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Asian Heritage Month is traditionally an opportunity to recognize the many achievements and contributions made by Canadians of Asian descent. But these days, what is meant to be a celebration has been compounded by the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Just this past March, the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice and Project 1907 found a continued rise in anti-Asian racism and xenophobia across Canada, with a total of 943 self-reported incidents across the country in 2021, representing a 47 percent increase compared to 2020.
Despite the challenges the past two years, Asian Canadians have continued to thrive and be proud of their heritage, culture, and roots. This year, the Canadian government is marking Asian Heritage Month under the theme of “Continuing the legacy of greatness” as a reminder for Canadians to come together to combat anti-Asian racism and discrimination in all its forms.
So in the spirit of Asian Heritage Month, let’s recognize the many Asian-Canadian entrepreneurs who are making their own mark in the world, and giving space for new generations of talent. With so much Asian excellence in the country, here are some brands and businesses to celebrate and support this May, as well as every other month of the year.
OCIN
Founder: Courtney Chew
Location: Vancouver
Website: ocin.co
OCIN is an eco-swimwear brand founded in 2018 by Courtney Chew, who grew up as a swimmer. Chew says her brand was inspired by the ocean, and to encourage and inspire others to protect our water with the ever-growing threat of microplastics, waste around our shorelines, and coral and underwater life extinction. OCIN uses 100 percent recycled polyester from plastic bottles saved from landfill and recycled nylon for its fabrics. With each production, OCIN donates a portion of its yearly earnings to charitable organizations such as Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i, Surfrider Vancouver, Charity: Water, Urban Ocean Lab, WWF Australia Wildlife Fund, and DEWC Downtown Eastside Women’s Center. —Samantha Lui
Free Agent Wearhouse
Founders: Rob Echevarria and Kimberley Barrera
Location: Scarborough
Website: instagram.com/freeagentwearhouse
Even if you haven’t heard of Free Agent Wearhouse before, you’ve most likely seen one of their designs. The garment branding agency has worked with some of the top brands in the industry, and even made the custom adidas jacket for Kyle Lowry’s comeback to Toronto. Though they have some massive co-signs, one of their goals is to help smaller fashion brands have the same look and feel as the big guys. By fostering connections between brands and suppliers, Free Agent is building community among up-and-coming apparel companies. —Sydney Brasil
ai Toronto Seoul
Founders: Joanna Lee, Hannah Kim, Hun Young Lee, and Rebekah Ma
Location: Toronto
Website: ai-co.ca/
Ai, which means children/daughters in Korean, is a sustainable fashion brand and a family-run business. Founded by Hun Young Lee and her fashion-obsessed daughters, ai Toronto Seoul makes PETA-approved vegan handbags and accessories. The family works with local artisans in Seoul to create luxury pieces made in South Korea, which are then shipped to their Toronto headquarters. The three sisters owe their love of fashion to their mother, who imported the latest fashion magazines from Korea and owned issues of Vogue and Chatelaine. Every weekend, the family would all watch Fashion Television together, driving their passion to design their own products. —Samantha Lui
Good Reason Apparel
Founder: Julius Miranda
Location: Winnipeg
Website: goodreason.page
Winnipeg’s Good Reason was launched by Julius Miranda after his family’s business, Miranda Foods, burned down in a tragic fire. He says the brand’s goal is to spread positivity around the world, with a message “to have faith when things aren’t going right.” And he’s stuck to his word—earlier this year, Good Reason dropped a special embroidered tee with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Not only are the clothes for a good cause, but they’re fire too. The brand’s hoodies and tees have been rocked by NBA players like Fred VanVleet, Jrue Holiday, and Montreal’s own Luguentz Dort. —Alex Nino Gheciu
Faun Studio
Founder: Marisa Clark
Location: Calgary
Website: faunstudio.com
Established in 2018, Faun Studio is a womenswear brand designed in Calgary, and ethically and sustainably made in Vietnam, Marisa Clark’s mother’s birthplace. Clark says the driving force behind her brand is to contribute to economic development in Vietnam while improving environmental practices, human rights, and fair working conditions for workers. With production and a sampling studio and production in Saigon, Clark is known for her distinct and colourful designs, and has presented her work in New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. —Samantha Lui
