Reema Juffali has been racing to the top — and into our hearts — since her debut in 2018. She is the first Saudi Arabian female racer and the founder of Theeba Motorsports, a racing team aimed at creating more opportunities for Saudi Arabians to dive into the exhilarating world of motorsports. Juffali has gone on to race in the 2019 F4 British Championship, 2019-20 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, and the 2023 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint. Most recently, she became F1 Academy’s first wild card entry in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, making it her first ever home race. As Juffali continues to break barriers, EnVi has rounded up the must-know facts about one of motorsports’ rising racers.

The Turning Point

Juffali grew up with a keen interest for sports. However, it wasn’t until she moved to the United States to attend Northeastern University when she discovered racing. She described this as an “aha! moment” in an interview with The Athletic, explaining how this made her realize she can “bring her […] passions together.” 

While F1 introduced her to the world of motorsports, it was the 24 Hours of Le Mans that convinced her to pursue racing. “Before then, motorsport and racing were just an impossible dream – they were so far away, and Le Mans caught my attention. There’s actually amateur drivers in it, and winning and on the podium!” Juffali told Females in Motorsports. 

She was 19 when she stepped into her sister’s Mini Cooper and drove it around a track. Then to celebrate her graduation, she bought herself a three-day racing school experience in Florida. But it wasn’t smooth sailing from there. The then 20-year-old driver experienced push-back and struggled to obtain a racing license. 

Just when Juffali felt as though she’d “exhausted” all her options, she met Susie Wolff in 2017 who urged her to continue pursuing her passion. Wolff is a former Scottish motorsports racer and current managing director of F1 Academy. She’d given Juffali advice about which racing schools to attend and which people to talk to. A month later, Reema Juffali obtained her racing license and became the first woman in Saudi Arabia to hold one, just months after the Women to Drive Movement. 

Making History

Reema Juffali is no stranger to making history. In October 2018, Juffali made her racing debut in both the MRF Challenge in India and the TRD 86 Cup in Abu Dhabi where she became the first female Saudi Arabian license holder to compete. She went on to represent her country in the 2019 F4 British Grand Prix and competed in the 2019-20 Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY where she then became the first Saudi Arabian woman to race in an international series in Saudi Arabia. 

Since 2019, Juffali continues to break barriers and has competed in Formula 4 UAE, GB3 championship, 24H Spa, and most recently, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS. However, when she first started racing, she admitted that she “didn’t think there was a story” and she was more focused about excelling on track. 

This is something she’s expressed before when she started racing. In an interview with Sport Star prior to the MRF Challenge in 2018, Juffali “didn’t realize how my whole country was behind me,” she said. “I was so humbled and honored to be that person. Like everyone else, I have my own goals, my passion, I want to become the best racer that I can be. And the fact that I can inspire others, it’s unbelievable. That would push me to do even more.”

Theeba Motorsports

Juffali founded Theeba Motorsports in 2022 as a way to give back to her community. Since her racing debut in 2018, she’s received enormous support from the people of Saudi Arabia and in turn, questions on how to break into motorsports. The goal of the racing team is to open more doors for men and women in Saudi Arabia.  The team’s mission statement states that they aim to “improve the Kingdom’s access to motorsport by providing a space to learn and participate through a variety of educational opportunities and programmes.”

“It’s really about sharing this journey with them,” Juffali told Motor Sport in a 2022 interview. “It’s not just my story anymore.”

Currently, the team is made up of Juffali and former Italian F4 racers, Ralf Aron and Alain Valente. Theeba Motorsports competes in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS, and just last year, they secured their first pole position in Hockenheim where Juffali became the first woman to do so.

Wild Card Entry in F1 Academy

F1 Academy is a women-only racing championship and one of the notable initiatives F1 has taken to increase diversity within the sport. The series completed their inaugural season last year, and introduced wild card entries into their 2024 season. This allows Prema Racing to choose a female racer from select countries to participate in races. F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff explained to FORMULA 1 that wild card entries will “promote regional talent, engage with local communities, and increase the talent pool in the regions in which we race which will be important for our long-term growth and ensure we are creating even more opportunities for women to get involved in our sport.”

Juffali was selected as F1 Academy’s first wild card entry for their race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 32-year-old racer expressed her palpable excitement in an interview with FORMULA 1. “As the saying goes: ‘if you can’t see it, you won’t believe it,’” she said. “So, hopefully Saudi fans can see that there is a Saudi racing driver out there and it will get them to thinking that ‘this is something I can do!’. It is for this reason I have decided to take this challenge on. This is just the beginning!”

The Race Ahead

While the world has their eyes on Reema Juffali, she is setting her sights on Le Mans. The 32-year-old racer intends to be the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in the infamous 24-hour endurance race. She also aims to further expand Theeba Motorsports. As the team secures more financial backing, she seeks to create internships and opportunities for Saudi Arabian men and women in motorsports. With each overtake and pole position secured, there’s a person watching the television and experiencing their own “aha! moment” as well. 

“I think the title of being first, it might be momentarily nice,” Juffali began in Mercedes-Benz’s campaign video for International Women’s Day. “But the bigger picture, you want to be one amongst many.”

And that wraps up what we need to know about Reema Juffali and her race for change in the world of motorsports.

Interested in reading more about women in motorsports? Read our article on representation in racing here!

The post Reema Juffali’s Race for Change appeared first on EnVi Media.

TikToks from Black creators or “#BlackTikTok” has become one of the most popular tags on the addictive social media app. Black creators express their creativity in multiple ways while viewers can enjoy the uniqueness each creator brings to the hashtag. These Black TikTok creators perfectly represent the entertainment adored by the TikTok community — enticing them to get hooked on the app and scroll for hours! 

Tray Reads 

Tray creates videos with his funny antics, facial expressions, and interpretations of trending sounds. On comedy TikTok, he has garnered 1.4 million followers for his entertaining personality. But recently, he has ventured into a new space on the app. Tray Reads is his new page specifically for #BookTok, and he is bringing a balance of his comedic cues to the platform of Black readers. In just a month of his time on Black BookTok, he has gained over 52,000 followers. While he may be new, the beauty in Tray’s work is his ability to spread book love to people who are new to reading and BookTok. He brought fans of his who had previously never been on this tag by still providing what they love in his work. The formula of using catchy sounds and funny reactions to the books he’s reading makes watching him just as fun while learning about the joy of reading.

