From the founder and CEO of Community:

When we first launched Amplify in February with 10-black owned small businesses in SoCal, we made a commitment to extend our support to other communities who could benefit from our innovative technology and marketing resources. We launched the program to make an impact amongst traditionally marginalized communities’ small businesses, at a time when we were navigating unprecedented times. 

Today, we are excited to launch AAPI Amplify in celebration and recognition of AAPI Heritage Month. AAPI Amplify comes at a critical time, as negative sentiment and violence against this community has only increased during the pandemic. 

The 2021 class of the AAPI Amplify program includes: 

Droplet: a sparkling, stress-balancing adaptogen drink made with whole fruit juices, organic adaptogens, and aromatherapeutic superfoods. Developed by an all-female team of designers and food scientists, Droplet draws from scientifically-backed plant magic to help you fight stress and feel balanced without any harmful ingredients. It’s self-care in every sip.

Finery: designs the Anti-Uniform. The LA-based studio was born from the need to create a uniform that didn’t look or feel anything like the traditional uniform. Since 2013, Finery has been designing elevated expressions of workwear for both FOH and BOH, based on its firm belief that Everybody’s Work Is Equal.    

Hate is a Virus: a movement and non-profit started in March 2020, Hate Is A Virus continues to amplify, educate and activate AAPI to stand for justice and equality in solidarity with other communities.

Intercrew Restaurant and Lounge: a new luxury, American, meat, and seafood concept located in the historic Morgan Adams building at Wilshire and Catalina, in the heart of Koreatown. Intercrew's vision is to provide customers with amazing seasonal dishes and unique experiences through the smell, sight, touch, taste, and celebration of food, creativity, and community on a global scale.

Jubilee Media: the definitive media company for curious, empathy-fueled young people. The company creates viral shows about human identity, experiences, and connections including "Middle Ground", "Spectrum" and "Odd One Out." Ultimately, Jubilee exists to provoke a new culture of empathy.

Pink Baby:  an Asian-American women-owned fashion brand located in the heart of Los Angeles, CA. The brand is inspired by the paparazzi-filled lifestyle of the 2000’s, and encourages people to express their inner confidence and fearless attitude through its apparel. 

Transparent Arts: supporting Asian Americans in entertainment. Transparent Arts bridges East and West through cultural relevance, localized marketing, distribution, and creative collaborations.

UPRISERS: a community driven streetwear brand, rooted in amplifying impactful and authentic stories of the underrepresented. Delivering on the core of who UPRISERS is, they have fueled campaigns such as #HATEISAVIRUS, a global movement to combat increased racism and xenophobia during the pandemic; #MagandangMorenx, coined by trendsetter Asia Jackson, dedicated to challenging traditional beauty standards and colorism; #SomebodysBeloved with recording artist MILCK, focused on healing and building power around justice; and the 2020 Census, activating underrepresented communities to participate. 

Wanderlust Creamery: artisanal ice cream inspired by feelings of wanderlust. Every flavor is inspired by the places traveled, longed to visit, and childhood memories. Famous for flavors like Ube Malted Crunch®, Japanese Neapolitan®, and the original Sticky Rice & Mango ice cream, each of its unique and original ice creams are formulated with all natural dairy, balanced butterfat, and minimal overrun for an indulgent experience that finishes clean on the palate. 

Westside Compost: an environmental initiative that sets out to educate both Gen Z and Millennials alike on the benefits of composting. By bringing further accessibility to environmental education, Westside Compost aims to promote the values of re-soiling to help close the food waste cycle. 

This new class joins other Amplify recipients, who include: Black Out the Ballot; Crown and Hops; Honey’s Kettle; Intersectional Environmentalist; MILO; Oldvine Florals; PHrequency8; Sip & Sonder; TruNude; With/Creators. 

As co-founder and CEO of Community, I want to uphold the ideals of what the name of my company means--it’s standing in solidarity and monetary support of our neighbors, and also ensuring that there are equitable pathways to success for everyone. For more information on Community, or if you want to hear more from me, feel free to text me: (716) 330-3003.

Thank you -

Matthew Peltier

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