May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and there is no better way to commemorate and celebrate than to amplify and support the AAPI community. Below is a brief description of AAPI Founders in fashion that you could support this month and beyond!

Gina Nam, Founder of AMYO:

AMYO is a New York based, female founded and operated jewelry line that was launched in 2016 by seasoned Korean American jewelry designer, Gina Nam. Gina, who grew up in a family of jewelers, quickly noticed how wasteful the industry can be trying to keep up with trends, so she set out to make minimalist and evergreen pieces meant to last at an affordable price point. Their rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are all under $300 and made from Vermeil, 14K Gold and Sterling Silver. The brand utilizes sustainable practices including ethically produced pieces by guaranteeing a fair wage and good working conditions to the artisans who create for them. All of the brand’s supplies and materials are sourced locally in NYC and are handmade, producing far less waste than industrial manufacturing.

For more information, visit: https://amyojewelry.com

Connie Nam, Founder of Astrid & Miyu

Astrid & Miyu was founded in 2012 by Connie Nam. Born in Seoul, Korea she spent much of her life traveling and living in different countries. Inspired by her mother, jewelry had been a part of her life from a very young age. Anytime she traveled she would always pick something up from local markets or small quirky jewelers.  However, when she wanted to purchase with intent for family, friends or herself she struggled to find a go-to brand. She felt the experiences in existing brands were stale and impersonal, which she saw as an opportunity to bring something different to the market. She wanted to offer products that were full of sentiment and innovative in design, together with an experience that was personal and engaging, and most importantly to create a brand that is inclusive and empowering.

For more information, visit: https://us.astridandmiyu.com

Maggie Drake, Founder & CEO of Bandolier

Proving that necessity is indeed the mother of invention, Maggie Drake brainstormed the idea of a luxury cross-body iPhone accessory, then was the first to bring it to life.  Today, as Co-Founder and CEO of the brand, as well as Chief Designer, she runs the business day-to-day, oversees its divisions, and leads all design and production efforts for the six-year-old wearable technology company. Receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine and Studio Arts from University of California, Irvine, she spent her initial post-college years in freelance graphic design.  Her experience in ad sales for music, entertainment and tech led to a position at the Hollywood Reporter, regularly working with record labels and other corporate clients, which soon segued into a similar post soliciting advertising and conference sponsorships for the New York trade magazine, The Silicon Alley Reporter. After marriage and the birth of her first child, she devoted her attention to being a stay-at-home mom.  Maggie Drake identified that people frequently misplaced their cell phones and created “a stylish way to attach my phone to my body.” Maggie then embarked on the development of an innovative new product, Bandolier, which would launch in August 2013.

For more information, visit: https://www.bandolierstyle.com

Vivian Lee, Founder of Kinflyte

Kinflyte is a sustainable, female and AAPI-owned brand designed to support your posture and lifestyle, no matter what you do. Offering sizes in XXS-6XL, and A-K Cup, the brand prides themselves on being an inclusive brand that creates sustainable apparel to help everybody move better. The technology in the patented Posture System is in the unique design, patterning, and detailed 3D construction, working in concert to cue a women's body into better alignment. Created by women for women!

For more information, visit: https://kinflyte.com

Kulveen Sarna, Founder of KREYA

KREYA was founded by AAPI, female entrepreneur, Kulveen Sarna, when she was a college student as a solution to common problems among working women and students: aching shoulders and a need for a bag that was able to go from work to play. The collection currently features three styles: the Aurora convertible backpack tote, the Nebula convertible crossbody shoulder bag, and the Comet wallet. As an homage to her maternal grandparents, KREYA’s dust bags feature hand embroidered traditional “shadow” work from West Bengal. 10% of profits from purchases made at KREYA are also donated to various organizations that support women, children and minorities in the spirit of the Sikh pillar of “Vand Chakna” or sharing with others as well as standing up for those who are marginalized.

For more information, visit: https://shopkreya.com

Ming Wang, Founder of Ming Wang Knits

After moving to the US from Taiwan with her young family over 30 years ago, Ming Wang founded her legendary brand, offering a bold range of luxury knits and distinctive styles designed to help all women feel comfortable and confident. Still family owned and operated, the brand continues to be passionate about the same things: Effortless fashion, the artistry of knitting, and a focus on enduring quality.

For more information, visit: https://www.mingwangknits.com