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 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!

The post Small Business Spotlight: Good Jamu Stores Tradition and Wellness in a Bottle appeared first on EnVi Media.

Peek through the pink-lit salon with culture-bedazzled nails — you find yourself in The Nail Collab, a Chicago-based nail boutique that specializes in Asian-inspired nail art. Owned by Taiga Lee, the now-salon has come a long way from a tiny basement apartment to a storefront and having a stable online community. Come sit down with EnVi and Taiga Lee in today’s Small Business Spotlight to talk about how she builds community as an AAPI artist through fingertip canvases!

Prepping for the Base (Coat)

For Lee, her career as a nail artist was a “leap of faith.” 

Originally a software engineer when the pandemic started in 2020, Lee grew tired of corporate life. This came from the lack of control and relatability in a male-dominated field. In perfect timing, DIY nails began to trend during pandemic social media. She saw this as a field that would allow her to be creative while socializing in a fulfilling manner. 

“I’ve always found the designs that came out of East Asia very eye-pleasing but also a testament to the wearer and technician’s personalities and culture through art,” said Lee. 

Initially attracted to the aesthetics of East Asian nail art, she realized there was a void of Asian nail art-focused salons in Chicago due to a smaller AAPI population, compared to New York or California. Lee saw an opportunity to specialize in a niche of products and services. She compares this to many Russian manicure salons popping up due to the Russian mani’s popularity — she can do something similar with Asian nail art. 

“With the rise of popularity for nail art, more people are seeking out technicians that can produce the quality of work they see on social media,” said Lee. Yet, in the Chicagoland area, demand seems to exceed supply for salons that do high-level nail art. With a mission statement of “quality work in a sanitary and fun environment” in mind, Lee set off to create “The Nail Collab.”

Nail-ing Artistry

3D accents with gummy bear textures and sharp chrome lines on airbrushed ombre, Lee quotes her specializations to works by Singaporean nail artists. 

“Every artist at my salon specializes in different styles,” said Lee. “It’s interesting to see that each style comes from a specific country.” 

She talked about how another staff member specializes in Korean nuance style nails, which are more “delicate in style and oftentimes look like natural surfaces like marble or stone.” Another artist enjoys creating Japanese junk-style nails — “full of fun and charms,” said Lee. 

A salon full of artists with a common goal, Lee described how each of the artists has “very strong bonds and a level of trust with one another.” The artists often rely on each other to navigate through the different techniques and skills they must learn. 

“It does help that we all love gossipping and talking to each other all day though,” Lee added. 

Culture on Your Fingertips

The community that Lee has managed to build extends far beyond the artists themselves. By adding culture to the mix of nail art, Lee’s audience is naturally tailored to the AAPI community who seek to represent and share parts of their culture and identity with nails. 

“It’s beautiful being able to represent people’s culture through little pieces of art on our fingers,” said Lee, who recalled having an influx of Chinese customers during the Lunar New Year season. With culture shining on your fingertips, it becomes a natural conversation prompter in the salon. 

Much to Lee’s surprise, some of her best conversations were with concert-nails customers. According to Lee, many fans take photos with their lightsticks, so an on-theme set of pretty nails is a must for an extra-photogenic shot.

“It’s always very cute to see how excited folks get when their dream nails come to fruition in an environment that can relate and understand their hobbies,” said Lee. 

The community connection also helped The Nail Collab blossom and maintain a stronghold in the AAPI community. Lee explained how one of her co-founders, Tipa, is very involved in the local Thai community, quickly becoming a clientele source.

“I realized that finding support in a community I belong in was one of the best things I’ve done for my business. Shoutout to Tipa!” said Lee.

Staying Polished 

Unlike many other industries, the nail industry is a unique hub for AAPI female business owners. Though this means that Lee “fits right in,” there are still many hurdles to overcome. Despite the industries’ strong roots in Asian immigrant communities, the existent negative stigma is something that Lee hopes to go against by innovating and building off of the legacies left by other Asian immigrants. 

“This industry was built on the backs of Asian immigrants just trying to survive, and I’m thankful for the foundation they’ve set up for me to thrive,” said Lee. With products sourced from Korea and Japan, Lee paints patterns of cherry blossoms, Chinese porcelains, and lotuses with Asian-founded and advanced techniques. 

“The reputation that I’ve built up has 90% of pictures that people show me as nail inspo created by Asian nail artists,” said Lee, aware of how her specific niche helped her business stand out in such a saturated industry. “My advice to new business owners, especially those in underrepresented communities, is to rely on the people around you.”

Looking forward, Lee hopes to help destigmatize the concept of an “Asian salon” and offer a space for the Asian community and others interested in the culture a space to enjoy.  

If you’re in the Chicago area, follow The Nail Collab on Instagram and book an appointment for your next set of nails!

Looking for cute things to take nail pics with? Check out EnVi’s guide here on Sonny Angels, and find the perfect one to pair with your fresh manicure.

The post Small Business Spotlight: Nail-ing Artistry and Culture with Taiga Lee and The Nail Collab  appeared first on EnVi Media.

Nestled between 5th and 6th Ave on West 20th street in New York City is Baodega. Take a step inside and immediately be greeted by the cozy ambience and fresh smell of dumplings. This Shanghainese restaurant, owned by Kenny Yie, has gone through ups and downs since 2019, and it hasn’t fully recovered since the pandemic. Just before Yie was thinking of selling his restaurant, he received something short of a miracle. 

