HAPPY AAPI MONTH
Issue No. 062
HELLO AND WELCOME TO BEYOND THE PAINT, A BLOG BY BIO SEAWEED GEL (BSG).
BEYOND THE PAINT WILL BE BRINGING YOU POSTS AND CONTENT THROUGHOUT EVERY MONTH TO LOOK FORWARD TO! STAY TUNED FOR EXPERT ADVICE, EXCLUSIVE NEWS, EXCITING INTERVIEWS, GIVEAWAYS AND MUCH MORE!
Asian American Pacific Islander month (AAPI), holds a special place in our hearts at Bio Seaweed Gel. As a proud Chinese, Vietnamese and Canadian family owned and operated business, we would love to bring our differences yet similarities together to honour and celebrate the significant contributions of our ancestors that have paved the foundations of the past, present and future – especially in our industry: the nail industry. However, celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander month is not just about what had happened in the past, but is also about the accomplishments we have made in our community today!
For Asian American Pacific Islander month, we have created a list of 101 Asian Nail Artists, Asian Content Creators and Asian Nail Business Owners all around the world with different backgrounds you should support and follow. We are proud of the history and accomplishments of our Asian community that has contributed to the nail industry and are honouring them for the month of May, by sharing their voices on our platform!
Bio Seaweed Gel is proudly an inclusive brand that has goals to bring the nail community and ultimately the world closer together. We have interviewed 7 trailblazing Asian American Instagram Influencer, Nail Technicians and successful Business Owners asking them to talk about their story and how being AAPI has affected their journey.
Here is what they have to say:
JENNY BUI | @nailson7th
Q1. Your name, business name, current location and Asian country you represent.
"My name is Jenny Bui. I have a salon located in the Bronx called Jenny Spa. I am a Cambodian born Chinese."
Q2. Tell us about yourself and why and how you got into the nail business.
"When I was younger, I was really into fashion. I got my cosmetology license and started doing nails. I worked in many salons and learned a lot. I like how you can be so creative and do different design, I decide to open up my own salon."
Q3. When you are not doing nails, what are your top 3 hobbies?
"I love to spend time with my family. When I have the time, we always go out to eat. I love to travel all over and teach classes so people can learn my technique and be successful too. Other than those two things, I don’t have much time. I work a lot."
Q4. Tell us about your AAPI heritage and any history you'd like to share. How does it affect you/your family?
"I was born in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge but my ethnicity is Chinese. I lived in several different cities which make me unique. My husband is Vietnamese. I speak all those languages. It allows me to connect with a lot of different culture."
Q5. What does it mean to you to identify as AAPI?
"AAPI is very important to me especially since I work in the Bronx. I have to show I am not weak. There are a lot of people who think they can take advantage of me because I am a minority. There is so much of our culture that people take influence from but don’t give us credit."
Q6. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry?
"If anyone in the nail industry is having a hard time, keep going and don’t give up. When I was a little girl, there were days I would starve and not eat. Now, I am able to share my story and have my own business."
Q7. Do you have any other AAPI businesses (does not have to be nail related) that you'd like to share?
"Working in the nail industry so long, I came out with my own nail products. My specialty is bling so I have a whole product line dedicated to applying crystals on nails."
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ANGEL CHAN | @dreamylittlenails
Q1. Your name, business name, current location and Asian country you represent.
"Angel Chan, Dreamy Little Nails. Currently in Vancouver, Canada. Representing Hong Kong, China."
Q2. Tell us about yourself and why and how you got into the nail business
"I have always had a passion for art ever since I was a little kid. It wasn’t just one or two things, but like every kind of art medium/ DIY/ arts & crafts interested me. With nails, it started off as a hobby during the pandemic when I realized making press-on nails would let me use my dominant hand to do nail art for both hands. I grew to really love nail art so I started an IG page to share my designs. I quickly realized I was making more designs than I could ever wear so I decided to open a press-on nails shop."
Q3. When you are not doing nails, what are your top 3 hobbies?
"Playing Volleyball, making artisan keycaps, arts & crafts in general - I’m always inspired by art and will try new things all the time. Nothing has stuck to me quite like nail art has though!"
Q4. Tell us about your AAPI heritage and any history you'd like to share. How does it affect you/your family?
"My family immigrated here from Hong Kong in the 80s, before I was born. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada learning about my culture through my family, watching dramas, Asian music, eating at HK style cafes, Chinese school, etc. I’ve heard stories of the racism and discrimination that my family experienced when they first came here. I think we’ve come a long way since then but there are still countless challenges to face. There is a large community of Asian Canadians that live here and support each other. I feel grateful and privileged having grown up without experiencing significant racism personally."
