This week, we sat down with the founders of the Asian American Feminist Collective: Julie Kim, Rachel Kuo, Senti Sojwal, and Tiffany Diane Tso. They discuss their approach to an Asian American feminist movement, which pushes to encompass the plurality of people’s histories and lived experiences. They also talk about their experience building welcoming community spaces, particularly for those new to social justice. On Hella Asian, the AAFC founders discuss their unique habits around saving things.

Kathleen Tso and Vicki Ho take us behind the scenes of Banana Magazine, a magazine centered on contemporary Asian culture and the voices of Asian creatives. They tell us how they’ve grown their annual print publication over the last few years, as well as their approach to its design and visual style. They share their experiences negotiating work, life, and Banana Magazine, and how they always prioritize their friendship first. On Hella Asian, Kathleen talks about a napkin drawer she started at work and Vicki wows us with her ability to debone a fish with her mouth.

Founder and CEO Mitra Raman takes us behind-the-scenes of The Buttermilk Company, a delivery startup that makes authentic Indian dishes that can be cooked by just adding hot water. She discusses her emotional connection to her mom’s home-cooking, making the leap from engineer to full-time entrepreneur, and how she’s building her company with an emphasis on health, authenticity, and community. On Hella Asian, Mitra explains how her “whole life is Hella Asian.”

Author and founder Diana Zheng shares her journey of leaning into discomfort. Diana discusses her cookbook, Jia! The Food of Swatow and the Teochew Diaspora, digging into the Teochew culture, language and particular nuance of being rooted in China with global influences. She shares a few of her go-to recipes and how her cookbook then led her to founding Gwan-im, a plate company that makes modern chinoiserie with other artists of color. On Hella Asian, Diana professes her love of soup, regardless of weather.

Cofounder and chief creative officer Hannah Chung tells us about Sproutel, a patient-centered research and development workshop. She discusses her upbringing in the US and Korea, how she combined her love of art and science into user-centered design with social impact, and why she’s passionate about building health products for children. On Hella Asian, Hannah explains her obsession with sweet potatoes.

Katerina Jeng and Krystie Mak share the origin story of Slant’d — an independent media company that celebrates Asian American identity through personal storytelling. They share their upbringings, conceptions of being Asian American, and self-care practices. Katerina advises young Asian Americans to take the time to figure out what they’re truly passionate about, and Krystie emphasizes the importance of building a diverse inner circle of trusted advisers. On Hella Asian, Kat shares the exclamation she makes when she’s surprised and Krystie shares her buffet hacks.

Leanna Lin, a curator, buyer, designer, and businesswoman, tells us how she started Leanna Lin’s Wonderland, a family-run gift shop and art gallery based in Los Angeles. She discusses the kawaii aesthetic of her shop and how she selects independent artist and designers to feature. She also talks about her Asian American cultural ties through food and her relationship with her grandparents. On Hella Asian, Leanna shares her love of black sesame sweets.

COO and cofounder Katherine Jin tells us about the evolution of Kinnos, a biotech company that’s raising the standard of infectious disease decontamination. Katherine also discusses her experience in the startup space as an Asian American woman, entrepreneur, and inventor. On Hella Asian, Katherine shares her habit of saving food.

Founder and CEO Alisha Ramos discusses her journey building and and growing Girls’ Night In, a lifestyle brand and community for women who’d rather stay in tonight. Alisha shares how her perspective on her mixed race identity has evolved over time, and how she stays connected with different cultures. She also talks about the importance of strong friendships and prioritizing self-care and mental health. On Hella Asian, Alisha endorses the kimchi at the Whole Foods salad bar.

Coleen Baik, an independent product designer, illustrator, and advisor, tells us about striking out on her own. She shares her artistic processes, how she’s come to embrace uncertainty, and her experience visiting North Korea as a Korean American. On Hella Asian, she talks about her love for kimchi.