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Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
38 Female-Founded AAPI Brands You Should Know
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) month, but AAPI-founded brands deserve recognition year-round. The month of May is dedicated to celebrating Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI), but the history and contributions of this vast community deserve celebration year-round. While reported AAPI-targeted hate crimes have declined since the pandemic, research shows the anti-Asian sentiment still lingers. Donating to organizations such as Stop AAPI Hate, AAPI Women Lead, KACF and Asian Americans Advancing Justice is one way to help support the AAPI community. Another is to be mindful of where you shop. Out of 507 CEOs of 500 leading U.S. companies, only three are Asian women. With more AAPI-owned brands to shop than ever, you don't have to go out of your way to support the AAPI community. But despite the rise of AAPI-owned businesses, AAPI women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. In the United States, one in 96 men hold a manager or leadership role while one in 124 women hold the top position. Out of 507 CEOs of 500 leading U.S. companies, only three are Asian women. Globally, women control an estimated $20 trillion in annual consumer spending, yet few are represented in top leadership roles. When it comes to shopping for the latest skincare, fashion or pantry staples, 85% of consumer purchases in the U.S. are made by women. Globally, women control an estimated $20 trillion in annual consumer spending. Having women in leadership positions in which they control product design helps ensure the interests and needs of female consumers are met. Having women involved in product design is crucial to ensuring female consumers' needs and interests are met. So this month, we're highlighting the female-founded brands who not only honor their AAPI heritage but are carving a path for other aspiring female entrepreneurs to follow suit. From the latest K-Beauty innovations to modern twists on family recipes; Ayurvedic skincare rituals to porcelain tea sets—together, these brands represent the diversity, rich history and future of the AAPI community. The Sill founder Eliza Blank. When Eliza Blank's mom migrated to Massachusetts from the Philippines, houseplants helped her feel connected to her native country during the long winters. 'That connection to plants and nature became a quiet but powerful part of my upbringing,' says Blank. 'When I started The Sill at 26—around the same age my mom was when she came to the U.S.—I found myself drawing inspiration from her all over again.' Since its humble roots from a bootstrapped business operated from a borrowed desk in Chinatown, the plant delivery service has grown tremendously. In 2023, The Sill surpassed $50 million in gross online sales, delivering over 1 million houseplants Sill's offerings have expanded to include everything from patio plants to low light houseplants; decorative flowers to fruit trees. 'In a way, The Sill is a reflection of both where I come from and where I want to grow,' says Blank. Elix founder Lulu Ge. When Lulu Ge experienced debilitating symptoms such as cramps, headaches, fatigue and insomnia from getting off birth control, she found the only solution that worked was Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). So she created a digital platform that blends TCM with modern science and clinical studies, to deliver personalized care and herbal treatments for chronic conditions, beginning with hormone health. Recognizing that one size doesn't fit all, Elix offers users personalized consultations and questionnaires to determine the most appropriate formula. Having supported over 500,000 menstrual cycles since launching in March, Elix claims to be one of the fastest growing start-ups in the TCM wellness space. Sundays' founder Amy Ling Lin. Growing up in China and living in the United States taught Amy Ling Lin the beauty of individuality. So she created a nail salon studio and accompanying professional nail polish line to promote the message, 'you're beautiful as you are.' Built on the belief that no one should have to sacrifice their health for beauty all Sundays polishes are non-toxic and the colors are designed to make clients feel safe, confident and seen. 'I still remember how hard it was navigating the world when English wasn't my first language,' says Lin. 'That's why we use numbers instead of polish names—to make communication in salons easier and more inclusive for everyone, especially for immigrant nail specialists like the ones I've worked with and learned from.' You can find the professional line of long-lasting polishes online and used in five salon locations in Manhattan. Superegg founder Erica Choi. From a facial cream made from egg whites in 600 B.C. China to a Korean ritual of mixing eggs with liquor as a complexion treatment for jade-like skin during the Joseon Dynasty—eggs have long been a revered ingredient in Asian beauty rituals. Born in Busan, Korea and raised in New Jersey, Superegg founder Erica Choi was nicknamed 'egg' for the shape of her face. As an adult practicing as a licensed esthetician, Choi became aware of the animal welfare and environmental issues associated with traditional egg-based skincare, and was inspired to create her own plant-based line in 2020. Recognizing the nutrients held in each component of the egg—the yolk, the white and shell membrane—Superegg