Amidst a worldwide lockdown, Chris and Minette Sales, a Filipino couple living in Australia, found a way to help families back in the Philippines who are dealing with autism. Their small business, Mrs. Market, helps groups that support people with autism.

Their journey began when their twin sons were diagnosed with autism. Living in Australia gave them access to much-needed help for their children. But Minette, being a Filipino, wanted to share this kind of support with families in the Philippines.

Their business, Mrs. Market, started because their children had special dietary needs. They decided to use this as an opportunity to give back. Some of their profits go to organizations in the Philippines that help people with autism.

Chris, a nurse, already had a feeling that their sons were behind in their development. He told Minette that they needed to face the challenge together and be the best parents for their kids. They run their small business with support from Minette’s mom, who’s also a nurse, and their friends who help when they can.

Mrs. Market is part of a community in Melbourne that supports Filipino business owners. The Sari-Sari Success community started during the lockdown and has become a place where Filipinos can share their experiences as entrepreneurs. It’s all about helping each other succeed, build networks, and make new friends.

Featured Image Source: SBS Filipino

Candles have transcended their traditional use and have become a cherished everyday luxury in Malaysia. The candle-making industry has witnessed a surge in recent years, with numerous brands emerging across the country. Among these, one brand stands out for its unique twist on the classic candle experience – Asian Scents Co.

Unlike typical candle makers that focus solely on scents, Asian Scents Co. takes a novel approach. They offer a range of candles inspired by Asian culture and flavors that will tantalize not only your olfactory senses but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust. From Boba Milk Tea to White Rabbit Candy, and even the distinctive Tiger Balm scent, Asian Scents Co. offers a diverse selection that goes beyond the ordinary.

The brain behind this aromatic venture is Audrey Hon, whose journey began with homesickness while living in Melbourne, far from her Malaysian roots. As the pandemic kept her away from her homeland, she found solace in crafting scented candles. What started as a therapeutic hobby soon turned into a business, driven by the shared nostalgia her candles evoked among friends living abroad.

Audrey started with an initial investment of approximately $24,000, sourced from her personal savings and family support. The candles, crafted from premium natural coconut soy wax, wooden wicks, and high-quality fragrance oils, promise clean and toxin-free burning. She left her corporate job to devote herself fully to the brand, a bold move that paid off as international orders began pouring in from Europe and the US.

Asian Scents Co. has strategically positioned itself in the market by offering a unique blend of scents that celebrate Asian culture. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of options, available as candles, air fresheners, reed diffusers, and linen sprays, with prices ranging from $4 to $20. Customers can choose between travel-sized and full-sized candles, and the brand even offers gift sets.

As the global scented candles market continues to grow, with a projected value of $9.5 billion by 2028, the candle-making industry presents a promising avenue. However, with rising competition, brands need to differentiate themselves. Asian Scents Co. has done just that by tapping into the universal love for food and nostalgia, delivering a unique sensory experience that resonates not only with Malaysians but also with individuals worldwide who share an appreciation for Asian culture and flavors.

Featured Image Source: Asian Scents Co.

In the transition from dormitory living to her own apartment, Phantila Phataraprasit found herself grappling with a challenge familiar to many recent graduates: the quest for affordable, stylish, and eco-friendly furniture. Sustainability has played a significant role throughout her life due to her mother’s involvement in running eco-friendly lodges in Thailand.

Phataraprasit and her college friend Caitlin Ellen teamed up to start Sabai – a Thai word that means feeling comfortable and relaxed. Sabai is a direct-to-consumer furniture company that prioritizes sustainability without sacrificing affordability.

Sabai’s core mission revolves around empowering young professionals to align their values with their furniture choices. For them, achieving true sustainability involves more than using eco-friendly materials.

Their sofas, crafted in a family-owned North Carolina factory, feature Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-certified wood, recycled fiber fill, and upcycled fabrics, free from harmful chemicals. They introduced a “Repair Don’t Replace” program and a buyback initiative to ensure longevity and affordability.

After initially diversifying into various home furnishing categories, Sabai recognized that sustainability remained the driving force for their customers. They refocused their efforts on seating, catering to those with unique aesthetic preferences. This strategic shift enables them to deliver on their core sustainability promise while offering diverse design options.

Aside from this, Sabai also understands the importance of forming meaningful connections with customers. Furniture is intimate, and Sabai recognizes that today’s generation cares deeply about their living spaces.

By amplifying their sustainability initiatives and engaging with consumers, Sabai aims to inspire a lot of people to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Featured Image Source: Medium

Adding a fresh chapter to its storied history, the esteemed Vietnamese coffee chain, Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe, has ventured across the Pacific to Westminster, Southern California.

With nearly three decades of experience and a robust presence in Vietnam comprising four factories and 110 stores, Trung Nguyên has also made its mark on the global stage, with distribution networks spanning over 60 countries.

Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe proudly serves phin- and espresso-based coffee drinks, crafted exclusively from 100-percent Vietnamese-grown Robusta and Arabica beans. The menu caters to diverse tastes, featuring an array of espresso-based classics such as lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos, alongside quintessential Vietnamese specialties like cà phê trứng (Vietnamese egg coffee) and cà phê chồn (civet coffee). Patrons can relish the brand’s signature dine-in coffee service, elegantly presented on ornate wooden trays, a unique experience now accessible in the U.S.

Jennie Tang, representing H & L Wholesale Food Corporation, the Los Angeles-based distribution company behind this franchise venture, underscores the essence of Vietnamese coffee culture. Beyond being a mere beverage, it embodies the art of connecting with one another while savoring the moment.

Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe is located at 9039 Bolsa Avenue #101, Westminster, CA 92683. The cafe welcomes visitors daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., promising an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience.

Featured Image Source: LA Eater