The Give and Grow
Founder: Olivia Ho
Location: Toronto
Website: thegiveandgrow.com
Houseplants don’t just make a space look more put together. They can also teach us something about growth. Founded by Olivia Ho, The Give and Grow is a women-led initiative that combines her love of sports, plants, and community. Through a portion of the funds made from her customized basketball planters, Ho has launched workshops for other young women in Toronto to inspire conversation, mentorship, and creativity. Having worked with youth in sport for over half of her life, Ho says her passion stems from keeping girls in sports. —Samantha Lui
Positive Energy
Founder: Jeff Lei
Location: Toronto
Website: happyfacelightningbolt.com
In 2020, during peak pandemic times, Jeff Lei started making clothes with positive messages as gifts for his friends. Through word of mouth, the pieces caught on fast, and the project blossomed into a streetwear company that’s all about celebrating people who “unintentionally and unknowingly give you that energy, motivation, and inspo to be yourself,” Lei tells us. Positive Energy offers sweaters, tote bags, and toques that feature their simple but mighty logo of a smiley face and lightning bolt. They post breakdowns of their designs and process on Instagram, showing the thought that goes into each and every one of their pieces. Most of their apparel drops have sold out quickly, so you’ll have to act fast to spread the good vibes. —Sydney Brasil
Legal Hustle Clothing
Founder: Albert Myles Mejia
Location: Calgary
Website: legalhustleclothing.com
Legal Hustle is a streetwear brand founded with the intention of putting a positive spin on the hustler’s mentality. Founder Albert Myles Mejia aims to show youth that it’s possible to find success the legal way, as long as you adopt a make-it-no-matter-what mindset. It’s certainly worked for him; the brand just celebrated its 11th anniversary. The brand’s hoodies, tees, jerseys, and basketball shorts go exceptionally hard, and for a reason—Meija is a graduate of the Parsons x Complex Streetwear Essentials Program. —Alex Nino Gheciu
Daan Go Cake Lab
Founder: Christopher Siu
Location: Stores in Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, and Richmond Hill
Website: daango.com
After capturing the attention of Canadians on MasterChef Canada Season 2, baker Christopher Siu opened Daan Go to make his baking dreams a reality. Siu became interested in making sweets after years of watching his father make cheesecakes for family birthdays. His custom creations include things like Lucky Cat cakes, adorable animal-themed macarons, and durian cakes. In May 2021, Siu went back to compete on MasterChef Canada Season 7 “Back to Win,” and won the competition. —Samantha Lui
Ruru Baked
Founder: Luanne Ronquillo
Location: Toronto
Website: rurubaked.com
Ruru Baked makes some of the best custard-based ice creams in Toronto. The brand prides itself in making Asian-inspired and nostalgic flavours, such as chrysanthemum, black sesame, miso butterscotch, and ribena. Founded by Luanne Ronquillo, Ruru is more than just ice cream and treats. It donates and partners with charitable organizations, often leaving grocery items and unclaimed pints of ice cream in local community fridges. The brand has also had some cool collaborations, working with brands like adidas, Nike, Soho House Toronto, and Vitamix. —Samantha Lui
Paris Jewellers
Founders: Chau Lui and Trang Wong
Location: Head office in Edmonton, with 23 stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario
Website: parisjewellers.com
The story of Paris Jewellers started as an immigrant dream and has now flourished into a successful business with stores across the country. Founded in 1987, Paris Jewellers was first opened in a humble 400 square foot store in St. Albert, Alberta by the parents of Chau Lui and Trang Wong. As young girls, Wong and Lui often accompanied their mom to work and learned what it took to run a successful business. Now spearheading the company, the Vietnamese-Canadian sisters have expanded their family business into 23 locations across four provinces. To mark Asian Heritage Month this year, the company has released an Asian Heritage Lotus Necklace, inspired by Lui and Wong’s mom’s favourite flower, which also happens to be Vietnam’s national flower. It will donate 100 percent of the net proceeds to Asian Solidarity Fund and Stop AAPI Hate. —Samantha Lui
Makeway
Founder: Abby Albino and Shelby Weaver
Location: Toronto
Website: shopmakeway.co