replicates the egg's capabilities in vegan form with nourishing ingredients like moringa oil and plant stem cells. With products like the hand-lip duo called 'Seoulmate,' face-hand duo called 'New Yolker' and a hand cream packaged in a duru pouch—a traditional Korean item used for carrying small items attached to the waist—the New York-based line is distinctly Korean American. Brooklyn Delhi founder Chitra Agrawal. When Chitra Agrawal began blogging about her Indian family recipes from her apartment in Brooklyn over a decade ago, she never imagined she would one day have products beloved by celebrities such as Mindy Kaling and Lilly Singh. From the blog, Chitra began hosting pop-up dinners and cooking classes around New York City, eventually publishing her own cookbook, Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn. In 2014, she launched Brooklyn Delhi with her husband, a food packaging designer, to bring Indian sauces, condiments and ready-to-eat meals into the homes of more Americans. Eleven years later, she has exceeded her mission, as you can find Brooklyn Delhi across the country in major retailers like Whole Foods and Target. From coconut curry sauce to spicy mango chutney, Agrawal is making it easy to bring a taste of India into the kitchen. BONBONWHIMS founder Claire Ngai. Growing up in Hong Kong, some of Claire Ngai's earliest memories consist of playing with kitschy kawaii toys, instilling in her a whimsy that would later influence her creations as a jewellery designer. When communities of color were disproportionally affected by the pandemic, Ngai started BONBONWHIMS in 2021 to raise money for various BIPOC charities. In the four years since, the Y2K-inspired jewellery line has taken off, with pieces spotted on celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Megan Thee Stallion and Michelle Zauner, including Ngai's own role models. 'Our playful pieces had been spotted on so many trail-blazing AAPI figures who I look up to, from Bowen Yang and Ashley Park to Olivia Rodrigo and Olympic Gold Medalist Snowboarder Chloe Kim,' says Ngai.' Yumday founder Lia Ballentine. 'As a Filipina immigrant who grew up in the American South, food has always been a powerful way for me to stay connected to my culture and heritage,' says Lia Ballentine. 'But just as importantly, I use food as a way to share my culture with others—and to learn about theirs.' Recognizing food as a gateway or bridge motivated Ballentine to create a subscription service snack box that contains women- and BIPOC-led food and beverage brands. A reference to the Tagalog phrase 'sarap ng buhay,' which translates to 'life is tasty' or 'life is good,' Yumday is a celebration of the flavors and foodways of different cultures. From the logo depicting the rays of the sun of the Filipino flag to the brand colors inspired by Ballentine's favorite Filipino dessert—halo-halo—the founder says the brand is a love letter to her roots and a way to keep that connection alive. From green banana flour crackers to popped waterlily seeds—the build-your-own-snack box is a fun way to try new foods from different cultures or gift them to others. AIREM Essentials founder Dr. Eunice Park. When Dr. Eunice Park immigrated to Queens, New York from Korea at the age of eight, she didn't speak English. An elementary school teacher took her under her wing, and after introducing Park to the story of the first female doctor Elizabeth Blackwell, Park was determined to pursue a career in medicine. Today, her dreams have become a reality—Dr. Park is a dual-board certified facial plastic surgeon and the founder of the first clinical K-beauty-inspired medical spa in the country, AIREM Aesthetic Spa & Plastic Surgery. Her product line AIREM Essentials combines her advanced medical expertise and clinical research to replicate or complement the treatment-experience at home. 'As a facial plastic surgeon, it was important to create a line with advanced formulations with clinically studied ingredients to truly enhance overall skin health as a standalone product or coupled with aesthetic treatments,' says Dr. Park. Some of their standouts include the vitamin C serum for brightening and sun protection, the pearl essence bio cellulose sheet masks and the lunamide ceramide serum for a dewy glow. VERLOOP founder Ella Lim. Growing up alongside her mom working in their family factory in the Philippines, Ella Lim noticed how much extra yarn was leftover after production. After pursuing a career in marketing and product design in New York City, she returned to the Philippines to join her family business and started VERLOOP, a fashion line made from deadstock material. The limited quantities of various deadstock yarn keeps Lim creative, as she develops new ways to either mix multiple yarns together or create patterns with frequent color changes, while not producing excess waste in the production process. The ribbed slippers are seamlessly knit so no material is cut away after knitting while poms are made on a special machine that allows them to shape the balls with minimal trimming. Gimme Seaweed founder Annie Chun. An homage to the seaweed snacks of Annie Chun's childhood growing up in Korea, this seaweed brand is redefining what an American snack can be. Building on the success of her previous brand, Annie Chun, the entrepreneur turned her attention to seaweed to create the first organic, non-GMO seaweed snacks in the United States. A reference to the Korean word 'gim,' which means 'seaweed,' Gimme Seaweed sources seaweed from regenerative aquaculture producers off the coast of South Korea. The result is a nutrient-rich, light snack available in eight flavors, found in major retailers across the country, including Whole Foods Market and Target. The brand has been such a success, the Korean government recently honored Chun's contributions to Korean seafood exports and the seaweed industry. Phème Paris founder Jessy Chu. After the birth of her first child, Jessy Chu found herself deeply depressed and in need of a change. So she transitioned from her career as a writer to instead channel her creative energy into designing clothes. Chu infuses her Chinese heritage into every collection—whether through the prints, silhouettes or fabric choices. 