean Dream. This is a small business owned by two sisters, Anna and Ella. They started selling their crochet clothing during COVID-19,  and Anna sometimes reworks and sells clothes as well.

Looking for fun earrings? Jayna Greenleaf-Perez started Milk and Honey Clay, a small online shop out of Oregon. The earrings are awesome, but the mission statement is even more awesome – Milk and Honey donates 20% of their profits to anti-human trafficking non-profit organization  in the U.S and around the world.

We’re obsessed with this straw tote and the rest of the products from Kayu. The brand prides themself on creating ethical and sustainable accessories, and make efforts to do good in the communities around them. Kayu works with cooperatives in the Philippines who weave and embroider their bags by hand. Their  monograms are embroidered by women in San Francisco and they  work with new immigrants who do not  speak English, which in turn makes it difficult for them to find jobs. Kayu strives to provide those women with practical training and an alternative source of income.

Averlife is a sustainable shoe brand founded by two sisters, Julie and Connie. They opened the company with  the purpose to  improve the world for the benefit of future generations. Averlife uses recycled plastic bottles on their quest to craft trendy and comfy footwear.

These are just a few of many Asian owned brands to support. There are also many other types of businesses to support, like food or books and art. Make sure to support your local businesses as well, as it's an important part of strengthening your own community. 

Let us know the Asian owned brands you plan on supporting by tagging @theedgemag on Instagram!