Aliyah’s Interlude

Fashion TikTok is less about comedy and more about information and expression. Aliyah shows her audience that fashion TikTok can be just as entertaining as any other side of TikTok. She has come a long way since she began her time on the app, now creating music — even walking runway shows! But it’s the content she made that gave her the opportunities she has now. She shows her audience that she will always create looks based only on her style and preferences. With so many people enjoying and taking inspiration from her content, Aliyah continues to encourage her audience that dressing to express their own personalities and styles is important in fashion. She also refuses to let people who disagree with her fashion choices drag her down. Her content mixes funny quotes and thoughts that are relatable to her audience, giving viewers the personality we see in her fashion.

Emmanuel Duverneau 

Another huge part of TikTok is #FoodTok, an informative yet exciting side of the app. Not only are you learning recipes to try in your kitchen, but you’re also discovering dishes you may have never heard of before. Emmanuel Duverneau is a creator who brings the fun of making food and entertainment together. His content shows him making mouth-watering meals while dancing between cuts. This type of content draws viewers in for multiple reasons. It’s not just the amazing food he makes; it’s the happiness he radiates while highlighting Black artists in his dance cuts. He was featured in a Creator Spotlight highlighting the trail blazers of BlackTikTok. He mentions the most important part of his content is to give a platform for Black creators to show their talent. His food is inspired by Black culture with a twist on it, so viewers can get the same inspiration to make their own twist on dishes.

Dimpey 

TikTok has always been mostly known for its laughs and lighthearted content. #ComedyTok is easily one of the largest spaces on the app, with creators from all types of humor, bringing a little light to their followers. Dimpey is a great introduction to the comedy side of Black TikTok. While trending sounds are enjoyable, Dimpey uses Black culture to bring personality to situations, creatures, or even inanimate objects. His content’s beauty stems from proof that Black comedians are both talented and creative with their comedic vision. Dimpey’s followers never expect the same content, with him bringing new material in each post. This TikTok, exploring what parking lot birds may be thinking proves he breaks the mold of ComedyTok. As Emmanuel mentioned in his Creator Spotlight, Dimpey is an example of Black creators making their own trends. 

The creators mentioned above prove the #BlackTikTok platform is an expression of Black talent and entertainment. Carving our own tag on the app has given Black TikTok creators opportunities to express themselves and redefine entertainment for the new generation of viewers who will continue to grow with new Black representation uploaded daily.

Want more #BlackTikTok content? Check outEnVi’s “5 Must-Read Books Recommended by Black BookTok” here!

The post 4 Black TikTok Creators You Need on Your FYP appeared first on EnVi Media.

On April 12, video game developer Riot Games released its newest collaborative single featuring Japanese girl group XG. Titled “UNDEFEATED,” the track promotes the ongoing VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (VCT Pacific) 2024 by telling the classic tale of struggles overcome. 

XG Rank Up Another Season

“UNDEFEATED” is a bass-heavy track that embodies XG’s hip-hop-inspired experimental sound. The global girl group takes a strong stance on the track, detailing the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies life’s challenges. An anti-drop chorus opens and closes the song, book-ending minimalistic verses that highlights XG’s unique vocal colors. Lyrical references to XG’s own music — specifically “Caught ’em with that left right” and “That’s what I call a finesse” — draw a playful connection between the group and Valorant’s new endeavour. 

The accompanying “UNDEFEATED” music video adopts a combination of 3D-rendered art and 2D flat animation style. VALORANT players may note numerous references to both the group’s discography and in-game content. Notable agent in-game abilities are demonstrated, including Sova’s Bolt and Owl Drone, Skye’s Guiding Light, and Raze’s boom bot and paint shells. Alongside the illustrated skill sets, team members subtly pay homage to the game’s agents Jett, Yoru, Raze, and Killjoy with their physical features and fashion choices. In-game maps (e.g. Ascent, Bind, and Split), items (e.g. Tactifriends, Spike, and Arsenals), and logos (e.g. Sentinel trademark, Clove’s butterflies) make cameos as well. 

VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific

“UNDEFEATED” was released during the VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific tournament, one of four international leagues participating in the global VALORANT Champions Tour events. VCT Pacific occurs in two stages: Stage 1, which is currently underway, will continue until May 12, followed by Stage 2 from June 15 to July 21. As the tournament is held in South Korea, it’s fitting that Riot Games tapped Seoul-based XG for a promotional collaboration. 

Over the past few years, the intersection of gaming and pop culture has expanded significantly. Not only have the world’s leading fashion companies sought collaborations with popular gaming franchises, but video game companies have capitalized on the Asia Pacific (APAC) region’s rising star power to promote new seasons, tournaments, and gameplay features. VALORANT developer Riot Games has notably worked with K-pop and C-pop idols for years to connect with its franchises’ APAC audiences. XG’s new promotional single for VCT Pacific is the latest song to join this collection, marking the start of an exciting new championship for VALORANT players.

Watch VCT’s latest music video release “UNDEFEATED” on YouTube and listen on Spotify and Apple Music. Don’t forget to follow XG on Instagram, X, Tiktok, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest announcements.

On a quest to discover more music and game crossovers? Check out OVERWATCH and LE SSERAFIM’s collaborative single “Perfect Night” here!

The post VALORANT Taps XG On Site For “UNDEFEATED” appeared first on EnVi Media.

Taiwan is home to a thriving art scene. Notable art museums and cultural institutions on this island include the Taipei Fine Arts Museum — which is home to “one of the longest-standing biennials in Asia” — in the north and the Chimei Museum and the multi-building Tainan Art Museum in the south. In between the Taipei capital and Taiwan’s oldest city (Tainan) are the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in Taichung, the Chiayi Art Museum, and the Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB), jsut to name a few. 

From May 10–12, international and Taiwan-based galleries, local and worldwide collectors, and general art lovers alike will gather in Taipei’s Nangang District for Taipei Dangdai Art & Ideas. Heralded as Taiwan’s global art fair, the 2024 Taipei Dangdai is the fifth edition of the event that celebrates the “dynamic art scene of Taiwan.” The highly-anticipated art world event first launched in 2019. It is presented by UBS and organized by The Art Assembly, which is affiliated with other major art events in Asia including Art SG in Singapore and Tokyo Gendai in Japan. 

While May 9 is reserved for the Taipei Dangdai VIP Preview and Vernissage, the next day, general ticket holders will have an opportunity to explore the newest and noteworthy art from Taiwan and from around the world.