'Both Shinto and Daoist philosophies speak to the belief that everything carries a spirit, and you can see this woven into our prints—from tree branches, ink-painting textures, and xuan paper grain, to peonies, my favorite flower, which are known as the 'king of flowers' in Chinese culture and symbolize beautiful, confident women in classical poetry.' An off-the-shoulder striped knit dress depicts the concept of yin and yang through the interplay of fine and thicker lines and color-blocking, while a short embroidered velvet jacket draws from Hanfu, a traditional Chinese silhouette dating back thousands of years. Blume founder Karen Danudjaja. Working a fast-paced job in commercial real estate, Karen Danudjaja found the sugary, caffeinated drinks she relied on for energy were taking a toll on her digestion, sleep and hormones. Recalling the use of turmeric as a natural remedy in her South Asian household as a child, Danudjaja had the idea to create latte mixes that could deliver sustained energy without the crash. Coinciding with a boom in functional beverages, since Blume's creation in 2017, the brand has expanded into more than 6,000 stores in North America. While Danudjaja still loves their signature turmeric latte, the line now includes gut-nourishing hydration mixes and several others blends made with ingredients targeting specific needs, such as lavender for sleep and beetroot for energy. Marble Lotus founder Soni Mehra. Former tech product manager and Indian American entrepreneur, Soni Mehra started her own home décor brand in 2022 to bring elegant South Asian design into the homes of Americans. The company works directly with artisans across India to source furniture, artwork and home accessories that celebrate South Asian culture. In addition to the décor line, Mehra and her team offer design services to help clients create spaces that reflect their own heritage. Dumpling Daughter founder Nadia Liu Spellman. Growing up with the home cooking of a celebrity chef Sally Ling—who opened Boston's first fine-dining Chinese restaurant in the 1980s which was frequented by celebrities like Julia Child and Yo-Yo Ma—Nadia Liu Spellman has always had a fondness for dumplings. Despite her family's fine dining expertise, her warmest memories are of rushing home after school for her mother's warm dumplings. Determined to share the culture of eating dumplings with more people, Spellman opened Dumpling Daughter as a brick-and-mortar shop in 2014. Over a decade later, Spellman's family recipes can be found in multiple restaurants, her cookbook, and in over 1,000 grocery stores across the country. Her line of frozen dumpling, buns and sauces can be ordered online too, making it easy to add comforting Chinese fare to your weekly rotation. Ponyflo founder Minsun Yoo. 'Growing up in Korea, during the summer months, we would slather sunscreen on our faces until we appeared ghostly white, wear mesh long sleeves for trips to the grocery store, and at the beach, it was common to see people fully covered as if preparing to surf, even if they were merely sunbathing,' explains Minsun Yoo. When Yoo moved to the U.S., she was shocked to see people lounging in the sun without face protection. As an industrial designer, Yoo's applied her problem-solving skills to her own frustration with the lack of athletic hats that offered enough coverage without running her hair. So she created a wide brimmed hat with a seamless back opening for breathability and crease-free hair. Since launching Ponyflo has expanded beyond their signature sunblocker to sell a wide variety of hats, including straw hats, ballcaps, bucket hats and beanies. Poi Dog founder Kiki Aranita. A pidgin term for mixed breed or mutt, 'poi dog' celebrates the diversity of cultures that make up Hawaiian food. Ingredients from China, Japan, Korea and the Philippines appeared on the sugar plantations where chef Kiki Aranita's grandparents and great grandparents lived and worked. In 2020, chef Aranita created her own line of Hawaiian sauces to pay homage to her heritage with labels reminiscent of the traditional palaka shirts her grandmother sold when she worked at the plantation store in Waipahu. From the 'chili peppah water,' best drizzled on poke bowls, to the 'guava katsu sauce,' an umami-rich, fruit sauce inspired by Japanese BBQ—chef Aranita's creations celebrate the creations of the AAPI diaspora. Christine Alcalay founder. Raised by an immigrant seamstress in the heart of New York City's garment district, Christine Alcalay learned from a young age that creating with your hands is an act of love and intention. Growing up between two cultures—Vietnamese and Americans—Alcalay says it's in this in-between space where she finds her resilience, resourcefulness and instinct to solve problems with creativity. It's this aptitude that contributes to her namesake fashion brand's success. With two boutiques in New York City, Alcalay is known for her modern suiting and silk organza pieces, and versatile pieces that celebrate womanhood. 