Fun Finds by AAPI Founders!

I’m honored as a Japanese American to report this story annual for NBC’s TODAY show. Check out the empowering stories of these AAPI Founders and how many of them discovered a problem, created a solution and founded a company! As seen on NBC’s Today show, watch the segment here.


EATABLE

Founders: husband-wife duo Charlene & Vince Li

Founded by husband-wife duo Charlene and Vince Li, this couple was frustrated for the lack of “clean” and tasty snacks on the market. So they created their own staring in their own kitchen, blending their passion for wine, drink and spirts into delicious, gourmet popcorn called Eatable! 


It’s really the inventive flavor combos that will get you reaching for more. They have 6 core flavors: Scotch-infused popcorn, Whisky, Rosé, Champagne, Espresso, Tequila, and Birthday Cake, as well as seasonal, limited-edition flavors. The whole point is to have fun with snacking again, and they certainly add “POP” back into popcorn!


Of course, these are made to TASTE like the various drink flavors, but all product are zero-proof.


ARCHER MEAT SNACKS

Founder: Eugene Kang

While on a road trip, Eugene Kang stumbled upon a delicious, hand-crafted beef jerky. He tracked down the owner, who was ready to retire, and acquired Archer when he was only 22 years old! Today, Archer Meat snacks is a fast-growing brand, made with real proteins, clean ingredients, bold flavors and no fillers.


It’s available in sticks and jerky and features grass-fed beef and antibiotic-free turkey. They come in a variety of flavors including the ones before us today including Original Beef and Original Turkey and Prime Rib-Style jerky. I love that the sticks come in both a full-size and mini-size, perfectly portioned for a grab-and-go snack no matter your hunger level.


The entire line is gluten-free and many are zero sugar.


Now when all we hear about is protein, this is a great savory protein snack, and trust me when I say like my son, your kids will ask you for more!

 

DREAM TEA NYC

Founder: Annie Norton

During the pandemic, Annie Norton wandered the supermarket aisles searching for quality green tea like she had experienced in her childhood in Shanghai. It didn’t exist, so she created Dream Tea NYC and with it, an elevated experience to tea drinking.


She makes her premium custom tea blends using whole tea leaves and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. There is Ceremonial Matcha, Curated Tea Blends and Create-Your-Own Tea Blend! 


Before us we have: 


Matcha Ceremonial Kit, which features their ceremonial grade matcha from Kagoshima, Japan and is described as rich, “chocolatey”, creamy and smooth that’s low in terms of bitterness and perfect for making lattes.  


The Breakfast Blend is an elevated Earl Grey (also with those honey-like osmanthus flowers)!


The Sleep Blend is a soothing mix of Egyptian chamomile with rose, lavender, and mint. It’s great for deeper, more restful sleep as well as light tummy soothing after a heavy meal.


She also offers customers the opportunity to custom-blend a tea of their own! 


For the TODAY Blend that is only available right here and now, they made a custom spring/summer blend of premium green tea (Sencha style from Japan) with vibrant, yellow osmanthus flowers and fruity peach. It’s a fun, fruity blend that’s delicious hot or iced! We’ll have to save some for AL!


 

DIPPIN DAISYS

FOUNDER: Elaine Tran

Elaine Tran was studying chemistry in college when her mother suddenly passed away, and she took over her mom’s brick-and-mortar store, Dippin Daisys! Female-founded and women-run, this brand is one of the fastest growing sustainable swimwear brands in the market and is known for darling designs, size-inclusivity (from XS - 3X)  and a love-your-life spirit! 


You’ll also find that their sustainable fabrics are soft yet durable. Up to 95% of their suits are sustainable utilizing materials like regenerated nylon, recycled foam padding and organic natural rubber There is a full range of styles for women to tap into their inner feminine, including bikinis, tankinis and one pieces, and even Ken Shorts for men that start at $40.


One thing I love, she offers wonderful layering pieces for your swimwear? Like swim shorts and flow tops that you can layer with a given style!

 

 


JOOY Haircare

Founder: Jennifer Yen

Trending right now…we’re hearing so much about how healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp! When Jennifer Yen contracted COVID-19, one of her side effects was severe hair loss. In response to this, she created JooY born from a century-old recipe of Fermented Superfoods that harnesses nature for a healthier, more balanced scalp. 


The line features storied ingredients from Asia such as: 

  • algae

  • rice water

  • ginger

  • papaya

  • apple cider vinegar

  • and others. 

If you do all of the steps of JooY, there is a pre-cleanse scalp serum followed by a leave-in scalp serum, a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. The scalp brush aims to increase circulation during any of the scalp treatments and boost your benefits. 


If you want to try just one product from the line to get started, Jennifer recommends beginning with the Soothing Scalp Serum as an introduction to the brand.


Scalp Resurfacing Serum, $42

A pre-cleanse scalp serum formulated with Fermented Superfoods to gently exfoliate and remove buildup. Before cleansing, section hair and apply to dry scalp focusing on problem areas. Leave in 15-20 minutes. Proceed with cleansing. Use 1-2 times a week, pending wash cycle.


Soothing Scalp Serum, $48

A leave-in serum formulated with Fermented Superfoods to help detoxify your scalp and soothe sensitivity. The ultimate solution for uncomfortable, stressed-out scalps. Section hair, apply 2-3 drops directly to dry scalp. Do not rise, leave in. Use 1-2 times a week, pending wash cycle.


Clarify Shampoo, $29

A gentle clarifying shampoo formulated with Fermented Superfoods to help remove buildup, strengthen strands, and restore balance to your scalp.


Clarify Conditioner, $29

A weightless moisturizing conditioner formulated with Fermented Superfoods to help lock in moisture, soothe scalp irritation, and fight frizz.


Scalp Energizing Brush, $24

A massaging brush designed to increase blood flow and circulation to the scalp, which can help to promote healthy hair growth and reduce hair loss. Made to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, this lightweight brush features soft rubber bristles that stimulate the surface of your scalp and help boost the benefits of JooY scalp care formulas when used during application.


Scalp energizing brush: $24.00

 


NARKA Haircare

Founder: Daye Choi

Lastly, this is a Korean beauty brand that started in 2023 by Daye Choi has been a social media hit, including the viral Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara Dry Shampoo. These products are inspired by timeless, South Korean beauty rituals that focus on turning everyday hair styling into a form of self-expression. This haircare line is all about repairing damaged tresses.

 

Why is the Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara Dry Shampoo so popular? This product is designed to absorb hair oil immediately without leaving any white cast as traditional dry shampoo spray does. It also comes into an easy application that looks like a mascara brush  in that can help with tiny styling pieces such as bangs or fly aways.

Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara Dry Shampoo: $15

Amy Goodman