15 Asian-Owned Businesses in California to Support Now

One of California’s best qualities is its diverse ethnicities and cultures that shape the state’s past, present, and future. Ever since the migration to California during the Gold Rush era, Asian Americans have played a big role in the state’s growth and making California the place we all love. Every day, we aim to highlight and support the marginalized communities and push for a more equitable future—we can start by supporting the many Asian-owned businesses throughout the state.

From beauty products and jewelry to toys and houseplants, this list of Asian-owned businesses is what you’ll resort to the next time you get an urge to shop.

Asian-Owned Businesses in California To Check Out Now

1. Hoppi Box

Based in: San Francisco

Hoppi Box is an awesome subscription box you definitely need in your life, especially if you have children up to three years old. This Asian-owned business sends you a customized box of eco-friendly, sustainable, and BPA-free toys picked out by expert advisors for your child’s developmental stage. A new box is delivered to you each quarter, and your baby has fun and helpful toys for three whole years.

2. Joe’s Ice Cream and Burgers

Based in: San Francisco

Joe’s Ice Cream and Burgers is a good old-fashioned burger joint and ice cream parlor all-in-one. Having been around since 1959, this Asian-owned business was officially recognized as an S.F. legacy business in 2017. Today, current owners Sean and Alice Kim have added a Korean twist to the menu with ice cream flavors like dalgona coffee and new dishes like Seoul-Food salad. Nostalgia and innovative new dishes? We’re all for it.

3. Ele Story

Based in: Castro Valley

Ethereal is the word that comes to mind upon the first look at Ele Story’s beautiful collection. Handmade flowy dresses, gorgeous accessories, and an adorable mommy and me section elevate your fashion game to storybook-chic. This Asian and woman-owned business in California is a must if you want to have a matching moment with your child.

4. Antoine’s Cookie Shop

Based in: Palo Alto, San Mateo

Set an alarm because you’ll definitely want to head to Antoine’s Cookie Shop when the cookies are fresh out of the oven at 11 a.m. Pop over to either the San Mateo or Palo Alto locations. Anyone living in the Bay Area can support this Asian-owned small business by either visiting themselves or ordering online. P.S. The cookies and cream flavor is ah-mah-zing.

5. Hello Shiso

Based in: Berkeley

Mimi Tsang is the designer behind every piece you see on Hello Shiso. Step up your kids’ accessory game with the handmade collection and treat yourself to a barrette or two along the way. Not only is this business Asian-owned, but it’s also almost completely family-run—that’s right, the adorable models on the website are Tsang’s kids.

6. Blume

Based in: Mountain View

Sisters Taran and Bunny Ghatrora are the brains behind Blume, a natural beauty and self-care company for young women aiming to empower the next generation and make them feel confident in their bodies. This Asian-owned business has been endorsed by many well-known figures and is already a cult favorite among beauty and skincare enthusiasts. If you’ve been looking to switch to an organic deodorant, the Hug Me Probiotic Deodorant is one of the best natural beauty products on the market.

7. Eastern People

Based in: Santa Fe Springs

California is home to one of America’s largest Asian communities, and Eastern People is all about celebrating that. A clothing brand that is designed by and for Asians, Eastern People has the coolest collections you constantly want to keep an eye out for. Whether you’re browsing for a hoodie, tank top, T-shirts, or hats, this is where you should shop to upgrade your capsule wardrobe. 

8. Sạch

Based in: Los Angeles

Sạch is an Asian-owned and California-based candle company that’s about to become your go-to brand. Influenced by heritage and personal experiences, this Vietnamese American-owned company makes eco-conscious candles that make every space inviting. Of the many beautiful scents, we have our eyes (and noses) fixed on Gathering, which smells like pine, chili pepper, orange, and coconut. Brookhurst combines sandalwood, white tea, and jasmine. If you ask us, happiness radiates like the fragrance of Sophie’s Garden—your room will smell like spring every day. 

9. Gift of Heart

Based in: Los Angeles

Taiwanese American Kim Chen is the mastermind behind the Asian-owned Etsy shop Gift of Heart. You'll find many fun and funky earrings here ranging from iridescent lightning bolts to bright red chili peppers, and they’re all handmade from acrylics by Chen herself. Our favorites include the science lab flask and the partly cloudy with sun acrylic earrings.

10. Cellular MD

Based in: Los Angeles

Another one of our favorite beauty brands in California is Cellular MD. Asian L.A.-based dermatologist, skin cancer, and sun protection expert Dr. Ronald L. Roy founded the company to preserve and restore health to all skins. Try the all-protective night shield lotion and your skin will thank you later.

11. A Good Used Book

Based in: Los Angeles

Bookworms, we’ve found your next favorite store. A Good Used Book has new and used collections unlike any other and a constantly updating database that keeps us on our toes. The Asian-owned business offers free U.S. mail shipping and local pickups on the weekends in Koreatown. While this used bookstore won’t help your book hoarding problem, it’ll definitely elevate your collection quite well.

12. Shop Dela Gold

Based in: Los Angeles

Shop Dela Gold is a Filipina-owned Los Angeles shop that makes beautiful jewelry from 14k solid gold and natural gemstones. From custom sets and chains to pendants and bangles, this Asian-owned small business has something for everyone. Next time you’re shopping for gifts, you’ll know where to get the most glamorous ones. 

13. Poketo

Based in: Los Angeles

Poketo is a super cool Asian-owned business with design-conscious goods to cultivate a creative lifestyle—this translates to colorful and modern items you won’t resist buying. From hats and socks to candles and notebooks, this cool little Asian-owned online shop is the spot for awesome gifts.

14. SANSO

Based in: Los Angeles

SANSO is derived from the Korean word 산소 which means oxygen. The Asian-owned business offers a breath of fresh air with rare and exotic plants potted in the chicest handmade ceramic vessels. The ultimate accessories to enhance any room, the plants sold online by SAN-SO are as magical as they come.

15. Unique Markets

Based in: Los Angeles

Last but not least on the list is the Unique Markets pop-up. Founder Sonja Rasula founded the pop-up to highlight small businesses from any and all backgrounds—the business helps to give marginalized communities a fair chance to get noticed by a large number of people. So far, Unique Markets has showcased over 11,000 brands and artists and continues to grow those numbers with pop-ups in D.T.L.A., Playa Vista, and more cool places.