"I’ve had a lot of support online as well since starting Dreamy Little Nails. In particular, a Facebook group called "Subtle Asian Traits", with members around the world that celebrate Asian culture and also share the nuances of growing up as AAPI. Sharing my Asian culture inspired nail art in the group helped me jump start my nail business. It is also a place where I often discover other AAPI businesses!"
Q5. What does it mean to you to identify as AAPI?
"It means appreciating and being proud of my culture, while also being respectful of others. It means continuing to explore other Asian cultures which are so diverse and have so much to offer. It means celebrating wins like Michelle Yeoh winning the Oscar for Best Actress, but also continuing to learn about the daily struggles and challenges in the AAPI community. And, it means giving back in whatever ways you can. The majority of small business accounts I share almost daily on IG are AAPI owned. I also ran a small fundraiser on my website back in 2021 during the spread of Anti-Asian racism because of the pandemic."
Q6. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry?
"Create nail art inspired by your culture! I hope that fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry, whether they are a nail artist or nail salon owner, can work together to provide/ advocate for fair wages and safe working conditions."
Q7. Do you have any other AAPI businesses (does not have to be nail related) that you'd like to share?
"There are honestly too many to share, but here are 10: @minute.nails, @lanni.nails, @jentenails, @nekorinails, @sweetienailsupply, @melonbun.nails, @only_hands_nails, @_artisun, @aumipon"
ANALUISA FRANKLIN| @nailedaf
Q1. Your name, business name, current location and Asian country you represent.
"My name is Analuisa Franklin. Currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am representing the beautiful Philippines."
Q2. Tell us about yourself and why and how you got into the nail business.
"I am a licensed Nail artist, mother of 2 boys, wife and business owner. I always had a passion for art and wanted a career where I could make my own schedule and spend more time with my family while still making good money."
Q3. When you are not doing nails, what are your top 3 hobbies?
"When I am not doing nails, you can find me working out/ doing yoga, playing video games and/or watching movies and exciting tv series."
Q4. Tell us about your AAPI heritage and any history you'd like to share. How does it affect you/your family?
"I am half Filipino and half Puerto Rican. My mom is my strong pinay. I was raised by her without my father. So, my Filipino heritage and family is all I know. My mom and a few of my aunts are the only ones who live in the states. The rest of my family is back home in Pampanga, Philippines. I usually visit every other year to vacation for a month, but have not been back since covid started. My family back home is catholic and are very religious. We have a huge family and family is something that means a lot to us. Family is everything! We come from poverty so any accomplishment big or small, is a huge deal for all of us and we celebrate every win. I try my best to make sure to take care of my family back home financially knowing anything can help keep them happy, safe and taken care of. I wish I can bring them all here to the states one day, but to be honest, they are all very happy back home. So, more visits back home in the future for sure!"
Q5. What does it mean to you to identify as AAPI?
"I love representing my culture. I love the traditional values we hold from family and religion. I strive for greatness to make them proud and be able to care of my family back home financially. Anything to keep the family together and happy. I consider us a strong culture. Seizing opportunities to make a better life for ourselves and those around us. Seeing others win and always giving back to those in need. We understand how it feels to come from so little and strive to achieve all that life has to offer."
Q6. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry?
"Never give up! Friends and clients in this industry need to stick together. We can all win and beat any negative stigmas we have against us. We are all talented and professional and want to spread not only knowledge in this industry but truly create a nail family."
Q7. Do you have any other AAPI businesses (does not have to be nail related) that you'd like to share?
"Bio Seaweed Gel, Daily Charme and Not Polish."
DIANA NGUYEN | @ricekittynails
Q1. Your name, business name, current location and Asian country you represent.
"Diana Nguyen, Rice Kitty Nails, Orange, CA, Vietnam."
Q2. Tell us about yourself and why and how you got into the nail business.
"I'm Diana, also known as Ricekittynails. I'm a nail artist and content creator based in Orange, CA, where I've been running my own private nail studio for three years now. My journey into the nail industry started as a hobby, experimenting with regular nail polish and following tutorials on YouTube to create unique designs on my own nails. While previously working in graphic design, I discovered my true passion for nails and decided to pursue it as a new creative outlet. Since then, I've been committed to perfecting my craft and sharing my work with others through social media and in-person appointments."
Q3. When you are not doing nails, what are your top 3 hobbies?
"My top 3 hobbies that I like to do is travel, shop, and eat. I would consider myself an avid foodie. I enjoy discovering restaurant and try different foods. I have some places on my list that I would love to travel and one of them is Korea. Would love to go there to eat all the good foods and shop all their cute things like their snacks, beauty skin care products and clothes."