Yie, still wearing his apron and with hands lightly sprinkled with flour, had come out and kindly sat down with EnVi. There in his restaurant, he was delighted to talk about his life and everything that has happened leading up to the viral TikTok posted about Baodega. 

Baodega is a Little Slice of Shanghai and Childhood

Born in Shanghai, starting from the age of eight years old, Yie was raised by his grandma. Growing up, she taught him how to cook her recipes. He spent all his after-school days helping his grandma at her dumpling restaurant in Shanghai until he was fifteen, when his grandma passed away. The manager who took over the restaurant asked him to continue to work for them because he already knew the ins and outs. He spent a few more years helping them prepare food before he flew to New York City.

Since the beginning of his business endeavors, it was always Yie’s plan to preserve his grandma’s cooking. He hopes to share a mood and feeling of nostalgia using her traditional Shanghainese recipes he learned 40 years ago. The love he received from his grandma when he was a child has translated into his cooking today. 

“Grandma’s Soup Pork Dumplings” are quite the popular item on Yie’s menu — exactly how his grandma made them. Some of Yie’s personal favorite dishes from her recipes are “Grandma Lionhead Meatballs” and “Grandma Braised Pork.” 

“I love my grandma very much. I think that’s why I love these two dishes,” Yie said with a warm grin. 

Before Baodega

When Yie landed in New York City, he began working in Chinese restaurants, washing dishes, and eventually learned how to cook. Around 2008 he returned to Shanghai and opened his first restaurant there. Unfortunately, his time there was short-lived due to health reasons. Though his time in Shanghai was short, he learned a lot about cooking. This time around, he wanted to bring Shanghainese food to America. Shanghainese cuisine is less oily and a little sweeter than other types of Chinese food.

In 2011, he opened a little restaurant in a food court in Brooklyn. He recalls the big lines he’d had on his first day. One of his big hits were his frozen dumplings. A lot of other Chinese restaurant owners would buy these dumplings to make and sell in their own restaurants in Manhattan. 

After a while, Yie started to wonder, “Why am I not opening a dumpling house or restaurant in Manhattan?” 

Thus, his actions towards opening Baodega were put into motion, and he successfully opened his doors for business in 2019.

Baodega’s Uphill Battle 

“Busy, it was busy!” Yie emphasized.

When Baodega first opened, business was always bustling. His dream of finally having a restaurant in Manhattan finally happened — until March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Yie had to close for a few months before he reopened again. For a while he was only doing take-out and delivery. Once the city started opening up, business began to slowly pick up, but it was certainly not the same.

“I work very very hard. No off-days,” Yie said, then paused and slightly nodded. “Almost 4 years, not one day off.”

To keep up with the financial losses from the pandemic and the increasing rent prices in New York City, Yie had to take out loans to stay open. Despite his challenges over the years, he has remained hopeful. 

“I’m happy,” he said, laughing and smiling. “I’m really happy.”

Conversations with Daughter Bring a Silver Lining

Olive Yie, Kenny Yie’s daughter, had remembered the times her father would experiment and perfect dishes at home before opening his restaurant. It was a bonding moment for her and her father, to be able to try his food he worked hard on. Olive Yie would often check in with her dad about how he’s doing. Through her perspective, she had seen and felt how optimistic her father had been from the very beginning. 

Though Kenny Yie’s hope still remains, business has been slow. His drive and passion for his business has been keeping it alive, but he recently shared with her that he had been thinking about selling his restaurant. He was getting too tired to keep up.

“I think at that moment I was a little sad because he’s gone through so much to keep his restaurant open,” Olive Yie said over a video call with EnVi. “It felt like maybe he was giving up.”

She was not ready to see her dad give up on his dream. “That was when I thought, ‘Okay, I want to do what I can to try and help him.’” 

The Power of TikTok 

Olive Yie knew for a while she was going to post a video about Baodega. Seeing other people make videos about supporting small businesses encouraged her to take that final step. She wanted to use her small platform in hopes to let people know and potentially pique the interest of some to go visit. What she didn’t expect was her TikTok to go viral overnight.

“I was never gonna tell my dad, because I was a little embarrassed,” Olive Yie expressed lightly to EnVi.

She gave in right away, because the TikTok was still gaining a lot of traction during the week, and she was worried her dad would be overwhelmed by the sudden influx of customers. Ever since, people have been showing up and few even posting their own videos of their time at Baodega. One being a popular TikTok page known for highlighting restaurants, Righteous Eats. 

“Now, I feel like I’m in heaven,” Kenny Yie said, with a wide grin. “My daughter is so powerful!”

He reflected back to the time Baodega first opened and compared it to now. His business has shifted like a switch, now busier than ever. The weekend after the TikTok was posted, he was shocked to see lines of people waiting outside just to eat at his restaurant. 

Infamous Pan Fried Soup Dumplings

Olive Yie and her dad recommend customers to try their pan fried dumplings. These dumplings are difficult to make, as they are fried upside down. Kenny Yie emphasized that these, too, are traditional, using his grandma’s techniques and recipe.

Olive Yie favors this menu item because of how much work she has seen her dad put into it to make sure it’s perfect.

She shared, “I know that specifically he put so much love and thought into it and so maybe that’s why to me it tastes so much better.” 

After many years of practice and perfecting, Kenny Yie’s efforts of keeping his grandma’s traditions alive has truly paid off. He aims to continue honoring his grandma through cooking with love and passion. As for Olive Yie, this bond over cooking has extended into her social media, where she likes to try new food.

