For the third installment of our #WomenAcrossCareers blog series, we are highlighting the businesses and creative platforms of our immigrant and refugee women, including women of immigrant and refugee descent. These businesses reside in Minnesota and range from providing consultations and services to selling handmade products. Check out our list and support the work and creativity of the amazing women in our community!
Our #WomenAcrossCareers blog series is brought to you in honor of Women’s History Month 2021 and our (Her)story in the Making fundraiser. Your donation invests in the education and leadership development of immigrant and refugee women and girls. This helps our women and girls develop the confidence and self-sufficiency to be active members of their communities and beyond. Thank you.
Our Women Nation
Category: fashion, jewelry, handmade
Our Women Nation is an online business that sells handmade press-on nails. All nail sets are unique and made of durable gel! Founder, Yeng Xiong, created the business with the belief that nails are an expression of beauty and confidence and can help its wearer feel empowered. In addition to nails, Our Women Nation also sells jewelry and loungewear. www.ourwomannation.com Facebook @ourwomannation | Instagram @ourwomannation
Hnub and Hli
Category: fashion, jewelry, handmade
Hnub and Hli is a design and fashion business that seeks to keep Hmong culture and ancestry alive through traditional Hmong clothing. The business designs full traditional and contemporary Hmong outfits as well as Hmong-inspired pieces in collaboration with their partner, Hmong Sister. www.hnub-hli.com Facebook @HnubHliShop | Instagram @hnubhli.hmongclothes | Twitter @hnubhlishop
Womensy KY
Category: self-care, stationary
Womensy KY believes in using the power of journaling and writing to empower women. Founder, Kia Yang, started her business because writing helped her cope with her own mental health struggles and allowed her to self-reflect and self-heal. Womensy KY sells guided reflection journals for Hmong women and also has its own blog. www.womensyky.com Facebook @womensy.ky
Mae's Enchantments
Category: jewelry, accessories, handmade
Mae’s Enchantments is a small business run by three teen Hmong American sisters. Their online store contains Hmong-inspired jewelry, as well as other cute handmade jewelry and accessories. The sisters started their business as a way to grow their experiences while doing something they love! www.maesenchantments.com Facebook @maesenchantments | Instagram @maesechantments
Nahuen, LLC
Category: social services, professional and organizational development
Nahuen is a small business with big dreams. They are committed to advancing well-being for immigrant families, by removing every systemic barrier that impedes them to achieve stability, economic opportunity, healthy lifestyles, access to healthcare, and quality education. Nahuen was founded in 2020 by two immigrant women of color, who together bring more than 30 years of experience in social services, public health, and K-12 services. They provide culturally responsive expertise, capacity building, training and coaching, tools, and strategic planning to the public, corporate and non-profit sectors who are driven by values of equity, justice, and service. WISE Board Member, Javi Monardez, is a co-founder of Nahuen. Contact: nahuenllc@gmail.com
Insfires Entertainment
Category: events, entertainment
Insfires Entertainment is a photo booth business founded in 2019 by two first-generation Hmong American women, See Lee and Melanie Xiong. They started with the business with the goal of providing inclusive, fun, and quality services while letting their social selves thrive. Their photo booth business offers on-site printing, backdrops, and themed props for any and all events! Our WeLEAD Program Coordinator, See Lee, is a co-founder of Insfires Entertainment. Contact: 612-695-4642 | insfiresllc@gmail.com www.insfiresentertainment.weebly.com Facebook @insfiresentertainment | Instagram @insfiresentertainment | LinkedIn @insfiresentertainment
Cakes by Panhia
Category: bakery, sweets, handmade
Cakes by Panhia is a small home-baked business. Owner, Panhia, sells cake goodies from cupcakes to sheet cakes and also takes custom orders! All orders are contactless pick-up in Brooklyn Park, MN. Follow her Facebook page for her daily goodies — they sell out quick! Contact: cakesbypanhia@gmail.com Facebook @cakesbypanhia