'My Vietnamese heritage lives in everything I do—it shapes the way I see color, move through the world, and bring ideas to life,' says Alcalay. 'The thread of memory, culture, and soul is woven into every piece I design and every business decision I make—my heritage is my grounding force, and drifting from it simply isn't an option.' Fly By Jing founder Jing Gao. The chef that arguably put chili crisp on the map, Jing Gao was inspired by her upbringing in Chengdu, China to bring a modern spin on traditional Chinese cuisine into American kitchens. Her line of Sichuan pantry staples made with real ingredients has grown over the years to include instant noodles and several brand collaborations such as Irvins chili crisp potato chips, Fishwife Sichuan chili crisp smoked salmon and a hot sauce that appeared on Hot Ones. You can find the James Beard award-winning chef's creations in major grocers like Whole Foods Market, and in her cookbook, The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp. Recreational Habits founder Jackie Skye Muller. Growing up playing golf with her Korean dad, Jackie Skye Muller was shocked when she moved to the East Coast and found herself one of the few minority faces on the golf course. 'Culturally too—I really felt out of place at the older prestigious country clubs that were filled with older white men with unfriendly glares,' Muller says. 'I knew I belonged on the golf course, in the country club, in the barns and on the court, but this experience made me question that. Witnessing the cultural barriers that historically plague club sports, Muller was inspired to create her own athletic fashion brand to create opportunities for people of color to experience the joy of recreational sports and the style associated with it. Raised in Dallas, Texas and educated in New York City, the former women's director of KITH and associate fashion director of Barneys New York combines her country and urban perspectives to give traditionally preppy pieces a chic edge. Oddball founder Sophie Cheng. Splitting her childhood between Hong Kong and Singapore, Sophie Cheng has fond memories of snacking on jelly desserts made from agar-agar. 'Growing up in Asia, there were options for people who wanted something to snack on that didn't include dairy or gluten,' says Cheng. 'When I came to the U.S., I noticed that option was missing, so I decided to create my own.' Made without gelatin, carrageenan, added sugars or preservatives, the new line of jelly snacks is the first JELL-O alternative of its kind in the United States. With four fruity flavors—made from real fruit and plants—the ready-to-eat snacks are bringing a taste of Asia into the American grocery aisle. NOTTE founder Jessica Tse. Jewellery designer Jessica Tse says her childhood growing up in Hong Kong continues to influence the pieces she designs for her accessory brand Notte. 'I was obsessed with small trinkets, cute stationery and manga, being able to explore all these elements so early on really shaped my love for finding small whimsical details and playfulness in everyday life,' Tse tells Forbes. The Chinese American founder's whimsy is evident in her colorful, imaginative jewellery, which are designed to spark joy. It's no wonder her pieces have been seen on numerous celebrities, such as Bella Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo and Megan Thee Stallion. Wildwonder founder Rosa Li. When Rosa Li was a child, she founder comfort in the healing herbal tonics her Chinese grandmother brewed for her. As an investor-turned-food entrepreneur, she saw an opportunity to incorporate Eastern herbal remedies into American wellness routines and created her own line of sparkling beverage. Amidst a booming functional beverage market, Li launched a beverage line inspired by her own Chinese culture in which 'functional' beverages have been used to cure ailments for centuries. She combines botanicals from her childhood, such as ginger, turmeric and lemon balm, with prebiotics and probiotics for a refreshing, gut-friendly soda. Li not only uplifts her own culture but others too, donating five percent of profits to marginalized communities. The Woobles founder Justine Tiu. Inspired by the anime she watched growing up, Justine Tiu channeled her creativity into a line of easy crochet kits. 'The Woobles exists because I did the straight-edge thing most Asian immigrant parents want for their kids—good school to good college to good job at a famous company with a good 401k, climbing the ladder super fast—but I was deeply unhappy and realized it's because that wasn't my definition of success,' says Tiu. The founder says she took the concept of amigurumi, a Japanese style of crochet and blended it with Western ideals of cuteness and kawaii, to offer cute kits that make crocheting easy. 'It's not actually about crochet,' says Tiu. 'It's about reminding yourself that you can take on whatever comes your way.' Ro'Table founder Roshan Adam-Holslag. From impromptu gatherings to organizing high-profile events for influential figures, hosting has always been a central part of Roshan Adam-Holslag's Indo-Persian upbringing in Britain. Hoping to foster meaningful connections, Adam-Holslag's dreamy line of tableware is made by artisans with natural materials and is a reflection of her worldly travels and Indian roots. Hints of her upbringing appear in all her collections, but most notably in her Shimla Social collection, a contemporary reimagining of early 19th century India. 