Welcome to Taipei Dangdai

Taipei Dangdai, in its essence, is a hub for exchange. As a dedicated place for artists, artlovers, galleries, and collectors to come together, Taipei Dangdai thus promotes the exchange of ideas and culture along with the awareness of trends. As noted in a press release, Taiwan has “established its place as a leading destination for cultural exchange” through Taipei Dangdai. It is broken down into five sections: Evoke (which is new this year), Galleries, Engage, Edge, Node, and the Ideas Forum. 

Seventy-eight galleries from 19 countries and territories will showcase their standout art exhibitions. Notable international galleries that will be present at the 2024 Taipei Dangdai include Eric Firestone Gallery, Galleria Continua, and Tang Contemporary Art. Taiwan-based galleries attending the event include Each Modern, Liang Gallery, and Da Xiang Art Space from Taichung. Node, meanwhile, is the Taipei Dangdai section focused on “large-scale and immersive installation works.” The returning sector will spotlight the large-scale sculptures of Japanese artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV and Taiwanese artist Julia Hung. Both immersive works contemplate the connections between heritage and physical materials, specifically those related to weaving. 

The Ideas Forum returns in 2024, too, with the theme “Collecting as Culture.” This theme and the four talks on the program will “shed light on Taiwan’s rich heritage of influential collections.” The discussions presented at the Ideas Forum include “A New Approach from a New Generation” and “Making Antiques Contemporary.” 

In addition, Taipei Dangdai invites visitors to interact with art and culture while at the event. Taipei Platform encourages everyone to participate in workshops, tours, and pop-up events hosted by cultural institutions such as Artpartment, Giloo, and Fotobook DUMMIES Day. 

Robin Peckham, Taipei Dangdai’s Co-Director, stated in a press release, “Taipei will once again come alive in May to celebrate visual arts and further illuminate contemporary art practices in the region.” Director of Each Modern, Huan YaJi, echoed these thoughts saying, “Taipei Dangdai is not only a showcase, but a way to connect the artists, the collectors and the critics, and also the galleries to international ecosystems.”

What’s New: Art

One staple of the contemporary art world is innovation. This characteristic is clear in Taipei Dangdai Art & Ideas, especially through its new additions for the 2024 fair. The latest section added to Taipei Dangdai — Evoke — is reserved for exhibitions about “historically significant artists.” This new sector includes a solo exhibition of Taiwanese painter Liao Chi-chun’s work and a joint show of the work of Nigerian artist Ozioma Onuzulike and Malaysian artist Anne Samat. 

On the gallery side of Taipei Dangdai, Bowman Sculpture, Cuturi Gallery, FOUNDRY SEOUL, Jahn und Jahn, Praise Shadows Art Gallery, Polígrafa Obra Gráfica, and The Columns Gallery will be joining the fair in May. The locations and influence of these new participating galleries span across East Asia and Southeast Asia to Europe and the United States.  

However, Taipei Dangdai always brings its programming back to its roots. For the first time, this year’s Taipei Dangdai will feature 12 “largely mid-career artists” in “Before Thunders: An Exhibition of Taiwanese Artists.” Curated by Zian Chen, Martin Germann, Esther Lu, and Wong Binghao, this exhibition is co-hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture and is anticipated to be an annual staple at the art fair.  

The two-day event will feature exclusive VIP cultural tours for the first time. These cultural tours are reserved for collectors at Taipei Dangdai. The event has collaborated with CUYSINE to provide select VIPs with dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and first-hand experiences of Taiwanese culture and landmarks. At the 2024 Taipei Dangdai, Hong Foundation will host a live performance “blending traditional instruments, ethnic music, and electronic sounds.” This VIP event will accompany Taiwanese filmmaker and visual artist Musquiqui Chihying and his solo exhibition “Ghost in The Sea.” 

What’s New: Culture

Cultural Partners and Cafe Culture will be introduced this year, too. The former emphasizes how cultural exchange can happen anywhere and between anyone. The new program will feature exhibitions from institutions around Taiwan, such as UBS Art Studio, CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture, Hong Foundation, and Jut Art Museum. On the other hand, Cafe Culture is a special lounge area. Here, Taipei Dangdai visitors can learn more about the current exhibitions on view from all around Taiwan. The creative art space Little Art will also have art created by local children for sale with proceeds going to charity.

Lastly, 2024 Taipei Dangdai will once again feature illycaffè as their official coffee partner. However, visitors will not only get to taste a cup of illy coffee but also see the new illy Art Collection. This art project started at last year’s Taipei Dangdai, where the coffee company “transform[ed] the act of savoring coffee into a sensory and soulful art experience.” The illy Art Collection for this year’s Taipei Dangdai will further hone in on “transform[ing] an everyday object into an artwork,” as these cups will be signed by the Korean minimalist artist Lee Ufan.

Hosted at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, where veteran Korean singer IU just held two sold-out concerts at the beginning of April, Taipei Dangdai is about a 15 minute car ride from Taipei 101. The location is accessible via the Taiwan MRT (Bannan Line from Taipei Main Station) or the High Speed Rail (HSR), if you are attending Taipei Dangdai from a county on the west coast. 

Tickets to Taipei Dangdai Art & Ideas 2024 are now on sale. They can be purchased here. 

Follow Taipei Dangdai on Facebook and Instagram to be kept up-to-date on all things happening at this year’s art fair. 

Want to learn more about the Asian art scene? Check out our coverage of the “SoHo’s Got Seoul” exhibition here!

The post Here’s What You Need to Know About Taipei Dangdai, Taiwan’s Global Art Fair appeared first on EnVi Media.

Are you looking for the next place to shop all things K-beauty in New York City? You’re in luck: Pibu has just opened. Ranging from cult favorites like Beauty of Joseon to exclusive products from Dr. deep, Pibu has it all. The store is located a few blocks east of Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan. EnVi sat down with Grace Cho, the owner of Pibu, to talk about its beginnings and her passion for the K-beauty business.

Lifelong Love of Skincare

From competitively figure skating to studying psychology at Columbia University, Cho has now opened a new door for herself with Pibu. The practice of self-care through skincare has been a staple in Cho’s life, nurtured into her through her mother. “She had us focusing on skincare really early on,” Cho said. “So all of this is really familiar to us.”

Her passion has extended into an interest at looking into certain ingredients in skincare products and how they are made. “I’ll try to see which ones will interact with each other,” Cho explained. “So I do a lot of digging into products and how they’re manufactured to try to come up with some sort of step system.” This step system typically involves pairing products that go well together. Cho brings her care and attentiveness into her business by giving her customers personalized recommendations based on what they need. “You don’t know until you actually try the product,” Cho said. “I genuinely try my best to do what’s best for people. I won’t recommend things that I don’t think they need.” Cho recounts customers returning to tell Cho about the positive changes in their skin from products she had recommended to them. 