Blessings and Immense Gratitude

Watching from across the country, everything still feels surreal to Olive Yie. She’s been reading all the comments and reviews online and watching the TikTok reviews about Baodega. Overall, she feels grateful to have such a blessing happen for her family.

Kenny Yie conveyed immense appreciation, during our interview, for everyone who had come to Baodega in the past couple of weeks to show their support.

“Most people have really good hearts inside,” said Yie. “Now I can see that, now I believe that.”

Things may have settled down a bit now, but the impact of his customers’ support has forever left a positive mark on Kenny and Olive Yie. 

Traveling to Singapore next? Check out cafe Lou Shang, and read about it here!

The post Baodega: Savoring Resilience with Kenny and Olive Yie appeared first on EnVi Media.

As the dragon swoops in to welcome another lunar phase, the AAPI LNY Market presented by Everybody’s Market celebrated the AAPI artists from the greater Chicago area on February 4. The market hosted more than 30 vendors and celebrated the New Year with events like lion dance and martial arts performances. Follow EnVi’s journey in this convention, support your favorite AAPI small business, and tick some boxes off your Lunar New Year or Valentine’s wish list!

Lucky Ducks

Started by two high school friends Megan Herrera and Aida Frey, Lucky Ducks is a small business that mainly focuses on K-pop-themed crafts.

“In 2023, a bunch of K-pop concerts got announced and we wanted to save up money for that. So why not sell some stuff we made?” said Herrera. 

It worked out perfectly; with Aida’s background in graphic design and Megan’s love for crocheting and fiber art, Lucky Duck has continued to swim in the Chicago K-pop scene. This year, Lucky Ducks treads new waters with the AAPI LNY Market being their first non-K-pop conference.

“I’m Filipino Chinese American. Growing up, I never knew about or had easy access to these events where there is so much Asian representation and Asian small business owners. It’s really nice to see such a big community,” said Herrera. 

Currently, Lucky Ducks sells K-pop merch on their website. Their crochet designs can be found in in-person events and conferences, and they also take commissions.

Muiji Studio

Drawing inspiration from her Cantonese Filipino heritage, Jenny Yip creates original stickers, keychains, and various accessories through Muiji Studio. Just starting in 2022, what Yip describes as a “passion project business” has grown to become a star-seller with more than 5,600 sales in total on Etsy. Even throughout the AAPY LNY Market, her soft pink stand was never void of onlookers as many picked out AAPI-themed stickers and keychains.

“You get to see other people that look like myself – see the cultural representation, see other people being as passionate and so warm and welcoming. Being part of the community is what we’re all about. Being here is just all positive vibes,” Yip said. 

Yip sells on Etsy and at conventions. If you are in the greater Chicago area, find Muiji Studio’s next stop here!

b.Ready

“I’ll call this a science-facts product, but also culturally inspired,” said Chrissy Xu, founder of b.Ready hangover recovery gummies. 

Combining three clinically studied and researched ingredients with traditional Chinese medicine herbs such as kuzu roots, Xu described her gummies as a fusion of “the best of east and west.” 

The gummies are formulated to target alcohol-caused inflammation for preventative control, explained Xu. Though there are other products on the market with similar effects, b.Ready’s gummies are compact, convenient, and fun to eat.

“I really want to bring this [traditional Chinese] heritage into my products. The AAPI Market is the perfect event because so many people share the same culture as me, so people resonate more because they have background knowledge [in traditional medicine],” said Xu. 

Find b.Ready’s gummies on their website for your next hangover remedy and check out their Instagram for more information!

Lin Bader Design

Lin Bader is a Chicago-based jeweler that hones into the natural elements and dynamics for her crafts as an homage to authenticity and craftsmanship. 

From Grow to Gather to Multiply to Flow, Bader honors each of her collections to a strand of nature.

“I used to work for a big corporate in the fashion world as a senior designer. There was a lot of environmental impact I’m not comfortable with and social impact I don’t want to associate myself with,” said Bader. By hand-crafting through natural materials, Bader hoped to alleviate the bigger problem through her own hands.

Although Bader regularly tables at artisan markets every week, this event resonates with her on a personal level.

 “[This event] makes me feel at home – the celebration and community just feels totally different here. I would do it in a heartbeat,” said Bader. 

Shop for Lin Bader Design’s creations and order customs designs here. To learn more about Bader’s story behind her creations, read here.

Support more AAPI businesses by checking out this article that highlights five Filipino businesses!

The post Small Business Spotlight: 4 AAPI LNY Market Vendors to Shop This Festive February appeared first on EnVi Media.

EnVi is back with our Small Business Spotlight. This time, we contacted Clara, owner of EmbroideryUnnie, a Vancouver, Canada based shop bringing modern embroidery designs to life. Over email, Clara shared her journey from quarantine hobbyist to K-pop merchandise creator, taking us through the creative processes that drive her unique and beautiful creations.

The Skill of Embroidery 

Clara started her embroidery journey in May 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to keep busy, she started to learn how to embroider through watching YouTubers and other artists. Clara has been interested in learning new skills since she was young like knitting and bobby pin beading. She mentioned, “With embroidery, this was no different.” 

Clara discovered the K-pop group SEVENTEEN in January 2021 and credits them for her interest in learning embroidery.  She often came across fanart that SEVENTEEN fans, CARATS, would create and wanted to use her skills to do the same. Most of the art she saw was drawings, paintings, or digital media. Embroidery became her unique way to make items inspired by her favorite group. The first SEVENTEEN items she embroidered were Uniqlo shirts. The embroidery was inspired by different eras and title tracks of the group. Although she was a beginner, Clara said, “It wasn’t a bad start. I felt inspired to continue because I created something for my favorite group.” She was also pleased to learn that her favorite member of the group, Joshua, shared the same passion for arts and crafts, forging an even deeper connection to SEVENTEEN.

