Amplifying AAPI Voices: A Conversation with Ashley Kim

What motivated you to start sharing your life or interests online, and how has your message changed over time?

It’s always been a passion of mine to be able to make a career out of sharing my life through a camera, ever since I was in elementary school, uploading Youtube videos. Growing up, constantly moving, having my own comfort creators that were my consistency amidst turmoil and change gave me comfort, and sparked my interest to be that creator for someone else. My message to chase your dreams and lead a life with kindness and empathy at the forefront hasn’t changed, but rather me as an individual. That’s one of my favorite parts. I get to grow up, and learn, and evolve with my community, especially in my 20s. Change is good; our experiences shape us and is a sign of a life well lived.

Can you share a time when your content connected with others in the AAPI community in a meaningful way?

I show up, and I work hard. Especially, as a first gen daughter of two immigrant, blue collar parents, instilled in me at a young age is ambition and work ethic. I have two parents to vindicate their decades of sacrifice, by paying them back one day, and share these dreams many of us share. I’m unapologetically and proudly Korean American, sharing the blend of these two cultures in my everyday life through all my content online. I posted a TikTok on a whim of “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but…” and chatted through my experience with my hair, specifically on the frequency of washing. Online, there’s almost a stigma against washing your hair daily, instead seeing how long one can go without. I, too, tried this method, as one impressionable young woman does with beauty trends to learn that simply doesn’t work. Sharing that experience, how I initially fought my mother as a teenager, how I didn’t need to wash my hair like she says only to succumb to her sage advice years later… It was a moment that garnered a lot of discourse and agreement with the same sentiment.

What impact do you hope your work has on how AAPI creators are seen and heard?

That we, amongst every other marginalized group, deserve a seat at the table.

What piece of advice do you wish you had when you first started out as an AAPI creator?

Celebrating us only during the month of May, or coming out with generic red and gold items to market as a performative alliance with our community. Your parents may not understand at first, but if they’re anything like mine, and love you and want to watch you succeed, give them time. Social media as a career is still relatively new, and a foreign concept to understand of which can garner success and financial stability.

How can brands do better when it comes to long-term, intentional partnerships with AAPI creators?

When I was younger, I remember seeing Brenda Song on Disney and having a spark that someone who could resemble me would be on TV as a main character. In high school, I had Youtubers like: Remi Ashten, Jenn Im, Sophia Chang. In this stage of life, I have Gemma Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Greta Lee, Simone Ashley. All of these women inspire me with their talent, eloquence, and courageousness representing our community so beautifully. To be honest, I’m unsure. As I personally don’t feel like I have any long-term relationships with brands, so for me, I’d just appreciate the outspoken vocalization. But always, actions do speak louder than words.