It's been a somber and reflective week here at Clean Circle.
As a first-generation Chinese-American Female Founder, I have had my own experiences in racial aggression and over-sexualization, but that is not what keeps me up at night. It is the violence towards our elders, people that we are culturally taught to honor, respect, and cherish. This violence to the AAPI community is profoundly troubling.
Crimes targeting Asian Americans have risen dramatically since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Between March 19 and December 31, 2020, Stop AAPI Hate has received 2,808 reported incidents of racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans across the U.S.
This number is estimated to be grossly underreported due to language barriers, cultural barriers, and distrust in law enforcement.
After the attack in Atlanta last week, where 8 people were killed including 6 Asian-descent women, our community is in deep pain. There are many overlapping issues at hand: over-sexualization of Asian women, gun laws, hate rhetoric, violence against communities of color, implicit biases in law enforcement- the list goes on.
How and where we choose to spend our money can uplift communities as a whole. And it is known that when you uplift women, they uplift their whole community.
There is so much creativity, ability, and talent in the AAPI community and we want to highlight 3 Asian-Owned businesses that are owning their space!
Absolutely obsessed with this fashion-conscious brand! All of their handbags are manufactured at a female-owned facility that's SMETA Sedex certified that provides their workers full benefits including healthcare and a livable wage. I wholeheartedly support this transparency and ethical practice!
Owner Stephanie Tea makes a tasty hot chili oil! Locally made in Sothern California, I've been a personal fan since my first purchase. You can add this to most dishes to an extra kick of spice and flavor.
Hathorway and Clean Circle have been featured in many of the same outlets as Asian Female founded brands to support, so of course I had to learn more about Jessica Phan's company. And am I in love with each piece! Beautiful, elegant, and an ode to her Vietnamese background.