Birth of a Business Owner 

In July 2021 Clara opened her Instagram to show her commissions from friends and family.

As she began to share more of her SEVENTEEN-themed work, she was able to build a following. She posted an embroidery piece inspired by SEVENTEEN’s 8th mini album, Your Choice. As more people started to view her work, they encouraged her to start selling her work. “I ended up doing two collaborations with WorldWide Carats on Twitter to raise funds for fans to support SEVENTEEN’s upcoming comebacks,” she said. After the collaboration, she decided to start selling her creations. In February of the same year, Clara opened up her Etsy shop, where she now sells SEVENTEEN-themed tote bags, keychains, and other clothing items. 

The Creative Process

Oftentimes Clara has a specific song or video in mind for a piece, and sometimes she watches music videos for inspiration. From there, she finds different colors of embroidery floss and starts stitching from there. Her process may sound chaotic to some but it works for her. “I am a very structured and organized person, especially in my day job, so it’s fun to deviate from my norm and create without a road map to follow,” she said. Since there is no guide, having the freedom to try different methods makes each piece unique. 

Clara’s Favorites

Among all her items, the Carat Flower Logo line is her favorite. She designed the logo to be made of flowers embroidered in CARAT’s fandom colors, rose quartz and serenity. Clara also embroidered the design on baseball caps, bucket hats, and even tote bags. Reminiscing on stories customers have relayed to her, she said, “One local CARAT even bumped into Seungkwan in Vancouver while she was wearing my Carat Flower Logo hat! This design is so special to me and it warms my heart to know others love it as much as I do.”

Words of Reflection 

From working with SEVENTEEN’s fanbase to selling her products at local K-pop events in Vancouver, Clara is incredibly grateful for all the support and looks forward to the future. She said, “K-pop connects fans from all over the world and I love that I can also take part in this by sharing my own artwork.”

Keep up with Clara by checking out her website, Instagram, and TikTok! 

Want to explore more small businesses? Check out our recent small business spotlight here. 

The post Small Business Spotlight: EmbroideryUnnie appeared first on EnVi Media.

Are you looking for trendy products that reflect the lifestyle of Gen Z? EnVi is here to highlight some products made by small businesses that are popular with the Gen Z market. From day-to-day apparel to handmade accessories, these items are sure to fit Gen Z and Gen Z-alike’s tastes. 

SHIN+HA: Reversible Bucket Tote

Haeshin Park and Hanna Choi are the faces of the minimalistic brand, SHIN+HA. They both have a love for design and aesthetics and decided to make their dreams come true in 2017 with SHIN+HA.

In addition to running the shop, they are involved in all other aspects of their brand, including material sourcing, production, and marketing. SHIN+HA brings a lot of functional items to the table, but the reversible bucket tote is its best-selling product. Cotton serves as the perfect canvas for the Los Angeles-based designers to create durable, everyday bags. 

Minimalism is loved by Gen Z because of its aesthetic, sustainability, and convenience. Haeshin believes that their reversible bucket tote bag resonates with the everyday needs of their Gen Z customers because of its minimalistic style and super functional design. “Our design goal is to create timeless products,” she told EnVi. “The reversibility is a bonus feature for customers to stylize or carry in a way to suit their needs and fashion.”

Cloudverse: Handmade Earrings

Introducing Cloudverse, your go-to destination for one-of-a-kind earrings that will elevate your fashion game! Paige Peterson created her small earring business in July of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Cloudverse provides hypoallergenic and affordable earrings that are both trendy and stylish. 

One of the shop’s best sellers is the heart lollipop earrings. The quirky and brightly colored food item-turned-accessory is perfect for the individuality Gen Z embodies. Whether you’re looking for bold and edgy earrings or something more subtle and delicate, Cloudverse has got you covered. There are over 100 different styles of earrings to choose from, so everybody can find a pair that reflects their style. 

sonjie.art: Artisan Keycaps

Bring a cute and colorful twist to your mechanical keyboard with these handmade keycaps by sonjie.art. In spring 2022, Sonja found her artistic talent in creating custom keycaps by watching another artist. “I did a bunch of research and went into a whole rabbit hole learning about mechanical keyboards and the community. That’s when I decided to make my own keycap designs!” Sonja shared with EnVi. 

Most of their polymer clay keycap designs are based on animals and well-known film characters, like Yoda from Star Wars. Their most popular design is inspired by Yae Miko, a character from a popular video game called Genshin Impact. Each design is posted on their Instagram account for a special sale and is available to ship worldwide from Canada. 

Allchlosu: Parasocial Support Person Photocard Holder

Allchlosu is a jewelry and K-pop accessory business founded in July 2020 during the pandemic. Chloe, the founder of Allchlosu, is a graphic designer and jewelry maker, but more importantly, a K-pop multi-stan! Allchlosu’s Parasocial Support Person Photocard Holder perfectly represents Gen Z’s irreverent attitude. The generation is known for analyzing the deeper meaning of parasocial relationships and then using humor and irony to make light of them. This product is the perfect way to do that and wear a stylish accessory. 

The photocard holder comes in pink and blue and is bordered with diamond accents. The holder has a chain that can be attached to bags and phone cases so you can take your parasocial support person wherever you go.

