API Women in (Not So) Small Business

The four Asian American entrepreneurs profiled in this issue of AsianWeek offer an escape from the high-tech-talk and dot-com-mania that in recent years, have pervaded business pages—as well as society at large. Angi Ma Wong, Alice and Japer Chang, Syndi Seid, and Keiko M. Randolph have taken their unique ideas, viewpoints and backgrounds and turned them into unusual—and profitable—businesses.

With Angi Ma Wong leading the way, the traditional Chinese art of feng shui has become a must-do for hip, urban dwellers in need of some decorating tips. Alice and Jasper Chang, on the other hand, have invented a new product for an old problem—silicone bra gel pads for flat, sagging breasts. Meanwhile, Syndi Seid has built a business that teaches the basics of etiquette to the everyday American. And finally, Keiko M. Randolph is president and CEO of a company that sells virtual fish. (Okay, so we couldn’t completely escape the repercussions of Silicon Valley.)

Along with our profiles, we continue to bring to readers “Our Business,” the newest section added to the paper that focuses on issues relating to Asian Americans—and economic, labor, marketing, and technology issues.

In addition, AsianWeek this week kicks off its new section “AsianWorkWeek,” a re-working of our old classified ads section. Still in its infant stage, “AsianWorkWeek,” like the classified section of old, continues to provide job listings and other announcements, and in the future will include conference schedules, employment tips and much more.