Member Spotlight: Celebrating our AANHPI Makers
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich, layered histories and living cultures that AANHPI communities continue to shape across this country. At NY Handmade Collective, we believe that craft is one of the most intimate ways a maker's identity, memory, and story can travel from their hands out into the world.
This month, we're proud to turn the spotlight on four of our own Asian American artists and makers whose work spans paper goods, greeting cards, ceramics, fine art, and textiles. Each artist brings a distinct voice and aesthetic to their practice. Their creativity reminds us why handmade work matters and why representation within maker communities is something worth celebrating.
Quietude Studio
Quietude Studio was founded in 2024 by Wendy, an Asian American Designer. Quietude Studio is a creative space dedicated to fostering curiosity, simplicity, and mindfulness.
Drawing on her background in calligraphy, lettering, and graphic design, Wendy designs a variety of products including greeting cards, stickers, and tea towels.
Every item is crafted to help people appreciate and enjoy the present moment.
Smithereenes
Smithereenes is a sister-founded studio based in Queens, creating premium illustrated greeting cards featuring our original artwork. We started the business in 2010 after my sister and I, living in NYC as young artists, became aware of the reality of human trafficking happening in our own city. We began turning our illustrations into greeting cards as a way to support organizations working directly with survivors on the frontlines.
Smithereenes was relaunched in 2025 by Joy Smith with the same heart and mission, alongside a deeper commitment to sustainability, fair creative practices, and thoughtfully made products. Inspired by our creative practices in film and animation, as well as themes of connection and hope, our cards are printed in small batches using planet-friendly materials, with a portion of proceeds donated to support survivors of trafficking.
Jennifer Yung
Hi! I’m Jennifer, a Cantonese-American illustrator from Queens, NY. I create art inspired by botanicals, fantasy, and my love of food. My illustrations come to life in stationery, stickers, and ceramics. I draw inspiration from my favorite and nostalgic cuisines, such as Taiwanese street food and Chinese cooking ingredients.
As a local NY artist, I participate actively in community-based events that support small businesses and creatives, especially within the AAPI community. I've done AAPI Heritage Night markets, Lunar New Year & Mid-Autumn festival markets. This year I created a special candle collaboration for the year of the fire horse and I release annual zodiac artwork centered around Lunar New Year.
Sai 4 Sayo
Growing up in a frugal household naturally translated into my practice as an upcycle artist and designer. As I was limited in funding my creations, I learned to be resourceful with materials and began to create using waste.
I now create to spread joy and whimsy through textiles, ceramics, and illustrations while hosting creative workshops for collective healing.