MOTHER Loves:
Meeka Hossain, Mei Kwok,
Natalie Lim Suarez & Sasha Mei

At MOTHER, we're dedicated to celebrating and supporting the AAPI community year-round.

DJ Mei Kwok, model & singer Natalie Lim Suarez, entrepreneur Sasha Mei and content creator Meeka Hossain share their inspirations, the influence of their families and cultures and the importance of representation of the AAPI community.

SHOP THE LOOK — SNACKS! The Chiclet Zip Crop in Sticky Rice, SNACKS! High Waisted Push Pop Crop Cuff in Sticky Rice

"I WANT MY CHILDREN TO FEEL INSPIRED BY THEIR OWN HERITAGE AND CARRY WITH THEM THE AMBITION TO DO GOOD IN THE WORLD."

NATALIE LIM SUAREZ

Q: What’s your zodiac sign? What’s the best part about being that sign?

A: I'm a Scorpio. I think we have an intensity that makes us so passionate about what we do. I love that I have a very strong intuition. I can feel what's right and I always trust that. It's like having my own little superpower.

Q: What are your goals for 2023?

A: I feel a lot more free to express myself this year, and feel very comfortable being authentically me. My goal is to use that confidence in my work. Sing more. Dance more. Have more fun. Do things for me that I have loved my entire life. I like being present without an exact plan. I allow things to unfold naturally and easily.

Q: What makes you excited to wake up in the morning?

A: I’m always very excited to start each day fresh and brand new. It's a chance for me to do better and see things in a more positive light. I have my coffee or matcha, and always do my 5 minute chanting of "nam myoho renge kyo." It's something my Chinese grandma, my mother, cousins, and aunts and uncles would chant every morning and evening. It's a Buddhist chant that has allowed me to believe in myself and overcome just about anything. It's made me a lot more comfortable in my own skin.

Q: How do you stay motivated when things get tough?

A: To stay motivated is to have balance. I would take more rest if I'm feeling burnt out. I'll go for a walk or a bike ride. I'll have a night in. I'll have lunch with friends and just find a reason to laugh. You have to be happy and well rested every step of the way.

Q: What is something you learned from your mother (or mother figure) about your heritage?

A: She's taught me to be proud of who I am and where I come from. That being different with such a diverse background is totally beautiful and special. That everyone's stories are unique and should be cherished and celebrated.

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self now?

A: I would tell my younger self to find patience in the everyday. Everything happens at the right time.

Q: What is something important you think people should know about AAPI history and this month in general?

A: This is a month where we can reflect on all Asian American and Pacific Islander talent with pride. It's an amazing time to continue educating ourselves on our culture and where we came from. It's a time to remember to talk to our parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents about their own stories and learn from them. It's about continuing traditions and sharing that with others in our lives. For example, the Lunar New Year is always a huge celebration in my home and something my friends from all backgrounds enjoy and appreciate.

Q: How does AAPI culture influence your content and daily life?

A: Being a minority meant being faced with many challenges growing up, and I have formed a very thick skin. I looked different than my peers and grew up eating different foods in my home. My parents are entrepreneurs and work very hard. That mentality of a strong work ethic and "can do" attitude is something I definitely inherited from them and it's a mindset I am very proud of. My mother is Chinese and born in Singapore and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She taught me to have an inner strength and to always voice what is on my mind. It wasn't always easy, but it was worth it. My father is Mexican American, and has taught me to be grateful for the rare opportunities that come my way in life that my ancestors didn't have the chance of receiving. My family wanted me to be prepared for whatever life threw my way. They have taught me to be an independent thinker in all aspects of my life. I never followed a traditional path in life, but as an American, I am so grateful to be given opportunities and a chance to live the dream, and I think that inner resilience is something being an Asian American is all about. As for my daily work life, I'm very spiritual and like to begin and end my day with a quiet mind. I like to do my work with as much focus and intention as I can. I can have a lot of fun with my content and incorporate parts of my heritage in it. I love wearing a beautiful Malaysian cheongsam dress to a fashion party, or showing my followers all about the curries and Malaysian food I make at home.

Q: What is something important you think people should know about your heritage?