Q4. Tell us about your AAPI heritage and any history you'd like to share. How does it affect you/your family?
"When my mother and her sister fled Vietnam, they escaped on a boat and were stranded in the ocean for three days without adequate food or water. Thankfully, a helicopter spotted them and rescued them, taking them to a refugee camp in Singapore. Later on, my mother was able to immigrate to the United States where she met my father in California, and together they had me and my siblings. Being born and raised in America provided us with a wealth of opportunities and allowed us to create a better life for ourselves."
Q5. What does it mean to you to identify as AAPI?
"My Vietnamese heritage is a source of great pride and inspiration for me. The rich culture, strong values, and incredible food are just a few of the many things that I cherish about my background.
Growing up as a Vietnamese American, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand the resilience and hard work that my mother embodied every day. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, my mother never once complained or let her spirit's falter. Her unwavering dedication and positive attitude have been a constant source of inspiration for me, and I strive to live up to her example every day.
One of the things that I admire most about my mother is her ability to find humor and joy in even the toughest situations. She always has a quick wit and a contagious smile, and her upbeat attitude never fails to brighten my day. From her, I've learned the importance of staying positive, even when things seem difficult or overwhelming.
Overall, my Vietnamese heritage has instilled in me a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and resilience. I'm grateful for the many lessons and values that I've inherited from my family and community, and I strive to carry on their legacy through my own actions and choices."
Q6. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry?
"One of the most important things you can do for your personal and professional growth is to never stop learning. No matter what field you're in or what your goals may be, there is always room for improvement and new knowledge.
To this end, I highly recommend making a commitment to ongoing education and skill development. Whether it's taking courses, attending conferences, or seeking out mentorship opportunities, investing in your own growth and development can pay dividends in the long run.
In addition to pursuing new knowledge and skills, it's also important to build a strong network of connections. Meeting new people and forging relationships can help you expand your horizons, open up new opportunities, and gain valuable insights and perspectives.
Remember that networking isn't just about finding people who can help you. It's also about building mutually beneficial relationships and contributing to a larger community. By sharing your own skills, knowledge, and resources with others, you can help build a stronger network and create a positive impact for everyone involved.”
So, as you navigate your personal and professional journey, be sure to keep learning, growing, and connecting. With dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities and challenges, you can achieve great things and make a meaningful impact in your field and beyond."
Q7. Do you have any other AAPI businesses (does not have to be nail related) that you'd like to share?
"In addition to my work as a nail artist and content creator, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll soon be launching my very own line of CBD-infused cuticle oil! This exciting new venture has been a long time in the making, and I'm eager to share it with all of you.
As a nail artist, I know firsthand how important it is to take care of your cuticles and keep them healthy and moisturized. That's why I've created a special blend of nourishing oils and CBD extract, designed to soothe and hydrate even the driest, most damaged cuticles.
CBD has been shown to have a wide range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. By infusing my cuticle oil with CBD, I'm able to offer a product that not only feels great on your skin, but may also have therapeutic benefits as well.
I'm so excited to share this new product with all of you, and I can't wait to hear your feedback and see how it helps you achieve healthier, happier nails. So, stay tuned for updates on the launch of my CBD cuticle oil, and be sure to follow me on social media @ricekittynails for all the latest news and updates!
I would also like to recommend an AAPI-owned business called "Wee!" - it's an app that I personally enjoy using to purchase Asian snacks and drinks. In addition to those, they offer a range of other unique grocery items that you can order from as well."
JADE TANG | @jadetangtheartist
Q1. Your name, business name, current location and Asian country you represent
"Jade Tang, The Imperial Room, Florida, Vietnam."
Q2. Tell us about yourself and why and how you got into the nail business
"I’m a licensed Nail Technician for close to 20 years now. I have worked in countless nail salons, owned one and had a few private studios under my belt. Just like many Vietnamese immigrants coming to the US, the American dream was to make money and keep family close. My grandma was the one who introduced me to what would eventually become my career path. It was all for the easy money. From making a living of doing nails for others, I now own my own brand also giving back to the community."
Q3. When you are not doing nails, what are your top 3 hobbies?
"Singing and listening to music is my top distresser, scrolling social media for hilarious memes and I'm also a big-time foodie."
Q4. Tell us about your AAPI heritage and any history you'd like to share. How does it affect you/your family?
"As a Vietnamese born woman, I was brought up in a “tough love” environment or “thương cho roi cho vọt” in Vietnamese. That made me work harder each day of my life to achieve my daily and long-term goals. That hustle and grind mentality."