A Project of Love

What was once a cold, industrial space has now been turned into a pleasantly warm shop through a collaboration of love. With Cho’s mother bringing in artistic visuals to design the space, her sister being an architect who executed the designs, and a combination of mutual love for skincare among the three, Pibu was born.
Cho talked about how exciting it was for her mother to be able to use her talent to design the space. Cho’s mom, a Parsons School of Design alumna, soon became a busy stay-at-home mother, unable to pursue a career in art. “This, for her, has been a very exciting way to use her talents and her visions,” Cho said. The space was designed with Korean and Japanese architectural inspiration, intentionally made to feel like a tranquil rest stop away from the city.

“To come and work on it together as three women has been really fun because it’s like ‘a girly thing,’ but also working with my family is special because we all genuinely care about our customers, about the products, and about creating a nice space that feels happy to be in,” Cho happily expressed to EnVi. 

Business is Blooming

Pibu has been a swift project for the Cho family, with plans going into motion during the summer of 2023 before fully opening their storefront in December of 2023. Ever since, business has been doing quite well. “It’s been doing better than we expected. We’re very happy,” Cho grinned. “Of course there are slow days and other days we could be doing better, but overall we’re not trying to do too much too fast.”

Pibu’s business model emphasizes building community and connection with their customers. “Some favorite parts about opening the shop have been the interactions,” said Cho. “I’m very lucky I’ve had such amazing interactions. People who come in are so wonderful and so kind.” Another plus side, Cho emphasized, is when a customer comes into the shop with their dog. 

Cho also revealed to EnVi that Pibu will be expanding their space within the year. With the front part of the store open for shoppers, there are plans to expand their back room to have more products for sale. Cho hopes for current and future customers to look forward to the store’s future.  

Pibu’s Picks

To wrap up the conversation, Cho shared with EnVi some of Pibu’s bestsellers and her personal recommendations. She proudly points out that sunscreens are the store’s best sellers — Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen takes the lead as the most sold out item. 

Cho recommends using the Mixsoon Bean Essence, which she uses day and night. Some other products she recommends are the Roundlab DokDo Cleanser, for a gentle hydrating face wash, and “Dr. deep Enrich Nourishing Cream,” a Pibu exclusive that is a hydrating moisturizer. 

Stop by Pibu on Second Ave in Manhattan on your next visit to New York City!

Looking to explore more beauty products? Check out EnVi’s Editorial picks here!

The post Pibu NY: The New K-Beauty Store on the Block appeared first on EnVi Media.

The nine circles of Hell in Dante’s Inferno. Orpheus looking back at Eurydice. The 10 Courts of Hell with its 10 Kings.

Hell — or the underworld in general — is found in literature spanning across time and culture. One popular work that explores the depths of judgment in life after death is Homer’s The Odyssey. Yet, the concept of an “underworld” is not restricted to only myths and stories from the Western world. In China, Vietnam, and Singapore, for example, there is Diyu (地獄). The underworld is more bureaucratic, with 10 Courts of Hell dedicated to specific sins. These Courts, in turn, are governed by different Kings.

But, what the hell — who says the underworld can’t be fun, too? EnVi rounded up four upcoming and recently released books set in Hell to add to your reading lists.  

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang 

Currently slated for publication in August 2025, Katabasis is the latest novel from New York Times-bestselling author R.F. Kuang. It will come about two years after Yellowface, a satire about the publishing industry and race. Katabasis, meanwhile, follows two Cambridge academic rivals who descend into Hell to rescue the soul of their advisor (Can I get a “hell yeah?”). This will not be the first time Kuang has explored the depths of academia in her work. Published in August 2022, Babel — or its full title, Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translator’s Revolution — is an alternative historical fiction fantasy, where language can be shaped into actual power through silver and translation. The thick, 500 plus-paged tome debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestsellers list.

Kuang tends to have a personal relationship with the academic settings of her books. Currently, she is studying at Yale and pursuing a PhD in East Asian Languages and Literatures. However, Kuang also obtained a Master of Science in Contemporary Chinese Studies from Oxford as well as a Master of Philosophy in Chinese Studies from Cambridge.

She has spoken in bits and pieces about Katabasis on her Instagram in the months leading up to an official announcement. Kuang noted in February that Katabasis revisions were underway and that she is “prouder and prouder of [Katabasis] every day.” Two months before on December 31, 2023, she had officially sent the novel to her agent. In her Instagram caption, Kuang wrote, “on the last day of 2023 i wrote the last sentences of my sixth novel…” She added at the end, “…this novel has been my most difficult journey to the finish line. i am so proud of it; i think it has some of my best writing yet.”  

At the beginning of April, Kuang announced that signed editions of her upcoming novel were available to pre-order from the UK-bookstore chain, Waterstones. In the caption, the author cheekily wrote, “not an april fools…” This highly-anticipated news follows the leap day announcement that Babel has been optioned by Wiip for a screen adaptation. Temple Hill — which is known for the Twilight Saga movies, The Maze Runner series, The Fault In Our Stars, and The Hate U Give, among others — will produce. 

R.F. Kuang Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Website 

Darker By Four by June CL Tan 

On April 2, 2024 — a palindrome — Singaporean author June CL Tan launched her sophomore novel into the world. Titled Darker By Four, this young adult urban fantasy draws inspiration from the 10 Courts of Hell, often found in East and Southeast Asian myths, where each court is overseen by a different King. The novel revolves around the mysterious disappearance of the Fourth King of Hell after an unborn child, who should have died in a tragic car accident, survives. It is also about a powerful girl who loses her magic; a boy who feels powerless under his family’s legacy; and the collision of unexpected worlds. Darker By Four is for readers who love anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, clever banter and romantic tension expressed as a knife to the throat, and Chinese underworld mythology.

In a release-day Instagram post, Tan added, “[Darker By Four is] about different worlds—metaphoric and literal—and characters who are ‘not quite’, who don’t necessarily like the reflection they see in the mirror, or who see distorted reflections of themselves.” She continued, writing, “They’re haunted by their pasts, living in regret, struggling to embrace the reflection in their mirrors, searching for belonging, for magic.” 

