Eva NYC is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month through a hair tales content series that promotes education and celebration down to the root of our identities. We asked our team here at Eva NYC to share their unique heritage by taking us along in what AAPI Month signifies to them. Hear their stories, dip into their culture, and learn how you can give back this AAPI Month with Eva NYC.
Nikki - Digital Marketing + E-Commerce Manager
Ethnicity: Vietnamese
What is your favorite thing about being Asian American?
My favorite thing about being Asian American is that it makes it easier to try other culture’s food and make cultural connections. I never realized how similar Vietnamese dishes are to other cultures. For example, there’s a dish called “thit kho” which translates to caramelized pork and there’s a similar version of the dish in Filipino and Chinese cultures as well! It’s amazing to be able to make connections with other Asian cultures through something simple as food.
Who do you look up to in the AAPI community?
Growing up, I looked up to Michelle Phan. An OG Vietnamese beauty influencer on YouTube, who now owns EM Cosmetics. She helped me feel more confident and taught me all I needed to know about applying makeup to Asian eyelids. She helped connect people who struggled to identify with their own beauty and to this day, continues to be authentic in her company and online content.
How can people be an ally to the AAPI community?
You can be an ally to the Asian community by learning more about our experiences, traditions, food, and culture from our actual community of Asian Americans, as opposed to pre-made assumptions and inaccurate media representation.
What is your favorite Vietnamese holiday?
My favorite Vietnamese holiday would be Lunar New Year, also known as Tet. It’s a time for family gatherings, traditional foods, preparing for the new year, and lucky red envelopes, or “li xi.” My favorite part is seeing the entire Vietnamese community come together and watching the lion dance performance.
What AAPI cause/organization are you passionate about?
In recent years, there has been an increase of Asian representation in film and media and I’m all for it! It’s inspiring to see relatable characters, experiences, and perspectives of Asians in most recent films (like Everything Everywhere All at Once).
That’s why I am proud to support the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences.
For every purchase of Just Glisten Hair + Body Shine Mist, Eva NYC will donate $1 to the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM).
Bren - Consumer Experience Manager
Ethnicity: Filipino
What is your favorite thing about being Asian American?
The food! There is so much out there to taste, so much texture, so many different things intermingling to create something totally new but familiar, that can also be used a metaphor for being Filipino too- we are a such a diverse community!
Who do you look up to in the AAPI community?
Bren Bataclan and his Smile project- not just saying that because we share a first name! He's a Filipino-American artist, based in Cambridge, MA and creator of the street art project Project Smile. He has left more than 3,000 anime-inspired paintings in public spaces for passers-by to take for free if they "promise to smile at random people more often." I just love that.
What’s your favorite moment in AAPI history?
The best is yet to come by all the Oscar moment for Everything Everywhere All at Once!
What AAPI cause/organization are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about “The Center - New York” which fosters a welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. I have been a longtime supporter and they offer the LGBTQ+ and AAPI communities of NYC advocacy, health and wellness programs; arts, entertainment and cultural events; recovery, parenthood and family support services: https://gaycenter.org/about/
How can people be an ally to the AAPI community?
Being open to other people's stories and donating when and what you can to The Center - New York! (@lgbtcenternyc)
For every purchase of Shapeshifter Flexible Hairspray, Eva NYC will donate $1 to The Center - New York.
April - Influencer & Partnerships Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about being Asian American?
I have a whole other culture to explore and learn about. I was adopted from China and raised in a Caucasian household, so I never really grasped the concept that I had my own heritage and culture. I just knew I looked different from the rest of my family and people around me. So, as I get older, I get to learn more about the Chinese culture and feel proud of where I came from.
How can people be an ally to the AAPI Community?
Be kind and inclusive! Learn how you can speak up for your friends, family, or others in the AAPI community dealing with microaggressions, stereotyping, racism. And support local and small AAPI businesses!
What’s your favorite moment in AAPI history?
When Sandra Oh became the first woman of Asian descent to be nominated for best lead actress in a drama series. She was one of the first women I related to and that I felt representation from who was on TV. Seeing someone who looked more like me make history on TV felt like a big win.
What AAPI organization are you passionate about?
The Very Asian Foundation! Co-founder Michelle Li was a news anchor talking on air about New Year’s foods to eat. She mentioned that she eats dumpling soup and that that’s what a lot of Korean people do. Later, a viewer left a voicemail saying that her comment was inappropriate, and that Michelle was being “very Asian.” They have the May Book Project to create and maintain inclusive libraries with Asian literature and the Creators Grant that provides 5 AAPI individuals pivoting towards a creative field; financial and mentorship support.
For every purchase of Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer For Fine Hair, Eva NYC will donate $1 to the Asian American Pyschological Association.
In honor of AAPI month and the unique identity of people on our team, we are excited to give back in ways that directly impact causes close to our employees. Eva NYC is proud to announce donations to the following employee-selected charities: Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York GAPIMY, Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), and the Very Asian Foundation.
Let's continue to be kind to the planet and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our friends around the world.
