Q:

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

A:

To me personally, May is no different from any other month. I don’t happen to be more Korean American this month than the others but that being said, it’s a designated time when companies and people have the opportunity to learn more, pay closer attention and support the cultures represented within the AAPI community.

Q:

How do you bring your heritage into your business and work?

A:

Potluck represents at least half of my heritage. I grew up in a small family (my mom and me) and my mom moved to the US in her mid-twenties so our household was heavily influenced by Korean culture.

The idea for an all-natural Korean pantry staples brand came from my experience eating Korean food every day with my mom and visiting the farm she grew up on. There’s a large gap between the ingredients made locally by my mom’s family and what we often see in stores today (usually filled with preservatives and added sugar).

My heritage is the reason I brought Potluck to life and why I feel motivated to have it succeed. The Korean population in the US is still quite small, around 2M, but the reach of Korean culture extends to beauty and music and television and beyond. Food felt like a yet untapped market and one that only someone Korean American could understand enough to bring to the US market. The makers we work with in Korea also hugely benefit from the business we bring and I'd love to be able to continue to support them. And of course, I want everyone to have access to high quality, authentic Korean flavors.

Q:

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, what do you hope people will take away from discussions about AAPI culture and experiences?

A:

I hope people approach newness or foreignness with sensitivity and open mindedness, and allow themselves to be pleasantly surprised by the gifts that new cultures bring.

Q:

In what ways do you think brands and organizations can better support and amplify the voices of AAPI makers?

A:

For smaller brands, visibility is often the hardest lift so any opportunities to showcase or collaborate are always appreciated!

Q:

What are some of your favorite AAPI-led small businesses?

A:

I was definitely inspired by other AAPI-led CPG brands like Fly by Jing and Sanzo. For Korean businesses specifically, I love what Makku and Halmi are doing in the beverage space. Tortuga Forma makes lovely home goods and of course, Material is AAPI-led.