Highlighting businesses that celebrate Asian-American culture

The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says that there are nearly 3 million Asian-American owned businesses across the U.S. Our Aditi Lamba highlights a number of area Asian-American owned businesses, as well as AAPI books written and created by Asian-American authors. 

holiCHIC by Megha

Growing up as a first generation Indian-American daughter of immigrants in New York City, designer Megha Rao was constantly inspired by her vibrant Eastern & Western cultures. Not being able to find clothes that resonated with her in stores, Megha would mix and match outfits pulling from her mom’s traditional closet and her own to create a sense of personal style and cultural identity. This interlace was the driving force behind the creation of brand, holiCHIC, founded by Megha and childhood friend Pooja Desai Shah in 2015.

“Indian fashion belongs in everybody’s wardrobe for any occasion. And that’s what I’m trying to show through my designs, through my marketing, through my brand, through my partnerships. That it’s a dress, it’s a blazer. It just has intricate, rich embroidery. It has centuries worth of experience from artisans in India who have been doing this type of work for years, passed down from their families. And so there’s just so much depth and so much beauty in these garments. And my goal as a designer is to share that with the global world and not limit it to just the South Asian community,” said Rao.

La’ Agra

La’ Agra by Rekha Ananthanpillai aims to elegantly merge South Asian traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion aesthetics. La’ Agra proudly showcases hand-selected, ethically produced garments, featuring head-turning evening dresses, modern tops, and luxury cocktail attire, each piece is a celebration of unique fabrics, vibrant colors, and intricate prints.

Ananthanpillai hopes that you to immerse yourself in the world of elegant, wearable art pieces that reflect a modern interpretation of heritage – designed for the woman who confidently navigates both worlds.

“Being raised my immigrant parents has taught me to have an appreciation for my South Asian culture. Growing up I learned Indian classical dance and have always looked for ways to share my culture with others. When I launched La’ Agra, the goal was not to just upcycle Indian clothes, but to find a way to mold them into the America culture, creating a new and unique line that can be appreciated by many women. My brand is about highlight the skill craftmanship and artisan work often found in India while molding it with modern clothing,” said Ananthanpillai.

Short and Stout Tea Company

Established in 2011, Short and Stout’s first version was an online tea shop. On October 1, 2013, it opened the doors to the tea lounge and bubble tea bar with a goal to have people realize that drinking tea can be fun and exciting. The tea shop is founded by Joyce Zacharewicz and her husband Matt.

“The fact is, tea is grown everywhere. In India, in Thailand, in Taiwan and in Vietnam. And you know, for me, to be able to be in this business is not just that you know it brings me closer to home. But having a place, having a tea lounge, also allows me to show, you know, the hospitality because tea is not just a cup of drink that you’re drinking, but it’s something that you can share with people, that you can represent,” Zacharewicz said.  

BeejZap Keepsakes

The birth of BeejZap Keepsakes was inspired by Shital Kale’s deep-seated desire to preserve the precious memories of childhood. Drawing inspiration from the traditional art of Indian quilts, known as “Godhadi,” the creations tell a story of tradition and love, and passing down of the culture. The company features quilts which are hand-crafted and combined with traditional quality and a modern touch of style.

“I had that fear that we moved here, but we are not sure how kids will do, how the kids are going to keep connect with our, you know, culture and heritage. So, that the insecurity was still there. But that part only came with this idea that I should do something so that not only my kids, kids all around, you know, people who are here from India, they can get connected with it,” said Kale.

“Kahaani Rangeeli“

“Kahaani Rangeeli” is written by Anu Sehgal of The Culture Tree, Pridhee of T4Tales and illustrated by Alicia Souza.

Anu Sehgal is children’s author and founder of The Culture Tree, a cultural literacy and language education company that focuses on South Asia. She lives in New York with her family, and has two sons. Sehgal believes awareness of one’s heritage, culture and language is key for children to become self-aware and confident individuals.

“363 Days of Tea: A Visual Journal on Used Teabags“

Ruby Silvious is internationally recognized for her miniature paintings and collages on the used tea bag. She draws, paints, prints, and collages moody, evocative, and sometimes whimsical art on used teabag paper. She is the author of “363 Days of Tea: A Visual Journal on Used Teabags” (Mascot Books, 2016), and “Reclaimed Canvas: Reimagining the Familiar” (Mascot Books, 2019).

Silvious wants viewers to keep an open mind and think beyond the boundaries of what they may consider traditional art.

For all looking to contribute and experience the Asian-American heritage, here are some things that you can do:

• Attend cultural events which happen throughout the year
• Visit museums and historical sights in New York
• There’s a push for Asian American history education in schools
• Have more open conversations on Asian American heritage with community members