05/21/2026
Honoring AAPI Heritage Month ❤️
Behind every small business is a story, and a big part of mine has been shaped by my upbringing, culture, and the journey of learning who I am while discovering a deep sense of resilience along the way.
As an Asian American-owned independent business, building Pop-Local has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Not just as a business owner, but as the daughter of a first-generation Chinese immigrant family. Because of my parents’ strength and sacrifices, I’ve had the opportunity to pursue a life doing something I truly believe in, while also creating space to support others doing the same.
To me, Pop-Local is a small reflection of that shared spirit in so many of us — the courage to step outside of the ordinary into the unknown, and to continue creating, pursuing opportunity, and paving new paths forward.
Growing up, I spent so much time trying to fit in, be liked, make my parents proud, and become what I imagined as the “normal” and expected version of success. But in trying to normalize ourselves, we oftentimes hide the very things that make us unique; our identity, our culture, our story and the experiences that shaped us.
This month is a reminder to embrace those parts of yourself fully and to be proud of where you come from. What makes you different is often what makes you powerful.
Sending so much love to all of the incredible AAPI-owned businesses, creators, artists, and makers out there! To help circulate support for the amazing people in our community, tag an AAPI-owned business below that you love
👇👇👇
Let’s discover one another, follow along and continue growing and uplifting our support together 🫶