Savagely Stitching: Crochet Stuffed Animals

There’s no age limit to owning stuffed animals, and Gen Z is into collecting them. Savagely Stitching, an online shop based in Utah, found a way to add a unique twist to common cotton plushies. During the pandemic, Gen Z had grown an interest in crocheting due to its popularity on TikTok. “Many people needed to find ways to be entertained while being confined to their homes,” Vanessa Savage, the shop owner, shared. “I noticed a lot of people started using crochet as a way to connect with others and as a way to express who they are through a unique art form.” She then began to crochet in the summer of 2020. After learning to crochet amigurumi, 3D crochet figures, she then founded her small business in October 2020 with the encouragement of her parents.

Each crochet plushie of Savagely Stitching is handmade with love and comes in different sizes, from keychains to huggable ones. Most of their crochet patterns are designed by pixieplushies, who also sells their own handmade crochet plushies. The shop’s most popular item is The Lovey Cow in Overalls. Dolled up with a cute heart design on its overall outfit, it catches the heart of many plushie collectors. The plushie is 9 inches tall by 5 inches wide and is made using soft Bernat Blanket yarn from Joann Fabrics and Sweet Snuggles Lite yarn from Michaels in pink and white colors.

The Juice Box Club: Boba Friends Collection

Crystal Jiang is the artist and founder of The Juice Box Club, an online shop that sells various items such as stationary, apparel, tote bags, etc. Jiang does everything from choosing a concept design to creating social media content, packaging, and tabling at pop-up events. Her Boba Friends collection is inspired by her own friend group. She decided to go with the concept of boba plushies because of the rising love for boba gatherings within Gen Z. In respect to the characters themselves, the plushies are based on the pets the friends each have as well as the personalities of the owners. The collection includes two cats (Platinum and Luna), a rabbit (Sesame), a Shiba Inu (Kona), a frog (Ribberto), and a bear (Lemon). 

“I think what I have in my shop is definitely special because every design you see is inspired by my life,” she told EnVi. In addition, her other inspirations include video games, anime, and shows that she enjoys and/or grew up watching. “All of the designs tie into my life somehow,” she expressed. “and I personally and specifically felt like a lot [of] Asian Americans would relate to it since our culture [was] looked down upon or made fun of growing up.”

Each of these businesses has curated items that have found the hearts of many Gen Zers. The taste of the late ’90s to the early 2000s generation is a mix of old, modern, and even futuristic styles. Whatever you may be into, you’ll be sure to discover items you love within these shops.

This article is part of EnVi’s Gen Z Issue. Get your physical copy here!

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EnVi is back with another Small Business Spotlight! We’ve rounded up seven Black-owned small businesses that sell fan-made merchandise inspired by a variety of K-pop groups and soloists. From decorated photocard holders to cosmetics, these shops have something for everybody.

Serendipity Parade

Serendipity Parade is a BTS-centric merch shop that features apparel, enamel pins, accessories, home decor, slogans, stickers, and so much more. With over 20 thousand followers on Instagram, Serendipity Parade earns its place as a go-to shop for ARMYs (BTS fans). 

Its most sought out product recently is its Kpop Concert Ita Bags, a clear bag for concerts that Serendipity Parade said is stadium-approved. Other items that stand out are a j-hope tote bag, a Still With You Bomber Jacket inspired by the Jung Kook song, and BTS-themed wallets.

While mostly being a BTS shop, Serendipity Parade also features three TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) merch items: pins, a sticker, and a pin based on the song “Anti-Romantic.”

Serendipity Parade was created by Eboné and she is the sole organizer of the shop. The store has its own website and Etsy.

HK Creates Shop

HK Creates caters to multiple K-pop fandoms: Stray Kids, BTS, ATEEZ, TXT, P1Harmony, and LE SSERAFIM. Kay, the owner of the shop, said it originated as a book fandom merchandise shop but reopened in October 2022 to be a multi-fandom K-pop store.

HKCreates sells a range of items including art prints, tote bags, tumblers, and photocard holders. Kay said her favorite product is also the latest addition to the shop: the photocard holders. She said they are her favorite because they are fun to design.

All things HK Creates are available on Etsy. Kay said she hopes to open her own website soon and is venturing into in-person sales at K-pop fan events in Orlando, Florida.

KorBeautyPopShop

KorBeautyPopShop creates and sells K-pop and anime-inspired cosmetics and accessories. The shop has items inspired by a variety of K-pop boy and girl groups. 

Some best sellers on the site include Red Velvet Furry Heart Bags and Aurora earrings, the latter inspired by the same-named ATEEZ song. The shop also sells a variety of makeup items: STAYC-inspired blush tints, a SEVENTEEN-inspired DuoChrome Glitters Palette, Dreamcatcher-inspired matte lipsticks, and lip glosses inspired by a variety of songs. For aespa fans, the shop also sells decoden resin photocards of each member.

KorBeauty products are available on its website. Every order includes stickers and Korean language learning cards. According to the website, the shop’s owner Linda created the shop in 2020 to provide fans with a new and fun shopping experience.

Treasures, Trinkets, and Thingamabobs

Treasures, Trinkets, and Thingamabobs is a shop run by a mother and daughter duo, Personnia and Kyla. Kyla said the shop, also called 3T Factory for short, was created in 2009 and introduced K-pop items in 2017. 

