Happy Pride from Character Media!
Though we’re strong believers in highlighting the API LGBTQ+ community all year round, we’re especially excited to spotlight these trailblazers during this dedicated month. As part of our celebration, we’ve compiled a list of 10 incredible queer and API-owned businesses making waves this Pride season. So, whether you’re in the market for food, clothing, beauty, art (or you simply want to show your support!), check out these entrepreneurs and see how you can shop Pride this summer — and all year long.
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ANBO Malaysia
When married couple Anne and Boh both lost their jobs during the pandemic, they took it as a prime opportunity to pivot. Leaning into their joint passion for aromatherapy, the Malaysian partners soon created ANBO — an all-natural candle company dedicated to clean, everyday luxury. Using 100% natural beeswax, wood wicks and phthalate-free fragrance oils, they’re now lighting up homes all around the world.
Diaspora Co.
Sana Javeri Kadri founded Diaspora Co. at age 23, led by a simple but bold dream: “to grow a radically new, decidedly delicious and truly equitable spice trade … and to have a lot of fun doing it.” Six years later, Diaspora now works with 150 farms across India and Sri Lanka to provide 30 single origin spices directly to consumers, all while paying their workers a living wage. From vibrant chilies to rich masalas, Diaspora is sure to add some excitement to your spice cabinet.
Faceted Beauty
Founded in 2019 by Lisa Estrella Yang, a pansexual, gender-fluid, second generation Hmong American, Faceted Beauty creates stunning (and reusable!) press-on nails for every gender. With customizable sets that are made to measure, Faceted aims to make gel manicures accessible to everyone “because beauty transcends a one-size-fits-all.”
Ghost Democracy
Skincare can be complicated; Rex Chou wants to make it simple. In 2019, Chou founded Ghost Democracy to make clean, effective, affordable skincare for all skin types — and all genders. Prioritizing quality ingredients and transparent formulations, they offer nine skincare staples — from daily cleansers to vitamin C serums — to help everyone find confidence in their complexion.
kin+kind
Like countless others out there, Thomas Ling has always considered his pets to be family. So, in 2015, he and his twin sister Janine set out to create a natural, sustainable one-stop shop for all the furry friends in our lives. With everything from supplements to shampoos to pest repellants, kin+kind is committed to clean, vet-formulated, cruelty-free pet care.
Passion Planner
Attention all bullet journalers, Notion users and ex-fangirls who now work in marketing — Passion Planner could be your next obsession. Founded by Angelina Trinidad in 2013, Passion Planner creates beautiful, customizable agendas that help people “focus on what really matters.” In addition to selling physical and virtual planners, the company also runs a community empowerment program and has donated nearly $700,000 to mental health and education-focused nonprofits.
Pika Pika
Small bites, finger foods, tapas — in Tagalog, they’re all Pika Pika. Inspired by the unique Pika Pika he loved as a child, Gino Chua founded (and named) his condiment company as a celebration of Filipino cuisine. Between their best-selling Coconut Spread and citrusy Calamansi Marmalade (both of which are free of artificial flavors and preservatives), Pika Pika products can make a decadent addition to your favorite breads, curries and drinks.
Pipcorn
For Jeff and Jennifer Martin and Teresa Tsou, crackers aren’t just a crunchy indulgence — they’re a way to change the world. Baking their snack foods with sustainably grown heirloom corn, their family’s brand, Pipcorn, produces delicious treats full of fiber and antioxidants. Whether you prefer cheese balls, corn dippers or cinnamon sugar twists, Pipcorn is sure to have something that you — and the environment — will love.
Ponder.er
Still searching for your Pinterest-perfect summer wardrobe? Ponder.er may be the answer. The creative brainchild of Derek Cheng and Alex Po, the Hong Kong-based brand creates genderless couture focused on “liquifying modern masculinity.” Blending delicate knits with ruched sheers and androgynous silhouettes, Ponder.er challenges the tenets of traditional menswear and emphasizes the excitement found in fashion.
Riskit Design
Need something tiny and adorable to jumpstart your serotonin receptors? Riskit Design might be your new best friend. Run by Hawaii native Kristi Sakaguchi, Riskit creates stickers, enamel pins, stationary and more inspired by culture and identity. From pride-themed corgi stickers to onigiri throw pillows, Riskit provides “a fun way for people to express themselves by encouraging self-love and representation.”