'Each piece in the Shimla Social range is a tapestry of heritage—where the delicate English flora meets the vibrant, spirited hues of the tropical Indian fauna," says Adam-Holslag. Dream Tea NYC founder Anney Norton. During the pandemic, Anney Norton found herself frustrated with the lack of tea varieties in the grocery store. Under lockdown, Norton began experimenting in her kitchen to make her own tea, and the idea for her own tea brand—Dream Tea NYC—was born. It wasn't the first time Norton had found success in the kitchen. Born in Shanghai, Anney Norton moved to New York City as a teenager to study at Parsons, the New School of Design and shortly after graduating, founded A Cuter Cupcake company that was an instant hit collaborating with with esteemed brands like Prada, Miu Miu, SoulCycle, and Saks Fifth Avenue. With Dream Tea NYC, Norton hopes to innovate the tea category by offering consumers the flexibility to create their own custom tea blends, made with USDA organic ingredients, packaged in fun and imaginative canisters. SVNR founder Christina Tung. 'Growing up as a second generation Chinese-American, our household was very cognizant of waste, every piece of clothing was mended or reworked and never tossed,' says Christina Tung. Her environmental consciousness coupled with witnessing her mom's business savviness as an entrepreneur influenced her to create her own line of earrings made from found materials, inspired by her travels around the world. Since launching in 2018, SVNR has expanded to sell a wide range of accessories, all made from upcycled materials with as little waste as possible. MìLà founder Jennifer Liao. Raised by her Chinese immigrant parents in Dallas, Texas, Jennifer Liao recalls being bullied for her race and embarrassed of her homemade lunch in the school cafeteria. As she grew older, she learned to appreciate her Chinese heritage, and founded a line of Chinese dumplings and noodles with her husband as a way to connect with her family's history. What began in 2018 as a brick-and-mortar shop in Bellevue, Washington has grown into a nationwide, direct-to-consumer brand, available at major retailers like Target, Walmart, Kroger and Whole Foods. From frozen soup dumplings to braised beef noodles to umami scallion ginger oil, everything is inspired by and pays homage to the co-founder's Chinese roots. 'This little piece of Chinese America is our way of showing our friends, family, and the vast Asian American diaspora that there is a definitive place for us here in the States,' says Liao. Wanderlust + Co. founder Jenn Low. Born in Malaysia, Jenn Low's jewellery line is based in Kuala Lumpur and designed by women for women. Made sustainably and sold in over 150 countries around the world, the diverse collection reflects Jenn's upbringing as a Malaysian woman and her current experience raising two young kids, with designs that aim to empower women through meaningful mantras and providing opportunities for self-expression. Since launching in 2010, the brand has been seen on Chrissy Teigen, Bella Hadid, Jessica Alba and more. Kahuku Farms founder Kylie Matsuda-Lum. With a farming history spanning four generations on Oahu's North Shore, this over-a-century-old family farm continues to honor Hawaiian ingredients while giving back to the island. With 90% of the team from the local community and partnerships with local organizations to raise awareness about farming and sustainability, Kahuku Farms is dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of Hawaii. Founder Kylie Matsuda-Lum never thought she'd return to the farm after college, but it's turned into her pride and joy, 'All of our decisions are rooted in our culture with our family, team and community in mind.' From liliko'I jelly to Hawaiian vanilla macadamia nut coffee to bean-to-bar chocolate—all their products are made on the farm and a celebration of Hawaii. Moonbow founders Heather and Felice Chan. When twin sisters Heather and Felice Chan developed skin and gut issues after moving to the United States from Hong Kong, they grew frustrated with the lack of holistic skincare options in their new home. They were so impressed with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques their mom used, that they decided to create their own skincare line to share TCM with others. Inspired by the centuries-old Chinese medicine theory of yin and yang, and the 530 herbs in TCM, Moonbow's three signature products aim to address the root causes of skin problems with traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients like wild chrysanthemum, an herb traditionally used to reduce inflammation. Maile Footwear founder MMaile Schmidt. Growing up between Hawaii and Japan, Maile Schmidt's childhood memories are filled with tropical landscapes and bustling cityscapes. These two environments provide the inspiration for her collection of her line of footwear handcrafted by Italian artisans. 