Kyla said that 3T Factory makes accessories ranging from keychains to jewelry, tumblers, plaques, apparel, decals, pens and more. She said some of the shop’s best sellers are earring and shaker charm keychains. In particular, Kyla said the cuff earrings inspired by SEVENTEEN’s Face the Sun are well-loved by fans. 3T Factory also has items dedicated to GOT7, ATEEZ, ONEUS, TWICE, and other K-pop groups. 

Aside from K-pop, 3T Factory makes items based on other media including anime, danmei, and non-fandom related trinkets. The shop also accepts custom orders.

“It’s truly a reflection of what we’re into at the moment and encompasses a wide variety of things,” Kyla said.

She also said anyone can find something at 3T Factory. As the store name implies, treasures, trinkets, and thingamabobs can be purchased on the shop’s Etsy page.

Deconysus

Deconysus is a K-pop merch shop created in 2021. Stephanie, the owner of the shop, said she mostly makes items for BTS, ATEEZ, and TXT, but hopes to branch out to other groups. The shop sells decoden photocard holders, top loaders, glitter photocards, and polaroids. Official merch items, such as albums and photocards, are also available for purchase. Stephanie said the shop’s best sellers are the decoden photocard holders. 

While Deconysus does not have an online shop, the store accepts DMs on Instagram from those interested in its items. The Florida-based shop also tables at cupsleeve events in the state. Those interested in making in-person purchases can follow the shop’s Instagram.

97verse

97verse is an Etsy shop that specializes in K-pop inspired keychains. The shop sells a variety of K-pop groups including SEVENTEEN, BTS, NCT, and soloist WONHO. One of the shop’s best sellers is a Hope World Keychain inspired by BTS’s j-hope. 97verse also sells stickers and the occasional embroidered sweatshirt. 

The shop’s owner, Sarah, opened the store in October 2019. According to its Etsy page, 97verse is “a small shop with a big heart.”

RollyBabyDolly

RollyBabyDolly was created by its owner Rahel in 2021. The shop sells BT21-themed bonnets and satin pillowcases. While the BT21-themed bonnets are currently sold out, a bonnet inspired by the BTS song “Black Swan” is available for purchase. RollyBabyDoll also sells acrylic charms of BTS members. 

According to its site, RollyBabyDolly was created to provide for the needs of Black K-pop fans.

Want to read about more K-pop inspired shops? Check out EnVi’s Small Business Spotlights here.

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Eco-friendly goods are often seen as costly investments. An Candles’ affordable and natural soy wax candles with minimalistic designs might change your perspective on eco-friendly goods. 

What started as a pure love for scents and candles eventually became a family business for the An family. One of An Candles’ owners, Henna Cho, shared with EnVi through email the inspiring journey of their business and the process of self-producing each and every candle with care. 

A Union of Cultures

An Candles was established in 2019 by Kenneth An and Henna Cho, who decided to venture into the handmade candles business after experiencing unforeseen health circumstances. 

As much as it is a business, An Candles would be better described as the embodiment of the owners’ identities. An Candles was named after the family name ‘An’, and even the scents of their products were hugely influenced by Kenneth and Henna’s culture. Henna explained, “As Asian Americans, it was really challenging to find scents that we both enjoyed, therefore we created something that was infused with our cultures.” 

The Hands-On Production 

From producing the candles all the way to packaging, the owners and staff handle every step of the candle-making process with great care and patience. “We melt the wax, create the fragrance, pour at a [specific] temperature, and wait for the magic to happen! Some other things that requires labor are placing the labels, warning stickers, and wicks,” Henna elaborated.  

When asked how long the production process takes, Henna said that depending on the number of candles to be made, the process may take hours two days. Because of the lengthy process, Henna admitted it requires a lot of patience and they often have to trust the process. “It takes a lot of time and effort in creating a unique scent, as well as waiting for the candles to be created. We started this journey in hopes of creating luxurious yet affordable scents for others. During tough times, we remind ourselves that this is something fun we enjoy [doing],” she shared.

Chic, Safe and Environmentally-Friendly

The customers’ health and the environment have always been core to the consideration of production process. Not only that the candles are made of soy wax which is non-toxic and does not produce harmful by-products or black soot when burning, An Candles’ products are also free of carcinogens, paraffin, or pollutants. This makes products less likely to trigger allergies. An Candles also makes sure that the jar that remains after the candle is burnt away, is recyclable to reduce waste.  

Healthy and environmentally-friendly options do not have to be expensive, and An Candles prove exactly that. The price of their products ranges from $13-$30. On top of making your home smell nice, their modern and minimalistic design will sit well as a piece of decoration in your living spaces.

Best-Sellers and Personal Favorites

With a myriad of scents to choose from, you may have a difficult time deciding which items to put in your shopping cart. We have got you covered with some customer favorites and the ones that An Family has a special attachment to. 

Henna told us that four-ounce candles are popular among customers since they can test out the scents before committing. If you like a sweet and fruity scent, Kenneth’s current favorite and recent creation – the Black Currant & Marionberry candle might be your pick (you may email or DM An Candles on Instagram to order this candle). If you like something subtle and refreshing with a hint of floral scent, though, Henna’s suggestion would be her personal favorite – the Sea Salt and Orchid candle, which is also one of An Candles’ earliest creations. For people who do not use candles, An Candles has got a perfect alternative for you – the reed diffuser that comes in the different scents offered for candles. 

As the holidays are nearing, what’s better than natural hand-made candles with a hand-picked scent as gifts for your loved ones? Visit An Candles’ website to find that one gift that would put a smile on your loved ones’ faces.