A: Family and staying grounded is very important in my heritage. In Malaysia, where my family lives, it's all about being open minded. I grew up around so many different cultures and it's all about respecting all of them. In Malaysia, you're surrounded by Chinese, Indian, and Malay people. We're all so different yet share the same love for family and community. That I believe is what brings people together.

Q: How does your heritage influence your style?

A: Red is considered very lucky in Chinese culture and it's such a powerful shade that I love wearing. I also always wear a jade ring for protection. It's a piece from my Hainanese grandmother. It reminds me to do everything with love.

Q: What is something you’ve learned growing up being a POC that you want to pass down to your children?

A: I want my children to know that everyone is beautiful and to have respect for all cultures. I want my children to feel inspired by their own heritage and carry with them the ambition to do good in the world.

SHOP THE LOOK — The Rowdy in Heather Grey, The Tab Roller Skimp in From Out Of Town

"FRAME YOUR DIFFERENCES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE"

SASHA MEI

Q: What’s your zodiac sign? What’s the best part about being that sign?

A: I'm a Leo sun, and I love the warm, extroverted, and fiercely loyal nature of Leos. I also love being a fire sign - the energy is unparalleled.

Q: What are your goals for 2023?

A: I don't think I have very specific, targeted goals, but overall I want to continue to grow more comfortable and confident in my skin. I struggled so much with confidence and self worth last year, and building that back has been truly rewarding.

Q: What makes you excited to wake up in the morning?

A: My morning coffee!

Q: What is something you learned from your mother (or mother figure) about your heritage?

A: Actions speak louder than words. One of the (many) differences I notice between Asian and North American cultures is the emphasis placed in Asia on getting things done. My mother doesn't just say she's going to do something - she is not the type of person to say, "Oh we'll definitely do something" and then never act on it. I like to think she's passed on the importance of dependability to my sister and me.

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self now?

A: Your work ethic means more than you know.

Q: How does AAPI culture influence your content and daily life?

A: In all honesty, I don't think it does enough. BUT I can attest to having a strong group of friends who identify as AAPI, and these people are so important to me because I simply don't have to explain myself. We understand the microcosms of experiencing life as an AAPI person - the good and the bad - and this community allows an opportunity for relief.

Q: What is something important you think people should know about your heritage?

A: I identify as mixed race, and even within that there are cultural nuances. Within my Asian heritage, I identify as Malaysian-Chinese, which feels culturally different from Chinese.

Q: If you got to partner with any Asian American and/or Pacific Islander content creator, who would it be and why?

A: Beverly Nguyen. She's doing incredible things with Beverly's Shop and her styling work.

Q: What is something you’ve learned growing up being a POC that you want to pass down to your children?

A: Frame your differences to your advantage. Let yourself stand out for a good reason. If people look past you for your differences, keep your head down and do the work anyway. And if people stand against you, make sure you're the kindest person in the room.

Q: What was the first show, movie or book that you remember identifying with?

A: I feel like I watched this show a little too late, but I loved To All the Boys I've Loved Before. I hadn't seen many examples of families identifying as mixed heritage, and I loved that the popular boys fell for Lana Condor's character. She's so beautiful, I wish I saw more examples of this when I was in school. As a young girl I didn't believe that I would be liked or loved simply because I didn't look like the popular girls at school. I still find myself struggling with this and I have to catch myself!

SHOP THE LOOK — The Super Cruiser in Movin' On Up, The Rowdy in Bright White

"YOUR DIFFERENCES ARE WHAT MAKE YOU UNIQUE AND SHOULD BE CELEBRATED."

MEEKA HOSSAIN

Q: What are your goals for 2023?

A: Buy a house, get a puppy and plan my wedding!

Q: What is something you learned from your mother (or mother figure) about your heritage?

A: Something I learned from my nani is willpower and self-discipline. From an early age, she would ask me to do Ramadan with her - fasting from dawn to sunset. Not being able to eat or even drink water for such a long stretch of time gave me the mental strength to test my boundaries and realize what I was capable of. Breaking fast with her at sunset everyday bonded us together and taught me so much about how Bengali food is intertwined with our culture – both ceremoniously and artistically through preparation, presentation and then partaking.

Q: What is something important you think people should know about your heritage?