'The collection is feminine, romantic and a contemporary interpretation of the beloved 90's kitten heels,' says Maile. Since launching in 2023, the brand has caught the attention of influential millennials and Gen Zers alike, worn by Olivia Rodrigo, Priyanka Chopra and Alix Earle. SHWETAMBARI founder Rohit Khosla. A childhood visit to the atelier of renowned Indian fashion designer Rohit Khosla planted the seed of inspiration for Shwetambari Mody. At 17, she left India to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and after completing her MBA in Paris, she returned to New York to create her own label, SHWETAMBARI, in 2020. Today, the designer lives between Mumbai and New York, but the bright colors, intricate patterns and storied traditions of her native country continuing to inspire her designs. The emerging brand has been spotted on Jenna Ortega, Kate McKinnon and Jennifer Nettles but as a RTW collection, you don't have to be a celebrity to shop the label. LANATIV founder Megan Eng. A play on 'L.A. native,' LANATIV was created by second generation Chinese-American Megan Eng who grew up in Los Angeles. Eng was inspired to create the line after witnessing how the sun in L.A. was affecting women's skin—from premature fine lines to sun spots to allergic skin reactions. She drew on her Chinese roots to create formulas with botanicals, minerals and clays used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, using western techniques she learned as a clinically trained pharmacist. Recognizing the severe drought conditions in California, LANATIV products are 100% waterless, and are made by-hand in California without any fillers, fragrances or synthetic ingredients. Kara Yoo founder. Raised by Korean immigrant parents who migrated to Canada in the late 1970s, Korean culture and language influenced Kara Yoo from a young age. Today, she honors her heritage with her namesake fashion label, 'I connect to my roots by reflecting on childhood memories and exploring cultural symbolism to incorporate into new collections. Their signature lunar collection was inspired by conversations Yoo had with family members about the significance of the zodiac animals in understanding one's personality. 'From a young age, my sisters and I knew which animals we were, and now my nieces and nephews wear theirs as necklaces,' Yoo says. Symbolism is found throughout the label, such as the sam ring which depicts the Korean taeguk symbol representing the harmony of yin and yang. Their upcoming FW25 collection will introduce a sculptural gourd shape as a contemporary reimagining of the gourd, which symbolizes protection, good fortune and health in Korean culture. Wanderlands founder Jane Ko. Drawing flavor inspiration from the memories she has of eating in her home country of Taiwan and her mother's cooking, Jane Ko created a line of trail mixes designed to transport you to another place. With over 20 years of experience working for esteemed brands like Kellogg, Ko applies the umami characteristics of Asian cuisine to crafting inventive mixes made with Asian ingredients like yuzu, shiitake mushrooms and lapsang souchong. The result is a nourishing snack that is as much an olfactory journey as it is a punch of flavors. Sahajan founder Lisa Mattam. Lisa Mattam inherited Ayurvedic wisdom from her parents, who were raised in Kerala, a southern state of India at the heart of Ayurvedic medicine. 'They grew up seamlessly incorporating Ayurveda—its practices and ingredients—into their lives and passed that learning onto me,' says Mattamm. So she combined the Ayurvedic science of her heritage with her experience working in pharmaceuticals to create her own line of clean skincare. Sahajan works with Ayurvedic doctors in Kerala to develop their formulations, and continues to consult with Ayurvedic practitioners throughout the formulation process. Jasmine Chong founder. Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jasmine Chong observed her mother making dresses on a black 1950s sewing machine. She would later pursue her early design inspiration by moving to the United States and studying fashion at Parsons School for Design. After working in the design rooms of renowned designers like Anna Sui and Tory Burch, Chong launched her own label in 2016. Since then, the brand has been worn by celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Ali Wong, Quinta Brunson and K-pop star Chaelin CL. In 2020, Chong was named one of 12 designers on Making The Cut with Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell. Despite her global success, it's the greenery and tropical motifs of her native Malaysia that continue to inspire her designs, with asymmetrical cuts and draped silhouettes and ruffles that evoke florals, and accessories inspired by the Malaysian pomelo (grapefruit). Feather & Bone founder Shubhangini Prakash. When a commercial face wash left Shubhangini Prakash's skin inflamed at age 12, she turned to her mother's simply Indian remedy. The results stuck with her through to adulthood, when she had her own baby and turned to a traditional Indian baby powder recipe of chickpea flour and neem powder. An adaptation of that recipe made with neem powder, arrowroot starch and colloidal oat, is one of several products in her line of plant-based, waterless products. From face wash beads inspired by an Ayurvedic practice once reserved for royal courts to hair oil made with the Indian oils of hibiscus, cedarwood and castor oil—everything is an homage to Prakash's heritage. It wasn't just the skin rituals of her upbringing that inspired Prakash, but also the teachings of Ayurveda on balance and harmony. 'In Ayurveda it is important to live in harmony with the world, this is why we are plant-based,' explains Prakash. 'We are taking the energy from Mother Earth, and when it goes back it is going back as is, respecting our planet and others who live in it.' It's for this reason, Feather & Bone plants a tree with every order.
