I received an e-mail today that struck me as sad reminder of how this recession is hitting small business owners — particularly those with a niche market. I have been fascinated by Zhen Cosmetics for quite some time. I first saw their products advertised in some Asian American publications back in the mid 90’s, and was intrigued at how a couple of Chinese American sisters (from Minnesota, no less!) started up a business with the premise of making cosmetics for Asian skintones. It makes me sad that “little guys” are getting hit especially hard by the recession. Because if the corner cafe or the quirky boutique goes out of business, it’s taking a little piece of our uniqueness with it.
Merry Christmas From HapaMama
I’m trying to cut down on all the frenzied rigamarole of the holiday season. I let Steve decorate the tree, I didn’t volunteer to bring any graham crackers for the first grade gingerbread houses, and I tried to cut down on the number of presents this year. But one self-imposed ritual I refuse to give up is the photo Christmas card.
Celebrating Family Roots
The Thanksgiving turkey was always accompanied by candied sweet potatoes. This very American dish seemed strangely appropriate for a family of Taiwanese immigrants, as the island’s early settlers survived on the hardy orange tuber when rice was scarce and expensive.
Evening is the Whole Day
Shop Indie Bookstores It is the most contentious election in the history of a nation trying to define itself. In this election, there is a young and idealistic up-and-coming politician who just happens to be from one of the underrepresented groups of this multi-ethnic country. At the same time, the majority group, feels like their way […]
I Want to be a Rock Star
The old people were clapping their hands, Big Brother was air drumming, tapping his feet and beating on the back of the chair in front of him.
Soccer is the New Piano Lesson
Remember that kid who was always picked last for the team, and then everyone else groaned when she had to be on their side? Yup. That was me. And I don’t want my kids to ever be in my gym shoes.
Happy New Moon!
We didn’t actually have any moon cakes. Oh well.
Yoga Texas Style
“Did you hear about the new governor of Louisiana? He’s this Indian guy, first-generation immigrant from India, and he converted to Catholicism, and went through the school system and then on to college at Brown and Oxford. It’s interesting how so many people from Eastern cultures are interested in Western philosophies, while here I am, studying lots of Yoga.”
