Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated every May as a time to recognize the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have shaped America’s history, culture, and achievements.
We asked our QuickBooks users to reflect on what it means to them to be small business owners of Asian descent and how we can all help support AAPI-owned businesses. Check out their responses below.
Ani Sanyal, co-founder of Kolkata Chai Co.: I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some brilliant minds from the Asian American community who’ve helped me build over the years and I’m grateful for all of them. There’s no better feeling than learning and earning with your friends.
Sonja Rasula, founder Unique Markets, Hello Care Package, & The Unique Space: My Chinese grandparents owned and operated a laundry in the Hollywood/Beverly Hills area. Entrepreneurship is in my blood. All of it, the struggles and successes, I witnessed first-hand as a child spending time there. Unlike my grandparents who faced terrible racism and couldn’t even legally purchase a house in the nearby neighborhoods (racist zoning laws), I have choices, I have freedoms, I have the ability to dream big and not settle because of my grandparents and all those who came before me. I understand both the amazing privilege and the heavy responsibility of that.
Philip Wang, owner of Bopomofo Cafe: My heritage has played an integral role in all my businesses, even before I knew that it was a statement. I was just being me and wanting to propel and represent my community well. My goal has always been to uplift our stories unapologetically. Whether that’s in a short film or a boba drink. I want to create pride in what our culture has to offer.
Amy Tangerine, founder of Amy Tangerine Inc.: My small business journey was heavily influenced by my immigrant parents who came from India and were Chinese. Both wanted to pursue the American dream to have their own businesses. Even though they didn’t actually do that, those dreams rubbed off on me, along with their remarkable work ethic and values. Plus I was taught to save money and not overextend myself. It’s proved quite useful in over 20 years of having my own business.
Ani Sanyal: These are really challenging times for us all and I believe that building a real community — with your customers, peers, and mentors — is the only way to ensure the survival of your business or idea. Focus more on the relationship than the transaction. The money will come but impacting people’s lives is where the real magic is.
Sonja Rasjula: I have never been quiet, I’ve never fit any mold, I have never let anyone put me in a box. It’s important as AAPI business owners to show that sense of pride and embrace our diversity loud and proud. The model minority exists if people believe it and play into it. Be yourself, whoever and whatever that is, and never let anyone take your voice away.
Philip Wang: Stay strong, stay united. Get involved with your local community, even if they’re not Asian. We need to be proud of who we are but also be humble and want to make our neighborhoods better.
Amy Tangerine: More than ever, it’s essential to be clear on what success means to you: to not be on someone else’s path of “success” and to make sure you’re pursuing your passion in a way that’s true to you. It’s ok to prioritize well-being over productivity. If you’re feeling stressed or burnt out, check in with the root of your need to overachieve. My new mantra is “enjoy and be slow.” It’s tough but might be the way to a brighter future.
Ani Sanyal: Spending money with your favorite businesses (and also trying new ones) is definitely the most important thing, but support can come through non-financial means as well. Sharing content online, creating content for a small biz, advocating for them within your circle–all of these things go a long way too.
Sonja Rasula: Of course by shopping from and amplifying AAPI voices, BUT I think there is even more power in asking yourself what you can do to support AAPI folks in their daily lives. It will be different for everyone. For instance, content creators can reach out to AAPI-owned brands to collaborate; writers and editors can tell more AAPI stories and feature AAPI business owners, artists, actors, etc.; and people who work at large companies can suggest to HR that they facilitate an AAPI Heritage Month conversation/Zoom. The possibilities are endless, just examine how you can help in your world!
Philip Wang: Shop local! Shop at the mom-and-pop as much as you shop at the new hip places. Spread the love. Also, show a little more patience. This has been the most challenging year for small businesses and a lot of places are operating on a string, just trying to stay open and survive.
Amy Tangerine: Shopping is an obvious way, but you can also show your support by engaging on social media, spreading awareness, educating yourself, and being anti-racist. We really are all in this together. Of course, workshop sign-ups and people purchasing my products are always wonderful. My hope is that the outpouring of support and love from the creative community has long lasting ripple effects for the greater good.
In honor of AAPI History Month and to support the Asia Pacific Community, Intuit has made a donation to Stop AAPI Hate and developed a shopping guide of Asian-owned small businesses offering everything from chocolates to skincare to candles.
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