Participating Artists

Ashlee Lam | Small World

Hello, world. I'm Ashlee! I created Small World as a little shop to house all of my crafting creations. It started with fluid painting in my apartment, to creating resin coasters and jewelry, and now I mostly dabble in polymer clay. Small World is primarily focused on gifts, jewelry, and trinkets.

Why are you participating?

Aside from creating & running Small World, I'm one of the co-founders of AKASSA. This tiny community that we're trying to build has become a passion of mine to connect creators/makers with the ability to give back in meaningful ways to the AAPI community.

You probably already know that this season we're focused on mental health. This topic is such a BIG one for me because for many years I've struggled with anxiety and depression, but never sought for professional help until recently through the Asian Mental Health Collective network. I hope that our work this year helps destigmatize mental health within the Asian/Asian-American community while spreading positive vibes through art and goods that are meant to give you comfort, space, and zen.

Follow Ashlee on Instagram: @smallworldgifts

Ashley Marquez | sincerelysunshinecat

filipina artist and streamer based in san diego, ca.

loves bringing smiles into the world through her art + grateful for her sunnies community.

enjoys designing with her fun doodie cartoon characters via digital art and animations, acrylic paint, 3d printing, merch, stickers, pins, and more!

Why are you participating?

I am participating in AKASSA's fall fundraiser because mental health is a very important aspect of our lives and deserves more light. With the Asian Mental Health Collective being the chosen organization to raise money for, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to support the initiative! The AKASSA team is also a set of amazing friends that I have been fortunate to know from college. Through their teamwork and this collaborative fundraiser, mental health and self-care can take the stage! Thank you for all that you do, AKASSA!

Follow Ashley on Instagram: @sincerelysunshinecat

Hope Dimaya | KlassydesignsbyHope

I was previously an owner of Hope’s Hallmark shop for 9 years. In 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. While on treatment, I received a beautiful gift from our church members, a prayer blanket that has string with knots hanging from it with one tied for each prayer made for my recovery. Now, that blanket is hung like a tapestry in my craft room that inspires me everyday. The knots were my inspiration to begin macramé. Each piece I make is full of inspiration, love, and hope that I pass on to my customers.

Why are you participating?

Mental health is more important now than ever before. It’s in every stage of our life including our emotional, psychological, and social well being. It affects how we feel, think, act, handle stress and depression, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health is so vast that some of us don’t realize it surrounds us within our circle of friends, co-workers, and family. I try to be aware and be there for others when I can.

Follow Hope on Instagram: KlassydesignsbyHope

Jackie Morris | Jackie Gets Crafty

I dove into the DIY/crafting/Etsy world after being diagnosed with MS back in 2011, and there was no turning back! I've dabbled in soaps, candle making, jewelry making, and now resin art! Making things with my hands brings me so much joy and pride and I love sharing that feeling with others :)

Why are you participating?

The passion, heart, and ideas behind AKASSA are amazing and giving back to the AAPI community is something I would love to do more of.

Follow Jackie on Instagram: @jackiegetscrafty

Kristen Kumagai | Studio Kuma

Kristen is an illustrator and product designer currently working in stationary! When she's not drawing, she enjoys playing video games and going hiking.

Why are you participating?

I’m passionate about increasing mental health awareness and creating art!

Follow Kristen on Instagram: @studiokuma

Mandi Saeteun | Villagemade

A first-generation Iu Mien American, Mandi Saeteun created Villagemade as a way to explore her cultural identity and celebrate her heritage. She draws inspiration from traditional embroidery patterns of the Iu Mien and uses her work to promote visibility of her community, reconnection, and belonging.

Why are you participating?

I believe that improving access to mental health opportunities, where judgment and stigma can be withheld, has the potential for transformative healing. That’s why it’s such a privilege to support a meaningful organization such as the Asian Mental Health Collective.

Follow Mandi on Instagram: @villagemade.co

Mia Sasaki | Miv Svsvki

Where words fall short, art and music bring communication to more intimate levels of connection; from addressing discomforting topics, to soothing discomforted souls. With her creations, Miv hopes to unite human beings even if it is just between her and one other.

Why are you participating?

If it’s to make the world a little less scary, I’m all for it.

Follow Mia on Instagram: @mivsvsvki

Linden Apothecary | Linden Apothecary

We are a family-owned herbal shop, focusing on producing small batches of healing products made from home-grown plants and herbs. Each petal, leaf and root is harvested by hand and preserved into oil infusions, tinctures and salves.

Why are you participating?

We believe that it's ok not to be ok, and to talk about it.

Follow Linden Apothecary on Instagram: @lindenapothecary

Serena Brown | Ser.Amic

Serena is a San Francisco-based ceramicist who specializes in planters & little creatures. She is inspired by the strangeness all around her and enjoys bringing her thoughts & feelings to life through clay.

Why are you participating?

I am proud to be a co-founder of AKASSA and feel very passionate about the community we’re building. Beyond the artists we’ve partnered with, I am thankful to those who resonate with our values & support our philanthropy. Through my art, I hope that I can inspire others to lean into their feelings and over-romanticize the small things in life - like drinking a cup of tea, sitting in the garden, or hugging a friend.

Follow Serena on Instagram: @ser.amic

Yang Liu | Yang Liu Studio

Hi, I am Yang👩‍🔬 I love drawing and sleep. It is nice to meet you. Let's hang out sometime!

Why are you participating?

I have personally dealt with mental health. It is very easy for me to empathize with the theme for this campaign. I am glad AKASSA asked me to join in this project. It means a lot to me. I hope I can help with this community - it makes me happy.

Follow Yang on Instagram: @yangliustudio

Annie Jalota | AnnieJ

Annie is one of the co-founders of AKASSA. When she's not doing marketing for her full-time job, she's heads down learning something new or off on an adventure with friends to try new things, play new games, and eat at new restaurants.

Why are you participating?

I care a lot about philanthropy, and I'm proud to be building our third fundraiser in less than 2 years. I'm excited to be focused on mental health as I think it's very relevant today (during the holidays and in the larger context of the pandemic), and also from a cultural perspective because there's so much stigma and shame associated with it in the AAPI community.

Follow Annie on Instagram: @anniej