NBC News
14-04-2025
- Business
- NBC News
The 6 best places to buy plants online, according to experts
I love plant shopping as much as the next gardener — when I'm running errands, I love grabbing a new bloom from my local grocer, plant shop, or even at clothing stores like Uniqlo. However, buying plants online eliminates the need to lug them home on the train or bus (which is usually my dilemma). It also opens you up to plant varieties you may not come across in your local shop, and, like all online shopping, gives you plenty of time to browse and research before making a choice. If you want to skip the lines without sacrificing plant quality, I asked Julie Bawden-Davis, an expert gardener and the author of multiple gardening books, including Southern California Vegetable Gardening, for online plant shopping guidance. I also gathered a list of online plant retailers to shop, either recommended by Bawden-Davis or NBC Select staff who have used them. How I picked the best online plant stores Variety: I only included stores that have a wide variety of options. All of the retailers listed below offer not only houseplants, but outdoor plants, flowers, tools and accessories as well. They're designed to be one-stop shops for all of your planting needs. Warranty: Ordering plants from a retailer with a warranty/return policy is really important — it can protect your purchase from issues like damage while in transit or certain plant growth challenges. The warranty policies for the retailers below range from 30 to 90 days. Packaging: Plant-safe packaging helps to protect your plant during shipping. This can include extra insulation, fortified boxes, and even heat packets in the winter. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best places to buy plants online in 2025 Below, I rounded up the best places to buy plants online, including recommendations from a gardening expert and suggestions from NBC Select staff. Editor's pick: The Sill NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider recommends The Sill for people who want aesthetically-pleasing accessories to go with their plants and an easy user experience. The retailer sells outdoor, artificial and indoor options, including the beginner-friendly Aglaonema Siam. It's drought-tolerant with pink and red-tinted leaves, which are great for adding a bit of brightness to your space. It's also low-maintenance and grows well in low to moderate light, according to the brand. The Sill also sells plant care supplies and tools, like planters, moisture meters and potting mix. Best overall: Easyplant Easyplant's self-watering plants are best for those without a green thumb. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio received an Easyplant as a housewarming gift four years ago, and says she's been obsessed ever since. 'I now have four plants from the brand in my apartment,' she says. 'As someone who tends to overwater (and accidentally kill) her plants, I love Easyplant's self-watering pots.' The pots only have to be refilled once a month, and the plant will extract the exact amount of water it needs over time, according to the brand. Easyplant carries plants ranging in size from six to 60 inches, including low-light and pet-friendly options. This money tree is pet-friendly, and can grow up to eight feet indoors, according to the brand. It grows best in bright, direct light (but can survive well in indirect light), and should be left in one spot for best results, so the plant can properly adjust to the area. Bloomscape is another favorite retailer of Schneider's, who likes the site's user-friendly search controls. 'The site is easy to sort through with my filters based on how much light my space gets, my level of experience, etc.,' she says. 'I just find the experience very easy and pleasurable.' Bloomscape also sells plant care tools and accessories, and has a 30 day guarantee on plant purchases, according to the brand. My monstera plant is one of my favorite parts of my living room — they have wide, large tropical leaves that stand tall and add a welcome touch of greenery to the space. This monstera from Bloomscape can grow up to 26 inches tall, and grows best in indirect light (it can be low or bright), according to the brand. It's also pet-friendly, and helps to filter toxins out of the air. Bawden-Davis likes using Plant Addicts for her online plant purchases because she says they 'tend to have very healthy plants and don't misrepresent them.' The retailer offers plants, planters and decor of all kinds, including bushes, perennials, annuals, trees, houseplants and more, according to the brand. They carry over 4,000 plants, grown in their own greenhouses, and have an arrival guarantee on all orders, including a warranty on plants and planters that ranges between 30 days to ten years, depending on the product category. Plant Addicts also offers a care guide with tips and advice on how best to grow your plants, and an option to pre-order your plants for the spring based on your growing zone, according to the brand. Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that's great for even the most green gardeners. The heart-shaped leaves fall down in a cascading pattern and can grow up to 11 inches, according to the brand. It needs bright or medium indirect light, and grows very well in average or more humid temperatures. Logee's is a home and garden plant retailer that sells potted plants online in three sizes — two point five-inch pots, four-inch pots, and six-inch pots, according to the brand. They offer over 1,500 types of plants, most of which are propagated in the brand's own greenhouses. Bawden-Davis likes that Logee's carries rare houseplants, and that the plants tend to be in healthy shape when they arrive. Every order (aside from a few rare plant exceptions) is covered by a 60 day guarantee, which allows for replacement, refund or store credit in the event of any plant-growing issues, according to Logee's. The brand also includes unpacking instructions, for guidance on how best to get started once your order arrives. Sansevieria is one of Logee's rarer plants — it has striped, green and yellow leaves, and acts as a natural air purifier, according to the brand. It only needs to be watered a few times a month, and grows well in both full sun and partial shade. For best growth results, Logee's suggests letting the plant's soil get fully dry between waterings. Home Depot is one of our favorite retailers, and the brand's Garden Center is well-stocked with plants for all your needs. You can find both indoor and outdoor varieties organized by type/species, features, and lighting conditions, which makes it easier to browse for the plant that best suits you. You can also shop from a wide range of brands, rather than choosing solely from an in-house brand like other plant retailers. However, most plants are still covered by a 90-day return policy, which extends to one year for perennials, trees, roses and shrubs, according to the brand. Home Depot also carries everything you need for a successful gardening season, including plant pots, gardening tools, soil and more. This species of bonsai is known to be easy to maintain and great for indoor spaces, according to the brand. How to shop for plants online I asked Bawden-Davis to share her tips for buying plants online, including things to keep in mind and look out for, such as refund policies, plant sourcing and reading the fine print. Do your research: This includes checking out reviews and shipping information, like packaging. 'Ensure they have a good reputation for selling plants that are healthy,' she says. 'Plants are perishable, so packaging is key.' Read the fine print: When selling plants online, suppliers often share photos of a plant looking its best; they'll look very healthy, and will often be a good size. However, Bawden-Davis says this can be misleading, and they may actually be selling you a plant of a smaller size or different composition. This is why it's important to carefully read the product descriptions and fine print, so you know exactly what you're purchasing. Try to see if the plants are grown in-house: Bawden-Davis suggests checking if the retailer grows the plants themselves, or if they're sourcing from elsewhere. Although you may not always be able to readily find this info, she says it can be useful to keep in mind. If the plants are grown elsewhere, there's a chance they may not be as healthy as you'd want, 'since it's changing so many hands before arriving at your doorstep,' she says. Check the refund policy: Without a refund or money-back guarantee policy, you may leave yourself open to risky purchases, including plants that aren't of the best quality. 'For instance, they could send you a sickly plant and you are stuck with it and out of money,' says Bawden-Davis. Although all retailers may not have full money-back guarantees, she encourages looking for retailers with clear refund policies to avoid any confusion. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select who's been covering the wellness and lifestyle space for over a year, including stories on the best weeding tools and the best Amazon gardening tools. I'm also an avid gardener and have been growing my own plants in my local community garden for over two years now. For this story, I spoke to a gardening expert about the best places to buy plants online, including retailer recommendations and shopping tips.
WIRED
07-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- WIRED
Best Flower Delivery Services for Every Occasion, Tested and Sniffed
The Sill Pink Watercolor Orchid Not everyone wants flowers. The Sill specializes in potted plants, including orchids, fruit trees, and succulents. They even offer faux plants for those with pets or who prefer low-maintenance care. I love how they carry unique seasonal finds, like a Genoa lemon tree, an olive tree, or a Texas pink pomegranate tree. The Sill also offers plant subscriptions, including a pet-friendly option for nontoxic flora. Winston Flowers Winter Wellness Flower Arrangement Winston Flowers, founded in 1944, is a third-generation, family-owned company run by David and Ted Winston, and it has a special place in my heart because the original Newbury Street store in Boston was just a couple blocks from my college home. They ship nationwide, with the help of their partner florists, but their locations are in Boston, New York, and Greenwich, Connecticut. For that reason, expect bouquets to look different than the photos. You can shop by collection or based on color palettes (vibrant, pastel, violet, or natural). They also curate gourmet gift boxes, ranging from a Fromage & Charcuterie Crate, Birthday Cheers with Wine, and Best of New York, which is a collection of goodies from New York's small businesses. I ordered the Winter Wellness Box, which comes with self-care goodies for a spa night at home, including lotion, lip balm, a scented candle, and a shower steamer. There is a petite arrangement of blooms that comes with this box if you're in New York, but if you're anywhere else the flowers will be substituted for additional spa products if shipped.