Readers who are familiar with Mandarin Chinese may catch the character for four (四) on the cover as a replacement for the “o” in “Four.” In Mandarin, the character for “four” (sì – 四) sounds similar to the character for “death” (sǐ – 死). Of course, this was all on purpose. Tan drew plenty of inspiration for the Courts of Hell from Singapore’s Haw Par Villa. She told EnVi about her research trip to the cultural park in a recent interview, noting, “It’s the strangest, weirdest thing. And I encourage everybody to go there.” Tan added, “Hell doesn’t always have to be scary.” This is clear in the first book of her new duology, where Hell is a place of punishment and torture but also a place of boring bureaucracy, Kings who enjoy bubble tea, and lots and lots of chaotic adventures.  

June CL Tan Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Website 

If Found, Return to Hell by Em X. Liu

Em X. Liu delivers one hell of a story in their novella If Found, Return to Hell. A month leading up to the release, they wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the story is for “burnt out student interns, […] dumpling making champs, [and] aspiring afterlife architects.” They further teased in a cover reveal post that the novella includes “commiseration of corporate woes but with magic.”

If Found, Return to Hell follows Wen Mingyan who interns at the call center for One Wizard, an enigmatic insurance company. For the most part, they deal with angry clients and angrier senior mages. However, when they receive a call from an alarmed college student who woke up with a strange talisman on his wall, Wen jumps at the chance to investigate and leave their desk behind. They soon discover that the young man has been possessed by a demon prince from Hell who doesn’t intend on leaving. Told in second person point-of-view, Liu spins a tale of found family and an exploration into capitalism. 

Em X. Liu is also the author of The Death I Gave Him, a sci-fi Hamlet retelling set in a locked-down science lab. Publisher’s Weekly gave the debut a starred review, calling it a “nail-biter.” Earlier this year, Liu was selected as one of the finalists for the Astounding Award for Best New Writer.

Em X. Liu Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Website 

Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie

Described as a magical academy set in purgatory, Immortal Consequences is I.V. Marie’s debut novel, and it is set to publish in the summer of 2025. The novel will feature six point-of-views told from the students in the elusive Blackwood Academy. Here, they are to compete for a chance to “cross over to the other side, or Ascend and remain at Blackwood forever,” per the Goodreads description. 

While the full blurb has not been revealed, Marie has been teasing pieces of Immortal Consequences on her social media, with a video of her revealing a snippet of a chapter amassing over 80,000 views. The novel has been gaining traction online with it reaching 3,000 adds on Goodreads in March, which was less than six months since her publication announcement. 

In her Substack newsletter, Marie dove into her writing journey and said, “[Immortal Consequences] is so many things. It’s a book about magic and friendship. About deadly secrets and fated hearts. But at its core, it’s a love-letter to those of us who have endured the unrelenting wave of grief and learned not to drown.” She further expressed that during the time she began writing again, she was “dealing with the loss of [her] dad.” 

“Grief is a stubborn thing,” Marie wrote. “[A]nd whether or not I realized it at the time, it was very much guiding the choices I made, especially when it came to my writing.”

I.V. Marie Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Website 

Want more book recommendations? Check out five must-read books recommended by Black BookTok here!

The post Hell Yeah: 4 Books Set in Hell to Have on Your Radar appeared first on EnVi Media.

“Fusion” is a genre of food dishes in which ingredients and recipes from multiple cultures are merged to form a uniquely-flavored piece. While some are created intentionally, it can also occur naturally through the moving of communities into places with different ingredients. Due to rapid globalization, fusion foods have long enjoyed mainstream popularity and can be found everywhere from street corners to high-end Michelin restaurants. EnVi has compiled the following list of some of the most famous Asian fusion dishes and the unexpectedly deep histories behind them!

Sushi Burritos

Contrary to popular assumptions, sushi burritos were not created by a Japanese-American chef. Rather, the man behind it was Peter Yen, the founder of Sushirrito, a Bay Area restaurant.

“Food, like language, music, and culture, is constantly evolving. To deem something as merely traditional is to shortchange continuous human creativity and innovation,” Yen stated on the Sushirrito website. 

Just as the name suggests, Yen combined two of his favorite dishes – sushi and burritos – to infuse the traditional Asian fare with Latin flavors. An avid sushi enjoyer, Yen often found himself between two polarizing sushi options: pre-made grocery that was cheap but low-quality, or full-service sit-down sushi meals that were high-quality but expensive and time-consuming. Sushi burritos hence became the perfect midpoint solution: an efficient wrap of fresh ingredients, just right for a lunch break. 

“What would happen if you made a really large sushi roll, operationalized it for speed, and also modernized it by infusing Latin flavors?” Yen posed in an interview with The Manual. The seemingly fun, passing idea soon bloomed into a business — and sushi burritos are now commonly seen near universities and corporate buildings. 

California Rolls 

The second dish on EnVi’s list also originated from Japanese sushi. This time, however, it was actually created by Japanese-American chefs in Los Angeles during the 1970s. Many Japanese chefs who just arrived in the United States found that the American taste buds of the past were more averse to consuming raw fish. The taste of imitation crab coupled with the buttery texture of avocado, proved to be a great substitute for – and stepping stone to – raw fish. Now, the roll is often seen as a common American Japanese starter dish to ease diners into more ambitious sushi options. 

The California Roll was also the first sushi with a “reverse-roll,” where the rice is wrapped around the nori (seaweed). This creative advent was a response to many Americans removing the nori when first introduced to sushi because they thought it was inedible. 

Orange Chicken

Perhaps the most iconic and famous Chinese-American dish, orange chicken was first cooked up by Andy Kao after helping launch Panda Express in Hawaii in 1987. Kao was inspired by the islands’ tropical flavors and decided to lather a citrus-infused glaze on top of the all-American classic fried chicken. The original dish also used bone-in chicken, but was soon altered into boneless bite-sized pieces to better satisfy the American palate. 

Orange chicken’s success is not without controversy for its cultural roots, especially among the Chinese-American community. Though inspired by Chinese cuisine, the dish itself is native to America and designed for the American taste buds. For Chinese-American cookbook author Grace Young, the greasy and sweet dish, noticeably produced for a white-American audience and commonly found in fast food chains, reinforces the stereotype that “Chinese food is perceived as cheap food.”  From guilty pleasure to just plain guilty, the culture of shame surrounding American Chinese individuals enjoying the dish is familiar to many. 

“American Chinese cuisine is a separate cuisine from traditional Chinese food, but it is authentic to the immigrant experience, Asian American experience and the Chinese food experience in the U.S,” Jimmy Wang, Panda Express’ Head Chef of Culinary Innovation, said in an interview with NBC News.

