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Fashion – Style – Trends
Happy Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
This year for Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage month, we’re highlighting some of our amazing and creative AAPI Buffalos. Learn how their heritage has shaped who they are today—and don’t miss their favorite dishes! (We’re already hungry.)
Meet Katie | Graphic Designer at BE HQ
How would you define your style?
Overwhelmingly black, a little goth-inspired and always with my ugly little crystal troll necklace. And any accessories shaped like little creatures.
What do you love most about working at Buffalo?
I love that I’ve gotten to work on new mural projects that help me grow as an artist! Designing the Melrose mural was such an amazing opportunity, and it was incredible seeing it come to fruition thanks to @chrisccreates! And not gonna lie, having Thor around is my next favorite thing~ He doesn’t do much work though…
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My work ethic is in large part inspired by my family, who always worked hard to ensure that my sisters and I could succeed. Secondly, once I began to see more Asian Americans in the arts sharing their stories, I started gaining more confidence that I could feasibly pursue art and have a stable job.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
We always take trips to LA to visit family, and those trips are usually packed with food stops. I always love the Cantonese family style dinners and dim sum around an overcrowded lazy susan. And no trip is complete without getting some pho and stopping by the Asian grocery store for all of the snacks we can’t find in Arizona~
What’s your favorite dish that reminds you of home?
There’s so many, but lately I’ve been craving Yuan, the Chinese Winter Solstice soup that we always called “eyeball soup” because of the chewy vaguely eyeball-sized rice balls. My grandmother would make it for us every year and, a couple years ago, my mom taught my sisters and I! It’s become a Christmas tradition now.
Meet Josh | Expert Buyer at BE Boerum Hill
Describe yourself in 3 words.
SWAGAPINO, Colorful, Whimsical
How would you define your style?
I ask myself everyday, before leaving the house, if ghost-me would be happy with the fit I was fitting in the ever after. That’s really important to me, you know. I also love feeling like I have a theme song. I think my theme song right now is Frou Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fire by the Cocteau Twins.
What do you love most about working at Buffalo?
From Boerum Hill to Las Vegas, my favorite part has been all the great people I’ve had the absolute joy of meeting. The world has so many terrors, so many horrors, but every day at Buffalo Exchange is a trip to KOOLSVILLE! The Buffalo Exchangians I’ve met across the country — shoppers and workers alike — are the most BOOM!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I love my swagapinos from all over the world. WOOT WOOT.
Meet Stephanie | Marketing Director at BE HQ
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Mom – contemporary – casual.
How would you define your style?
Mom – contemporary – casual.
What do you love most about working at Buffalo?
I love working with my team. They’re inspiring and keep the day lively—I always look forward to coming in to work with them. I also appreciate how much I’ve learned at Buffalo, from communication to clothing—I feel like this company has really shaped who I am. It’s given me a lot of confidence for handling anything life throws at me.
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Understanding my heritage has been vital in shaping who I am today. I’m really grateful for the sacrifice my grandparents made by leaving their families to come here and build a better life. They made sure their children and grandchildren (me!) could have the opportunities they weren’t afforded. I’m also grateful for my parents, who kept our Chinese heritage alive and taught us about the traditions while also letting us integrate into American culture and become our own people.
What’s your favorite dish that reminds you of home?
Paigut (Chinese black bean spare ribs). My mom would make this on a weekly basis and I drool at the thought of the garlic black bean sauce over rice. 🤤
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
In my family, Cantonese food is at the heart of all gatherings and celebrations. Everything is shared and always served family style. You squeeze together around a table whether you’re celebrating a birthday, mourning a death or just wanted to see each other. Plus, the dynamics at a Chinese dinner teach you important skills that help shape you. From learning to respect elders by serving them first to a quiet tap on the table to thank someone for tea. I love seeing all the cultural traditions come alive over my favorite dishes.
Meet Alec | Buyer at BE East Village
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Whimsy, Charming, Funny
How would you define your style?
Boy Bratz
What do you love most about working at Buffalo?
Getting to see all the different types of customers who come in everyday & their unique styles based on what they are selling & buying.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). It gives a chance for the entire family to get together, eat good food, party, and exchange gifts/money.
What is your favorite dish that reminds you of your home?
“Che”! Every time I would come back home from college, my mom would make an effort to make this for me 🙂
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
It’s made me resourceful. I think a lot of Vietnamese people are very resourceful from using every single ingredient/food leftovers to make an array of dishes. This applies to being crafty as well with household items & resources.
Meet Kim | Store Manager at BE Tucson
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Quirky, Funny, Humble
How would you define your style?
A true skater girl
What do you love most about working at Buffalo?
I love seeing every style represented in one place!
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I’d say it’s helped me appreciate the little things in life
What’s your favorite dish that reminds you of home?
Bibimbap! Just like Buffalo, it has a little bit of everything.
Interested in working alongside amazing folks like these? We’re always looking for new Buffalos to join the herd. Who knows—you might even end up swapping recipe tips after your shift. Learn more and find positions near you today!