Want to read more EnVi small business content? Click here!

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Are you looking to decorate your home, accessorize with jewelry, or even create personalized gifts? California-based online business, Mars by Mar, has got you covered! With a diverse range of items, this shop is sure to help you find what you’re looking for. In this chapter of EnVi’s Small Business Spotlight, Marion, the shop’s owner, spoke with us via Zoom about her products and business journey.

Journey to Mars

In her youth, Marion had no idea that she would one day own a business. Up until around the age of 22, her goal was to become a teacher. However, when she realized she wasn’t cut out for the position, she made the decision to venture off into a new major. 

“That was like a whole process,” she began. “I think at that point, I felt like I was working toward something my whole life, and then it just kind of all crumbled all at once. It was a lot of trying out new things like taking a lot of random classes at community college and trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing.”

Before Industrial Design, her original major was Furniture Design. While she worked for a few high-end furniture companies, she chose to shift to laser cutting as it was less expensive than starting a furniture company from scratch. She took a 3D art class and a stained glass window-making class, and both turned out to be enjoyable. It was then that she discovered a new passion and realized that handcrafting was her true calling. 

“I think that’s when I realized I want[ed] to do something where I [could] use my hands to create art but also have it be something that can go on the market. I thought that was really fun because I [get] to be a part of the entire process of building something from beginning to end.”

After studying and perfecting her work at the Art Institute of Orange County, Mars by Mar was born. In addition to her work at the shop, Marion also coordinates weddings with her other company, Mars Productions. 

Inspiration and Behind the Scenes

Marion’s initial focus with her business was selling earrings, not only because they were easier for her to make, but because she believes they are fun accessories that people can wear with a variety of designs and colors. Many of the earrings she has up on her website are her own designs, but every so often, she has friends send their designs for production. 

In terms of inspiration, most of her ideas are influenced by her life and things that she likes.  Once she has an idea set in stone, the first step is to draw it and bring it to life in Illustrator. From there, she inserts the design into a program that converts it into a file that her laser can read and create. At that point, she chooses the colors and works on any final touches. 

When asked what product sells the most, she mentioned that her Hangul puzzle boards are popular sellers. With this item, customers have the choice to purchase wooden or acrylic tiles and boards. She spent almost two years perfecting everything, and when she finally began to sell them, people loved the idea.

“[With] those, usually people will send me a name and then I just make it on an Illustrator file,” she began. “I cut all the pieces out on wood, I have to sand down all the wood and glue all the pieces together. Sometimes, I have to hand-paint them. Even [with] acrylics, I have to sand it down sometimes so that is kind of a lengthy process which is why they’re a little bit pricier. I think when I finally got that [product] up and running, it was a big thing for me.”

In addition, her “picture this” keychains have done really well too. The idea to make an acrylic keychain out of a photo came to her when her dog got sick. She wanted to create something of her own where she could carry him around everywhere she went. Shortly after, she had a few people compliment her work and ask if she could make some for them as well. This encouraged her to start selling some on Mars by Mar, and once she decided to add them to the list of items for sale, they sold like crazy. 

“I get to be a part of the whole process of prepping everyone’s pictures,” Marion said. “It’s cool to see ‘oh these are my clients.’ I get to see their pictures as well as get to see pictures of their loved ones so that part is really cool to me.”

Persistence and Friendship are Key

When asked what advice she would give to someone who dreams of making their own business someday, Marion said perseverance and finding a good community of friends will get you a long way. 

“I wanna say honestly, especially because it’s an online business, have good friends who will support you and have a community who will believe in you,” she affirmed. “I think it’s really about the people you surround yourself with, the people who will support you, even if they’re not your friends. Even my clients will support me, I think that’s really awesome!”

Owning a small business presented a number of challenges in the beginning. She began with only her Etsy shop and expressed that it was difficult to realize that she wouldn’t get many sales a month. It only started to get easier when she would see people wearing her products—this served as encouragement to keep going. Furthermore, she believes perseverance is essential, so she stayed dedicated to her work every day until eventually, her efforts paid off. 

If you’re interested in Marion’s products, don’t forget to check out her website as well as her Etsy shop, and don’t forget to show her some love on Instagram and Pinterest!

Interested in supporting other small businesses? Check out our feature on K-Universe Thrift here!

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If you’re looking for home decor that fits your Korean and Nordic aesthetic mix design, Canvas + Clay Studio has all the items you need.

In this Small Business Spotlight, EnVi connected with Christina Chae through email, the owner of Canvas + Clay Studio, on how her small business started and what her home and lifestyle brand in the US is all about.

What is Canvas + Clay Studio?

Canvas + Clay Studio offers handmade home decor such as decorative trinket trays, trinket jars, planters, and soap dishes. Their items are made from jesmonite, a non-toxic, water-based, and eco-friendly alternative to resins.

Christina shared the process of making their items: “It is similar to that of resin or concrete where you mix and pour the material into molds. After being poured into molds, we wait for it to harden and fully cure. From there we de-mold, sand, and seal all the products to make them water-resistant.” With this tedious process, the entire production takes about three days.

Creating decor started from a DIY kit experience that Christina bought online for fun. Since then, her hobby has flourished into her own brand. Her driving force to start selling her items was a quote from Confucious: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Upon hearing the quote, she made sure that the career choice she made would be one she genuinely enjoyed and was passionate about. This entails “crafting art, organizing, operating, and building things from the ground up.” 