Báhn mì

Taking a bite through the simultaneously crispy and fluffy baguette, you are introduced to an explosion of flavors from herbs, pickled vegetables, and aromatic protein. This is Báhn mì (“bun-mee”), a Vietnamese dish born during the tumultuous times of the Vietnam war. It started when the baguette was introduced to the Vietnamese during French colonialism. To “Vietnamize” the bread, the Vietnamese sliced it in half and stuffed it with traditionally Vietnamese flavors. Eventually, Viet chefs learned how to make their own bread, solidifying the Báhn mì as part of Vietnamese food culture.

“They would modify the bread with more yeast and water to make it lighter, for Vietnamese tastes,” Peter Cuong Franklin, Viet-American chef and owner of multiple restaurants across Hong Kong and Vietnam, said in an interview with South China Morning Post.

Years later, the dish is now a symbol of reclamation and national pride, despite its colonial origins. The Báhn mì also followed the many Vietnamese immigrants who sought refuge in the coasts of America after the Vietnam war, and quickly saw success in those American communities as a cheap, easy-to-make, and delicious meal.

According to food journalist Sarah Nguyen in their Medium article, “Bánh mì adds an exotic Asian element to the familiarity of the American diet.” Just like the many other foods mentioned in this list, it’s a stepping stone to Asian dishes with a safety net. Once the Bánh mì arrived in America, the crunchy baguette turned into a softer ciabatta and the Viet mayo was replaced with American mayo.

From being the “Vietnamization” of a french dish to now being an “Americanized” delicacy, the journey of the Bánh mì is an amalgamation of cultural collisions. Though it’s flavors may no longer reflect its origins — depending on the country you are in — the colonial history and immigrant narratives behind the dish should not be forgotten. 

Hungry for more food-inspired content? Read more about four women chefs and food content creators here!

The post EnVi Eatery: Four AAPI Fusion Dishes to Take Your Taste Buds Across Time and Space appeared first on EnVi Media.

Looking to be one of the best adventurers in the World of Twelve? Independent entertainment and digital creation group company ANKAMA relaunched its recent free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing (MMORPG) mobile game DOFUS Touch. Returning with its new mobile take on its classic tactical MMORPG DOFUS (2016), DOFUS Touch makes a comeback with new global online servers, additional original classes, and an abundance of maps to take on. EnVi played the mythical multiplayer online game to give you a personal DOFUS Touch review.

Explore the World of Twelve

Set in a world built by Twelve Gods, the World of Twelve is home to hundreds of monsters and a stage for the universe’s greatest battles and discoveries. Players take part in a search for the powerful dragon eggs, called Dofus, and their lore. Whether you wish to set off on the quests solo or with fellow adventurers, it is up to you to incarnate into your desired class to set foot on an exciting exploration of victory.

Not only is DOFUS Touch a strategic combat game, but it is also a lore-based playthrough which serves as a prequel to the popular long-running animated series Wafku. Fans of Wafku will be happy to encounter the familiar city of Astrubian as they reincarnate into the World of Twelve. By offering exploration of various eras, parallel stories, and several perspectives around tales within the same universe, the tactical storytelling game allows players to indulge themselves in the world’s rich lore while also cooperating with players in combat. 

Conquering Servers As the Top Adventurer

While the game is posed as an interlinked connection to the company’s other projects, it doesn’t take prior knowledge or skills to participate and admire the world of DOFUS Touch. With a massive world possessing more than 10,000 maps accompanied with thousands of quests, players will always have foes to defeat and treasure to discover. From completing your daily and main objectives to leveling up your characters’ stats and attaining rewards, DOFUS Touch’s efficient game mechanics provide players with satisfactory gameplay. Developing teams from both France and Japan present an immersive MMORPG experience for mobile players in their integration of Western cartoon and Japanese anime art style.

As players start off, they will be directed to Albuera Island, where they are guided through a tutorial to learn the basic game mechanics (e.g. casting spells, engaging in combat, character maneuvering and communication). In doing so, players create their own unique character, customizing their appearance and choosing from one of fifteen original classes by which to differentiate themselves from the common fantasy identities — classes range from stealthy assassins known as Srams and tech-savvy Foggernauts to the treasure hunting Enutruof. No matter what players choose initially, all classes are interchangeable. By going through a series of routine tasks, players will not only familiarize themselves with the game, but also get in touch with the world and its rich lore. 

Join millions of players on a quest to defeat monsters, obtain legendary equipment, increase character statistics, and explore the vast lands of the World of Twelve today. DOFUS Touch is available free-to-play now on both iOS and Android.

Make sure to follow DOFUS Touch for the latest news and updates on X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Interested in more game releases? Read all about Riot Game’s cozy game Bandle Tale here!

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What’s a celebration without food? Food plays a big role in festivities, such as in Eid Al-Fitr, symbolizing the joyful feeling of the gala. Muslims all over the world celebrate the end of Ramadan, a whole month where Muslims pray, fast, and spiritually reflect. Ramadan is –more than just giving up food and drink in a day. Muslims observe self-thoughts, exercise self-restraints, and do community service. 

The day of Eid Al-Fitr is all about peace and joy. People will gather at Mosque to pray, visit relatives, donate to charity, and indulge in delicious meals. With Ramadan coming up, EnVi digs into various meals consumed on Eid Al-Fitr, the community that surrounds it, and the deep cultural value that lies within.

Ketupat – Indonesia

The annual rice cake dish called Ketupat symbolizes the day of Eid in Indonesia. It is made up of steamed white rice cake that is carefully tucked inside intricately woven coconut leaves to form a unique diamond shape. Ketupat is typically consumed with a variety of tasty side dishes and accompaniments, such as rendang (beef curry), satay, opor (coconut milk chicken stew), and sambal goreng kentang (spicy beef liver with potatoes), all of which add flavor to the festive Eid menu. 

Always associated with familial bond, nothing signifies ketupat more than the communal gathering on Eid. After the Eid prayer, families would gather to indulge in this dish over warm conversations at the dinner table. “Avoid wearing white clothes, the dish stains!” is a famous line recited during the joyous day, usually by mothers and grandmothers to their children. 

Maamoul – Middle East

A staple for the festa, maamoul is enjoyed during the day of Eid Al-Fitr. This is a cookie with origins in the Middle East. What’s special about maamoul is that every piece is stuffed with dates paste or chopped walnuts or pistachios, topped with powdered sugar. The heavenly aroma of maamoul spreads across houses just a few days before Eid. 

