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I have the privilege of making a living from the comfort of my own home.
Courtesy of Cherin Choi / Amy Ling / Ariel W.
Or at least, that’s been the case throughout the pandemic.
Being Asian American, in particular, also means having to unlearn all of that as you grow older.
We had incidents where clients asked to switch from an Asian nail specialist to someone who wasn’t Asian.
Courtesy of Amy Ling
We communicated with staff and clients to be supportive of each other during this difficult time.
But I want clients and specialists to feel equal.
I didn’t want them feeling even more fearful [hearing or seeing] my words.
Courtesy of Lanshin
Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac.
Being AAPI myself, I’m in conversation with AAPI staff about what they’ve been experiencing.
We feel heartbreak for the victims of hate crimes more than concern for our own safety.
Courtesy of Cherin Choi
I’m grateful and proud of that.
The support gives us strength that allows us to focus outward, where the AAPI community most needs it.
I’ve committed five percent of monthly profits to organizations working tosupport the AAPI community.
We have open dialogue and communication about what’s affecting us and our communities.
For a team that’s majority BIPOC, none of this is new.
It’s normal to discuss these issues and provide guidance and support for each other.
Courtesy of Ritsuko Hotaka
That’s a prime example of racism supported by the beauty and wellness industries.
I feel overwhelmed with emotion like a big flashback of all the racism I’ve experienced in my lifetime.
I remember just recently seeing aKorean modelon the window of Sephora, which made me cry.
Courtesy of Wink Brow Bar
I felt seen in this world for the first time.
I’m still processing everything that has happened and [continues to] happen.
Thefetishizing of Asian womenis something I’ve dealt with my entire life.
Courtesy of Ada Hsieh
I only hope that we can continue to expand our ideas of beauty.
Again, still emotional trying to figure it out.
Traveling clients became trickier to book as well.
One thing that didn’t change is that I definitely take the time to clean thoroughly.
As for the capacity, however, we are able to have more clients inside at the same time.
We were allowed to reopen on July 6, 2020.
I really, really appreciate everyone who has supported me through this pandemic and in general.
Some people even asked for commissioned drawings as well.
An overwhelming amount of people came out in support.
Recently, [I found out that] the owner of an influential tattoo brand usedracist gesturesto describe us.
As an individual artist who loved their products, it was extremely disappointing to see this sort of behavior.
However, there still has been a lot of support for the AAPI tattoo community.
We only take the customers who have appointments, no walk-ins.
Fortunately, our door is always locked and when our customers come in, we unlock the door.
We try not to remain alone.
Thankfully, we and our customers have respected each other.
But I think children are better educated nowadays.
That’s so reassuring for me.
Also, I gotpepper sprayjust in case.
Fortunately, I have been busy these days.
That is so wonderful and creates a lot of positive energy.
We gave them the space they needed and allowed them to stay home until they felt comfortable.
We also added extra security cameras in the salons.
They show their kindness by overtipping the staff and being super polite.
As a mother of two, theLong Island caustic acid attackreally scared me.
I think people are starting to understand our frustrations as more and more stories come out.
People just have to be open to see and listen.
I think the Asian community is very, very tired though.
[Anti-Asian racism]isn’t anything new; it’s been happening right under everyone’s noses.
It had to take [a mass shooting] for the rest of the nation to wake up.
Also, more specifically, that fox eye trend has got to go!
All of a sudden it’s abeauty trend?
I still see beauty influencers posting tutorials during these times; just educate yourself.
See if upper management listens and takes action.
If nothing is done, at least you understand the lay of the land now.
Make plans to secure a job at another company that has initiatives that are in line with your values.
you’ve got the option to have a bigger impact there.
These interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.