A: I think people should take time to get to know our history, and with that our cuisine, and taste first-hand how it's different from our neighboring countries, India and Pakistan. Although we use the same ingredients, the outcome of flavors is so different. Our food is very diverse since Bangladesh is made up of at least 35 ethnic backgrounds with each ethnic group having their own variations and unique cuisine.

Q: What is something you’ve learned growing up being a POC that you want to pass down to your children?

A: Your differences are what make you unique and should be celebrated. I spent so much of my childhood trying to assimilate to Western culture that I hid the parts I loved most about being a Bangladeshi. How we dress in traditional garb, the spices we eat, the coconut oil we douse our hair in for self-care rituals – those are some of the parts I love about my culture and will pass down.

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self now?

A: Spend more time with your grandparents – they are filled with knowledge and family history, don't take their wisdom for granted before its too late. And always know your worth – it will help you with dating, your career, friendship boundaries and everything else in life.

Q: What fellow AAPI talents would you like to shine a light on?

A: There are so many I love, but here are five.

@stellasimona - First and foremost, my sister. It's such a blessing that we both get to be creative, support each other and understand each other's work. Our parents didn't always support our creative ventures, so having each other to lean on and grow together is a beautiful and special thing. By following our passions and going against the norm of a "traditional" job, we hope that it helps carve a path for the girls after us who might also feel limited in their career path because of cultural setbacks.

@jordanrisa - I love that she uses her platform and voice to shed light on the issues that matter to her, from running book drives focusing on AAPI authors, to advocating for gun violence laws, to always looking effortlessly chic. I think she's a great example of how you can be it all and you don't have to label yourself as one thing.

@itsamrit - DJ, podcast host, mother, and hilarious meme expert. Amrit's page is filled with all types of entertainment and rawness that keeps you watching and wanting more.

@sanssho - Sandy Ho is a food stylist and founder of Sandita's World – a backyard dinner series that turned into curating bespoke menus for events, pop ups and brand activations. I've been lucky enough to taste her creations a number of times, and I'm always amazed at not only the artistry that goes into each dish, but also the nostalgia that the taste brings of different Asian cuisines I grew up eating.

@neadadeters - Founder of skincare brand, Lesseofficial, everything Neada posts is intentional and artful. I love her minimal style and how she lives with purpose.

SHOP THE LOOK — The Cropped Varsity All-Star in Pinwheel, The Super Cruiser in Movin' On Up, The High Waisted Pouty Prep Heel in White Smoke, The Pixie Rider Ankle in Taxi!

"AAPI HERITAGE MONTH RECOGNIZES THE CONTRIBUTIONS, HISTORIES, AND CULTURES OF AAPI INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES."

MEI KWOK

Q: How do you stay motivated when things get tough?

A: I remind myself that life is full of ebbs and flows. I take each situation with a grain of salt and continue to put one foot in front of the other. Also, big ups to my therapist because he’s always there for emergency calls!

Q: What makes you excited to wake up in the morning?

A: I love waking up and starting the day with a surf, workout, or a nice walk on the beach with my dog and my boyfriend. Aside from staying active in the morning and taking some time for myself, I am motivated to work on Dune by day and DJing for my amazing clients by night.

Q: What was the first show, movie, or book that you remember identifying with?

A: I have been a Wong Kar Wai fan since I was a teenager — started with my obsession with Chungking Express and evolved over time with In The Mood For Love and Days of Being Wild. He did such a great job romanticizing Hong Kong with such beautiful cinematography that it made me so inspired.

Q: What is something important you think people should know about AAPI history and this month in general?

A: AAPI Heritage Month recognizes the contributions, histories, and cultures of AAPI individuals and communities. Acknowledging this month of cultural celebration is important to more than just the AAPI population — it's a wonderful way to teach the world about who we are and appreciate how we have influenced Western civilization. Also, it sheds light on the racism that we still face every day and how the model minority myth is such a harmful stereotype about the AAPI community.

Q: If you got to partner with any Asian American and/or Pacific Islander content creator, who would it be and why?

A: Not sure if I’d ever get to partner with her, but I’d choose Michelle Yeoh. I think she is so absolutely gorgeous, talented, and inspiring for the AAPI community, breaking the age barrier and being the first Asian Woman to win best actress at the Oscars.

Remember that every step we make towards supporting and uplifting the AAPI Community is crucial.

Please take a moment to support these creators.

Related Articles