Created With A Purpose

For Christina, starting her small business was a “leap of faith.” She shared that she founded Canvas + Clay during the most difficult season of her life. “[I was] struggling with my identity and purpose. I was extremely discouraged and confused as to what career path I would choose and follow.”

While making her first tray and thinking of how to use it, she remembered that she was made for a purpose and should strive to pursue it. Hence, Canvas + Clay was born with the hope to “remind people that everyone and everything has a place and is made with a purpose.” Christina added, “We hope that every piece taken to a home relays the message for people to style, curate, and give meaning and purpose to their Canvas + Clay Studio piece in their spaces.”

Christina truly has a passion for arts and is currently pursuing her dream to be an artist or entertainer while managing her small business. “I’ve always had a passion for singing, acting, and performing and aspire to share my passions and talents in the entertainment industry as a representative of Christian Asian-American women,” she shared.

Our Favorite Items

All Canvas + Clay items are handmade with love and highly inspired by Korean or Nordic minimalist interiors and homes. Christina explained the inspiration behind their designs: “While some pieces may look a bit abstract or unique, they’re still made with neutral tones and colors and rounded soft shapes and silhouettes to have the ability to fit right into any type of space or style of home.”

Depending on their size, items range from $15 to $70. One best-seller is the Mini Pebble Jar, which is perfect to store little items like rings, studs, or trinkets.

They also have an Oval Tray that comes in small, medium, and large sizes. These trays are popular in the shop as they are “perfect for displaying and placing items that need a home such as jewelry, perfume, candles, wallets, keys, and whatever else you got lying around!”

If you like their items, you can spot them at different pop-up markets or check out their official website. Make sure to follow them on their Instagram account to be updated on their whereabouts and new item releases.

Want to explore more small businesses? Check out our recent small business spotlight with K-Universe Thrift here!

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Thrift shopping is a great way to give preloved items a new home. Whether it’s clothes, artwork, or antique furniture pieces, shoppers can save up to $150 monthly just from buying secondhand. For K-pop fans, thrifting is a way for fans to connect with their favorite artist through fashion, among other things. When it comes to purchasing patterns of  K-pop fans, many spend their money on buying physical albums. Compared to albums from western artists, K-pop albums include special items like stickers, film strips, and photocards. These inclusions prompt fans to buy them. However, when supporters overbuy these products, excess copies can become plastic waste. To solve this, some fans have started their own initiative, including K-Universe Thrift, a small business from Texas. 

For this month’s small business spotlight, EnVi spoke with Jess, the owner of K-Universe Thrift, about reselling K-pop merchandise and making them accessible to all.

How the Exchange Works

The shop is responsible for two things: getting merchandise donations and getting those donations in the hands of fans. Donors will fill out a form where they enter details and pictures of the items they want to donate. After discussing shipping details with Jess, donors send their package. They are then verified, checked for any damages, and then listed on Instagram and their website. The shop ships domestically and internationally.

Making K-pop Merchandise More Accessible 

Although K-pop albums include many items depending on the retailer, album prices range from $15 to $25 exclusive of shipping fee. For some fans, buying albums can be a huge financial responsibility. This is the sentiment Jess felt. The shop started operating in March 2022 with the mission “to give K-pop fans who are on a budget the opportunity to purchase discounted official merchandise.” The initiative allows fans to donate their pre-loved merchandise, while others get the opportunity to buy them at a lower price. For example, on K-Universe Thrift, NCT 127’s Favorite is sold for $6, compared to $22 at Target. Jess said donating to K-Universe Thrift gives a better alternative to merchandise than giving it to Goodwill, where it is “likely to get thrown away anyways.” 

Jess also wants to do her part to remedy the overconsumption of goods and bulk buying. When promoting an album, K-pop artists run fansigns, an opportunity to speak to your favorite artist by winning a raffle. The more albums someone buys, the higher the chance of them being selected. While some fans only buy one or two albums, some buy over 100 albums to increase their chances. Jess mentioned, “I don’t necessarily agree with bulk buying, but I do understand why it happens.” She also elaborated that K-pop albums are not as sustainable as they could be. “Most albums are virtually non-recyclable due to the paper, cardboard, and inks used.”

Being a Sustainable Business Owner 

As a business owner, running into problems with customers can sometimes be unavoidable. Lucky for Jess, these issues have not occurred. She thanks their transparency with customers for this. “I believe that everyone who shops with me knows exactly what they’re getting and understands the nature of buying secondhand goods. Along with educating fans on how they can do their own part, when donations come, I reuse the padded mailers or bubble wrap if they are in good condition. When I run out of bubble wrap, I use newspapers and junk mail.” They also moved into printing out QR codes on recyclable paper instead of printing business cards. Jess hopes one day that they will be able to use 100% recycled material when it comes to packaging and offsetting carbon emissions. 

Keeping Your Fandom Life Sustainable

Being more environmentally conscious does not have to break the bank or be complicated. Jess uses the online community as your source for buying merchandise. She mentions, “If the album you purchased didn’t come with what you want, you can search online for folks who would want to trade or even buy from you.” Although it is a pricey option, joining group orders is also a good idea. “It would give you more of a guarantee that you would get the items that you truly want.” 

Instead of throwing away your K-pop items, think of regifting, doing a giveaway, or donating to K-Universe Thrift! If you’d like to donate or buy albums from K-Universe Thrift, you can find Jess on Instagram and their official website. 

Interested in sustainability in K-pop? Check out our guide on how to make your K-pop collection more sustainable!

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