Q5. What does it mean to you to identify as AAPI?
"Our AAPI community and our nail community have been facing a huge problem for the past couple of years since Covid-19: racism and discrimination.
As a Director of Education for one of the biggest nail supply and manufacture in the US and Vietnam, also as an influencer in the nail community, I work directly with Vietnamese people every day, my job is to share my knowledge, protect them and make their voices be heard. That's why I'm proud to identify as Vietnamese American."
Q6. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry?
"Continue to educate yourself and always give back to your community."
Q7. Do you have any other AAPI businesses (does not have to be nail related) that you'd like to share?
"Bio Seaweed Gel @bioseaweedgel, Zurno @zurnoinc"
JOHNNY TRAN | @johnny_hardrocknails
Q1. Your name, business name, current location and Asian country you represent
"Johnny Tran, Hard Rock Nails Inc & Hard Rock Nail Nail Training Studio (790 Broadview Ave, Toronto On, M4K2P7), Canada."
Q2. Tell us about yourself and why and how you got into the nail business.
"Born Vietnam but make in Canada, I started nail business with family since 2001 as nail tech and started Hard Rock Nails Inc since 2011 then later in mid of 2016 I officially offer Nail Training."
Q3. When you are not doing nails, what are your top 3 hobbies?
"When I am not doing nails, I like sports activities such as going to the gym, swimming, basketball and going on vacation."
Q4. Tell us about your AAPI heritage and any history you'd like to share. How does it affect you/your family?
"I came from a family of 2 siblings and my parents were born in central Vietnam. We immigrated to Canada in 1997 and Tina my mother is the one who’s taught me how to do nail in the beginning since I was 17 years old at her little studio in East Toronto."
Q6. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry?
"Love what you do, focus on your client’s needs and provide them with exceptional service then you shall go farther than you think."
Q7. Do you have any other AAPI businesses (does not have to be nail related) that you'd like to share?
KENNETH WILLIAMS VO | @nailsbykenny
Q1. Your name, business name, current location and Asian country you represent.
"Kenneth, NailsByKenny, Virginia, and I rep Vietnam."
Q2. Tell us about yourself and why and how you got into the nail business.
"Like all, I got into the nail business because of family. I started doing nails, posted them online and that garnered lots of attention. I started networking with others that bring me many more opportunities for nails like I designed Nails for KISS. Now I have a following on Instagram and got into it because of family."
Q3. When you are not doing nails, what are your top 3 hobbies?
"When I’m not doing nails, my hobbies are fishing, watching educational and informative videos and eating."
Q4. Tell us about your AAPI heritage and any history you'd like to share. How does it affect you/your family?
"We are Vietnamese and I have experience racism growing up in America especially in elementary school growing up. I wish that future generations do not have to go through this."
Q5. What does it mean to you to identify as AAPI?
"I am proud to be of Asian Heritage."
Q6. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with fellow AAPI individuals in the nail industry?
"Nothing is impossible and to keep learning."
Thank you everyone for being part of this AAPI support blog. We appreciate everyone’s interviews and for sharing your beautiful stories and perspectives. We are so proud of being an AAPI business and also to support our AAPI community. We are grateful for the opportunity to stand together against Asian hate and will continue to fight for their cause.
We would also love for you to meet The Founders of Bio Seaweed Gel and their AAPI team!
The Founders of Bio Seaweed Gel
Michael & Amy Luu with their daughters Sarah CEO (left) & Hellen CMO (right)
Word from our CEO, Sarah Luu:
"BSG honours AAPI Heritage Month this May 2023 as an opportunity to celebrate those individuals who significantly contributed to the achievements and growth of not just the United States of America, but of the world. Being of Chinese descent, my hope for this month is that whether you are a member of the AAPI community or not, our loving industry gets a chance to be educated, enriched and explore new cultures that are full of tradition, history and accomplishments to be celebrated this month and always."
Meet the Bio Seaweed Gel AAPI Team
First row left to right: Xuan (Order Fulfilment Associate), Gavin
(Order Fulfilment Associate), Angela (E-Commerce Specialist), Linda
Purpose-Driven Business Coach & E-Commerce Consultant
Second row left to right: Maggie (Marketing Assistant), Sunny (Order Fulfilment Associate), Dung (Order Fulfilment Associate)
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GIVEAWAY
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4 comments
Loved this article! SOOO excited about this giveaway! 😍
Happy AAPI month!
Happy AAPI Month! Love reading all of your stories.
HAPPY AAPI MONTH