Sheer Khurma – India

An elevated dates dessert that is cherished during Eid in India, Sheer Khurma symbolizes new beginnings in Ramadan and Eid. Given that dates have a long history of being an important food in the life of Prophet Muhammad, the fruit has always been an essential component of Ramadan traditions. 

Sheer Khurma literally translates to “milk with dates.” The dessert is made of rich vermicelli pudding accompanied by milk, dates, sugar, and tons of nuts. What’s heartwarming about Sheer Khurma is that this dish is delivered to relatives during Eid. It’s like saying “I hope you have a sweet Eid, as sweet as this Sheer Khurma”. 

Doro Wat – Ethiopia

What’s a better way to end a thirty-day fast than ending it with spicy foods? Doro Wat is a spicy chicken stew from Ethiopia. Doro Wat is made of chicken and curry, usually eaten by dipping Injera bread into the broth. The chicken in the stew is cooked in a thick, flavorful sauce composed of garlic, onions, ginger, and berbere spice blend. It’s a time-consuming dish to make, because it needs to be cooked slowly to achieve an authentic flavor. 

Doro Wat is typically served on communal plates, emphasizing the social aspect of sharing food with others. In Ethiopian tradition, the dish stands for harmony and love, just like the day of Eid Al-Fitr.

Food breaks down language barriers, allowing us to establish deeper connections with others. On the special occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, food is a hub for family and relatives to connect and reconnect. Through shared laughs and conversations, whether it’s in the kitchen or at the dining table, recipes are shared and compliments are given.

To those who celebrate, have a pleasant Eid Al-Fitr!

Want to know more about Asian food? Check out EnVi’s favorite not-too-sweet Asian snacks here!

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The culture of traditional medicines in Indonesia is highly cherished, symbolizing love with every sip. These medicines are believed to be not only a treatment for certain illnesses but also to give wellness to one’s being. 

Here comes jamu, an Indonesian herbal drink that has a long-standing history of being a medicine. Motivated by the need to stay healthy, people started to go back to age-old tradition with jamu — which is made of natural ingredients such as roots, spices, and herbs — at the center. 

EnVi chatted via email with Anna Uspessij, the owner of the Netherlands-based jamu business Good Jamu, on reviving the traditional drink in modern forms, human wellness, and the empowerment of women. 

“Why Not Share This With The World?”

Jamu comes from the ancient Javanese word “Jampi Oesodo,” meaning to wish for someone’s wellness. Jamu also represents connection in communities, and even a connection to strangers. The drink is a form of wishing for someone’s health through a glass of the beverage. What’s even more interesting is that jamu itself is a women-led discipline and making the drink has been passed down from generation-to-generation. In addition, jamu has just been nominated for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Anna, being someone with Moluccan roots, started Good Jamu back in October 2020 to bring something new to the table. “Raised in an environment where wellness was approached holistically, I’ve carried these values into my professional life. As the founder of Good Jamu, I strive to blend this wisdom with innovative practices, creating a product that respects traditional methods while appealing to contemporary tastes,” she stated.

She wanted to make Jamu a daily routine and make feeling good easy and exciting. “Inspiration struck from wanting to simplify wellness – to peel back the layers of complexity and make it something you look forward to,” Anna shared. While jamu is often a daily routine, many people in Indonesia view it as a way to prevent sickness as well. “It’s about fusing Indonesia’s rich heritage with a modern quest for wellness,” she explained. 

Anna felt like the Netherlands, with its vibrant mix of cultures, was a great place to introduce jamu. “Jamu isn’t just a drink; it’s a centuries-old wellness hack, and I thought, ‘Why not share this with the world?’”

INSIDE The Refreshments

Two of jamu’s primary ingredients that are cherished in Indonesia are turmeric and ginger. One of Good Jamu’s best-selling products, “Tropical Turmeric,” was created with these two ingredients in mind alongside botanicals. Turmeric is well known for its ability to relieve inflammation, treat eye conditions, and even lessen anxiety. Their “Island Ginger” is a mixture of a spicy, fresh, and lively taste. Ginger is another excellent option for jamu because it lowers blood sugar and eliminates bad carbohydrates. In addition to being served plain, these jamu can be elevated by adding it to lattes and sodas. 

Women’s Role in Jamu and the Sustainability of the Drink

When it comes to the jamu tradition, Good Jamu is aware of its roots. An important fact is that jamu has always been a woman-led discipline where knowledge has been passed on from one generation to the next, showcasing the strength and determination of women. 

In Indonesia, these women jamu practitioners and sellers are called “mbok jamu,” which adds to the familiarity of the culture. “Mbok” is an informal way to address married and elderly ladies in Java, especially those who sell jamu. “We visited a local jamu practitioner, and despite the evolving world around her, she has kept the essence of jamu alive through sheer determination,” Anna said. 

These “mbok jamu” used to sell bottles of jamu by putting them in a large basket, carrying it in their back, and walking everywhere. Nowadays, however, most jamu sellers use motorcycles in their selling activity, although you can still find traditional jamu sellers in some parts of Indonesia. How wonderful is it that these women can make such nutritious recipes using only natural ingredients, process them by hand, and sell them? 

The women jamu practitioners in Indonesia curate thousands of different herbs themselves and make them into various jamu recipes. Jamu has always been sustainable because it is sourced from natural ingredients. For Good Jamu, sustainability is a commitment found in every layer of their business. They prioritize ethical sourcing by working with local farmers in Indonesia to ensure the ingredients are sustainable and are of the highest quality. “Through Good Jamu, we hope to inspire a movement towards a more sustainable, health-conscious future,” added Anna.

The Response in the Netherlands

Anna explained that the response of jamu outside of Indonesia has been intriguing and uplifting. Many are drawn to the heritage of jamu, which makes this response more exciting. She believes that by introducing jamu, Good Jamu contributes to imparting a piece of cultural wisdom — one that speaks to the universal idea of caring for your wellbeing.

Good Jamu recently hosted some events, such as mocktail workshops and tastings in collaboration with Drankerij and Soho House Amsterdam. The refreshing mocktails were a heartwarming way to introduce unique blends to new enthusiasts, with jamu taking the spotlight. Good Jamu created alcohol-free recipes as a healthier alternative to traditional cocktails. Good Jamu’s functional mocktails also align with their mission to promote health and well-being. 

Have a Taste of Good Jamu!

