May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States. It’s a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the AAPI community’s history, culture, and contributions throughout American history. We took this opportunity to reach out to AAPI members of our online community, LMM Chéries, and asked them to share their experiences and what being part of the AAPI community means to them. Here’s what they had to say.

Cindy Janakovic

@tangoc__

“My family is from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, but we identify as Chinese. I took a lot [of our traditions and culture] for granted growing up, but not anymore. Being AAPI to me, means to never be embarrassed or ashamed of your upbringing. Culture and traditions (big or small) are the thread that holds any society, and family together. It doesn’t always matter if it’s perfect or exact. To me, it’s about honouring my upbringing, and honouring everything my parents (as immigrants) worked hard to provide me.”

Hazel Fontanna

@hazelalex.nails

“My parents immigrated from Malaysia to Canada and felt the best way for them and then their kids to integrate into society was to be as North American as possible. It is definitely something I mourn as an adult because they have such a rich Chinese Malaysian culture that is kind of lost on me. As an adult, I’m slowly trying to reconnect with that. My biggest motivator is how the world is changing and my kids. I want my children to be proud of who they are. My parents teach my girls their language and I get to learn too. Also, I’m a huge foodie so being able to explore that side of my culture has been fun.”

Jeanine Canlas

@jeanine.canlas

“I am Filipina, but I was born in Italy. I’ve learned everything thanks to my parents who grew me up with the Filipino culture, from the food to the dances, from the history to the present.  AAPI to me means to assimilate anything I can about my culture and teach it proudly to the people who are interested and curious, as well as understanding other Asians and Pacific Islands cultures. I do believe that we can travel the whole world by simply listening to each other’s stories.”

Rena Yang

@bingeswatching

“I am a first-generation USA citizen born to Chinese immigrants. I first stumbled upon a Pilates video of [influencer Cassey Ho] In college and was fascinated to see another Asian woman in media. As someone who was also self-conscious of their unusual Asian silhouette growing up, I felt isolated from parts of Asian expectation and culture, and this shared experience with her led to my current-day body positivity. I strongly believe in following AAPI influencers because they spread these messages of diversity within our ethnicity; without her videos filled with messages of self-care and acceptance, I would not be the person I am today.”

Shivani Patel

@shivani_patel_1104

“I come from an Indian background. Being an Asian American, I have struggled with balancing my two identities. In high school, I met so many people that struggled with the same issue in the South Asian Student Association. I then realized both of my identities are equally as important. AAPI month is important to me because it celebrates Asian culture, encouraging Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to share the beauty of their rich cultures and backgrounds while also embracing their diverse American culture.”

As a business co-founded by an AAPI woman, Le Mini Macaron is dedicated to uplifting this community that so many of our customers, employees, creators, and business partners belong to. As ever, we believe in encouraging diversity and inclusivity for all.

To become part of our online community and connect with fellow LMM lovers and nail enthusiasts, join us over on FB, chérie!