Located in Toronto’s Stackt Market, Makeway is North America’s first and only sneaker boutique for women and operated and funded by women. It carries brands such as Reebok, Nike, Converse as well as lifestyle and accessories brands owned by fellow women of colour. Founded by Abby Albino (who also spearheads Filipinx-Canadian community org Rise Tribe) and Shelby Weaver, Makeway was formed with the goal of making the sneaker purchasing experience more approachable and equitable for marginalized groups. Since opening in 2020, the brand has been making waves in the streetwear industry, becoming one of the winners in this year’s SNKRS x Nike Air Max Day game show. —Samantha Lui
Roselle Desserts
Founders: Bruce Lee and Stephanie Duong
Location: Toronto
Website: roselleto.com
Helmed by husband and wife duo Bruce Lee and Stephanie Duong, Roselle Desserts offers some of the best cookies, madeleines, cakes, and éclairs in Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood. Lee and Duong grew up in Toronto and Mississauga and both attended George Brown College. Upon graduation, they moved to France, but didn’t know each other at the time. Through serendipity, they met while working in Paris, and spent much of their early career travelling and working abroad together. Roselle Desserts is a love story about their life and the treats they love to eat, which they say is the source of inspiration for their menu. —Samantha Lui
Three Ships Beauty
Founders: Connie Lo and Laura Burget
Location: Toronto
Website: threeshipsbeauty.ca
Three Ships Beauty provides 100 percent plant-based skincare products with the goal of making your skin and the planet better. The brand was formed in 2017 by chemical engineer Laura Burget and business graduate Connie Lo. Scraping together $4,000, the pair started making handmade formulations in Lo’s apartment kitchen. For Burget, the brand is more than just skincare. In March 2020, she underwent surgery to remove her brain tumour, after she was diagnosed in November 2019. This experience has since pushed Burget and Lo to have a greater sense of purpose in what their business represents. A portion of all sales made by Three Ships goes to the Make-A Wish organization, and their products can be found in places like Hudson’s Bay, Indigo and Whole Foods stores in the United States. —Samantha Lui
Superfresh
Founders: James Lee and Trevor Lui
Location: Toronto
Website: superfresh.to
Toronto’s newest Asian Night Market is taking over the old Annex Food Hall to showcase food made by Asian-owned businesses. The name pays homage to the first 24-hour Korean-owned grocery store that was once located in the heart of the Annex neighbourhood. Combining food, drinks, and live entertainment, Superfresh features seven vendors in an open dining room complete with a full bar and bodega. The brainchild of Annex Food Hall, owner James Lee and chef Trevor Lui, say the 4,000 square-foot venue aims to recreate the busy night markets in Asia. Vendors at Superfresh include businesses highlighting different regions of Asia, including Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan and Korea. Among them are Auntie’s Supply, Baobird, GoodGoods, Ssam Cha, Big Beef Bowl, JaJan, and more. —Samantha Lui
Vessi
Founders: Mikaella Go, Tony Yu, and Andy Wang
Location: Vancouver
Website: ca.vessi.com
Vessi was created by three Vancouverites who grew tired of the rainy weather in their home city. In 2018, the trio set out to create a waterproof sneaker that not only kept their socks dry, but kept their feet sweat-free and comfortable while looking stylish and was good to the earth. Together, they created the first 100 percent waterproof knit shoe, combining innovative waterproofing technology. The shoes only weigh around 6.7 ounces. So for those who don’t like the hassle of clunky footwear, say goodbye to rain boots and give these lightweight shoes a try. —Samantha Lui
The 365 Studio
Founder: Ashlyn Lem Garcia
Location: Toronto
Website: the365studio.com
The 365 Studio is a one-woman run vintage furniture business specializing in marbles and travertine. Founded in September 2020, Ashlyn Lem Garcia was looking for a new path in life, and took the step forward during the pandemic to start her own business. Inspired by her mother’s vintage and antique collection, she made an Instagram account and started selling vintage pieces such as murano lamps, coffee tables and mirrors through social media. While the business is less than two years old, Garcia has since gained a large following on social media, with 18.5K followers on Instagram. Today, 365 has a studio in Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood, where many of her pieces are displayed. —Samantha Lui
Studio S.