The positive response of Good Jamu in the Netherlands is heartwarming because it makes people make healthy choices without having to sacrifice taste and enjoyment. Good Jamu’s original jamus, Tropical Turmeric and Island Ginger, are the main characters, but the company’s newest addition, the “Tropical Turmeric Soda,” is also a must-try for an extra playful touch. 

As Anna said, “Our menu is a love letter to traditional jamu, refined for the here and now. Each recipe is a blend of natural ingredients with stories centuries in the making, fine-tuned for your taste buds. From mood-boosting elixirs to natural detoxes, it’s wellness that’s easy to love and even easier to sip.”

Good Jamu is active on Instagram and TikTok. Check out their eye-pleasing persona and stay updated on their latest products on these platforms!

Want more Asian beverage recommendations? Check out EnVi’s business spotlight on Tea Drops here!

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Crowds piled into Hana House in Brooklyn, New York on March 16 as Friendship Market opened its doors to their first event. It was a full house with 48 vendors and activities ranging from a bingo card raffle, flash tattoos, friendship bracelet stations, and more. For a day of celebrating friendship, Christina Young, founder of The Bao Bae, put together Friendship Market to celebrate her shop’s fifth anniversary. Young reflected on the day and her experience running the show in a video call with EnVi.

The Bao Bae’s Fifth Birthday

“You only have a fifth birthday once,” Young told EnVi over a video call, grinning. Young launched The Bao Bae back in 2019, two weeks prior to getting laid off from her job. From then on, she embarked on her self employment journey and has participated in numerous market and pop up events. 

Young had been wanting to do something big for her shop anniversary and this year she felt she was ready to take on a new endeavor. Through these markets, she made many connections with other vendors who soon became her friends. 

“That’s how I built up enough network to host Friendship Market,” Young said. “I just wanted to do something fun for my friends, so everyone that was a vendor at Friendship Market is an actual friend that I’ve met through my brand.”

Planting the Seeds

When Young first started her shop, she remembers looking at Wonton In A Million, a small business based around little dumpling characters through stationary items and more. Around the same time, Cynthia, the founder of Wonton In A Million, hosted an anniversary party for her shop. Since then, it became a goal to one day do something similar.

“She came toFriendship Market and I told her this story,” Young fondly explained. “‘I was really inspired by when you had your big banquet celebration, this is something that I’ve been dreaming about ever since I saw you do that.’” 

Young also gave credit for the idea to a market in San Jose, California called SJMADE’s Friend Fest. At the time, Young had gone to California, partially to experience market life. Though she had participated in a few markets in California, she had gone to Friend’s Fest as a visitor. She recalled the size of the event and the energy really influencing her.

“I wish New York had this,” Young said. “So that was also part of the inspiration that turned into Friendship Market.”

Planning Stages

Drawing inspiration from Wonton In A Million and SJMade’s Friend Fest, the idea of Friendship Market sprung into action in December of 2023. Young had taken on the organization of the event completely by herself with the support and help of her closest friends as well as other small business owners.

“I wanted something to honor the theme of friends,” Young expressed. “So I brainstormed with my very close friend group […] We were brainstorming names for it, and we came up with Friendship Market.”

Young then pitched it as a “party” to each and every vendor. Completely curating the line up herself, she spent countless hours making sure everything was perfectly set up for not only the event and venue, but for the vendors themselves. She recalls spending a long time on mapping out the floor plan. Keeping everyone in mind, she meticulously arranged the tables based off of the vendor’s products and personalities.

 “I thought, ‘this person would probably become really good friends with this person, so I should put them together,” Young said. She explained wanting to make the event different from a typical vendor market, “where you get in, you set up, you sell, then pack up and leave.” She wanted to create a space where community can be fostered among the vendors as well as the customers. 

“By the People, For the People”

“It wasn’t too hard thinking of things to make the vendors happy because I’m a vendor, so I know what would make me happy and I’m putting myself in their shoes,” Young affirmed. 

Young’s efforts have much reflected back on her vendors’ experiences of the market. Friendship Market even stood out as a favorite amongst the vendors. 

“Friendship Market really reinforced community togetherness, and there was such a sense of warmth and joy the whole day,” Bernice Ho, an illustrator and printmaker, told EnVi via email. As a vendor, she had expressed enjoyment of vending alongside other kind and talented people. 

Rena Li, founder of Lotus Haus Studio, mentioned to EnVi,via email, of having many favorite parts about the event. One being surrounded by inspiration from others’ products and work. “Markets leave me either completely drained or invigorated, and I was heavily inspired after this event,” Li said. 

Another testament to Young’s consideration was giving vendors the space to explore more with their crafts. Vicky of vickyisdrawing, an illustrator and designer, decided to do live drawings which were a big hit.

“I told [Young] that I was interested in trying out live drawing about two weeks before the event and she was super supportive and considered that as part of the market layout,” Vicky emphasized. 

Young’s commitment to elevating the vendor experience was evident through the responses of her vendors. Much of their words had highlighted how taken care of they felt when recalling their experiences at the market.

Friendship Makes the Crowd

When planning the event, the thought of bringing in a crowd did not really cross Young’s mind. She was more attentive to taking care of her vendors and believed the rest would follow. She was met with a surprise, as Hana House became full at capacity by mid afternoon and queues of people wrapped about the building.

“I just didn’t think it would reach that high,” Young recalled when talking about having to cap the amount of people entering. She worried about people having to wait in line to enter her event but with her friends’ reassurance and help with handling the crowd, everything turned out okay. 

“I definitely did not anticipate it […] I think it’s a great testament to the line up and people wanting these kinds of events,” Young conveyed. With marketing for Friendship Market being consistent throughout the month of February, vendors were able to bring in their own audiences who were also introduced to other businesses. She also believed people were drawn to the idea of a friend themed event open to bringing along your pets and family as well.

Closed Doors Open Up New Opportunities

After a successful and huge turnout, customers have wondered about the next Friendship Market. Young grinned as she talked about people asking her about the next one. When planning this event, Young wanted to challenge herself to do something new and big and originally intended for it to be a one time thing. Despite coming off a high from the positive energy of the event and thinking of ways to improve, Young was still a bit unsure about another future market. 

“I think if I did it again, I would do it a little bit differently,” Young said. “I might partner with some of my really good friends that have organized other events so that we can combine forces and do it together.” 

The future is not set in stone, as Young still has ideas.

“There’s clearly a demand for it,” Young laughed lightly. “We’ll see.”

Make sure to check out the Friendship Market Instagram to support Young and all of her friends!

Interested in checking out more AAPI businesses? Check out our article about Chicago based AAPI owned small businesses here!

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