Founder: Sylvia Hoang
Location: Toronto
Website: studiosylvia.ca
Having just recently rebranded, Studio S. is a street-style multimedia brand that’s perfect for anyone into plants—medicinal or otherwise. The studio makes homewares inspired by streetwear, including ashtrays, incense holders, and planters made of replica sneakers. The monochrome grey pieces are inspired by Hoang’s interest in modern brutalist design, and are mostly made of concrete. Studio S.’s unique sculptures are great for people who love a good statement piece in their living room, or for those who want a piece of the street inside their home. —Sydney Brasil
Dandylion
Founder: Carolyn Chen
Location: Toronto
Website: dandylionworld.com
Bathtime with your dog doesn’t have to be ruff. Founded by entrepreneur Carolyn Chen and her 11-year-old cockapoo Mocha, Dandylion is a dog care company that focuses on sustainability and skincare. They consult with vets and pet owners, ensuring their products are free of common irritants like fragrance. All of their shampoos, conditioners, and cleansers are plant-based and pH balanced specifically for dog’s skin, meaning there are less itchy pups in the world. —Sydney Brasil
Kṣīra Gelato
Founder: Roshan Kanagarajah
Location: Ajax
Website: instagram.com/ksiragelato
Kṣīra Gelato focuses on blending classic South Asian flavours such as pistachio saffron, mango, and watalappan, based on a classic Sri Lankan pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, eggs, and spices like cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. The business initially sold its treats online, and opened up its first shop in Ajax last summer. Founded by chef Roshan Kanagarajah, Kṣīra Gelato was born out of his curiosity and desire to utilize Tamil and Indian flavours. Realizing that many traditional South Asian desserts are already milk-based and creamy, gelato became the perfect base for many of his flavours. Kanagarajah felt it was important to open his first store in Ajax as well, because of the growing diverse community there. —Samantha Lui
SmollStuffCo
Founders: Vivian Yau and Lyris Tsang
Location: Scarborough
Website: etsy.com/ca/shop/smollstuffco
SmollStuffCo brings together its owners’ Chinese-Canadian heritage and adorable paper goods. Featuring pun-filled illustrations of food, pop-culture, and sneakers, the company has even caught the eye of MLSE, who tapped them to make Toronto Raptor Dalano Banton’s birthday card. On top of shipping directly from their Etsy shop, their stickers and greeting cards are available for local pickup at Oishii Treats for those who crave something a little sweet. Their bundle deals are a steal, so make sure to stock up just in case of an emergency belated birthday. —Sydney Brasil
I Miss You Vintage
Founder: Julie Yoo
Location: Toronto
Website: imissyouvintage.com
Nestled into Toronto’s ultra-trendy Ossington Strip, I Miss You Vintage resells a carefully curated collection of designer clothing. The shop has been around since 2005, and expanded to add brother store I Miss You MAN beside the OG location in 2014. They also consign designer clothing year-round, so you can make a few bucks off of the luxury goods in the back of your closet. Big names like Lady Gaga and Alexander Wang have shopped here, so you know it must be good. —Sydney Brasil
Patois
Founder: James Wong
Location: Toronto
Website: patoistoronto.com
Patois’ food is just as much of a blend of culture as the dialect that gives it its namesake. Blending Jamaican and Chinese delicacies, owner Chef James Wong’s Canadian ties and French cuisine training also informs this eclectic restaurant’s menu. With tropical-inspired cocktails alongside highlights like award-winning jerk chicken on top of chow mein noodles, ox-tail French dip sandwiches, and Trini mac pie, Patois is sure to keep your mouth watering. —Sydney Brasil