AAPINH Heritage Month

If you've been following along then you know that I got injured late March after going on a trip to Los Angeles. And April became a month long healing process for me–physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It was slower than I expected, and required me to really take my time and listen to what my body–and my spirit–were trying to tell me. What started as physical healing turned into a deeper exploration of identity, values, and the stories I've carried for years. 

I’ve always been on a spiritual path, learning through experiences like yoga, reiki, acupuncture, astrology—basically anything that’s helped me better understand myself. And this experience has given me the opportunity to bring all of my learnings together to heal myself.

Reconnecting with My Japanese-American Identity

One of the biggest realizations during this time was around my relationship with my Japanese heritage. I thought I had a strong connection to that part of myself, but through this healing process, I was able to unlock some learning and growth areas.

I’m a fourth-generation Japanese-American, born and raised in Hawai‘i. That’s not unusual here—many of us share similar backgrounds. But looking back, most of my friends growing up were Hawaiian, Portuguese, or Chinese—the local mix of Hawai‘i. I didn’t have many close friends who shared the same background and heritage as me and so over time, I kind of overlooked that part of myself.

When I moved to New York City for college, I tried spending time with other Asian students, but I didn’t quite fit in. Most of them were first-generation Korean, Chinese, or Japanese—and they spoke their native languages. They were welcoming, but I still felt like I wasn’t “Asian enough.” And at the time, I didn’t really stop to pay attention to how that made me feel about my culture and I just pushed those feelings aside.

Healing the Inner Disconnect

Now, as I continue healing my hips and thinking about how I want to evolve the Allison Izu brand, I’ve had to reconnect with my roots. A business coach recently asked me, “What are your personal values, and how do they connect to your business?” That question really stayed with me and was a scary one I knew I needed to explore deeper. I had to journal about it, sit with it, and explore what it meant.

One of the values I keep returning to is living my authentic truth. My spiritual journey has always been about letting go of old programming and limiting beliefs that make me feel “less than.” And I realized: that’s the same work I want this business to do for others. If I can heal that within myself, then maybe our clothing can be a small catalyst for others to do the same.

That reflection helped me rewrite some of the stories I’d internalized. The story of not being “Japanese enough.” The story of not fitting in. I’m choosing now to accept myself as a fourth-generation Japanese-American woman who grew up in Hawai‘i. My love for this island and its culture mixed with my deep respect for my Japanese roots, is what makes me unique, something I’m finally ready to embrace and share.

AAPINH Heritage Month: Finding Connection Through Culture

As we celebrate AAPINH Heritage Month, I’m reminded of how beautifully diverse Asian cultures are—and how they add to the vibrant fabric of Hawai‘i and the world. Our shared love of food, traditions, and small rituals can bring us together in the most unexpected ways. Maybe it’s your favorite poke spot, your love of sriracha, or the first time you tasted a Spam musubi—these are the little things that remind us how connected we really are.

And through that connection, I also honor my ancestors. Their dedication to tradition and craftsmanship is something I carry with me—and try to reflect in everything we create at Allison Izu. Being born and raised in Hawai‘i gave me a deep appreciation for the land and being mindful of the Earth. That awareness influences how we source fabrics and choose to manufacture as close to home as possible.

It’s my ancestry, my upbringing and all of my learning that makes me and this brand unique and special. And I'm finally allowing myself to appreciate and honor that.

A Brand (and Life) Rooted in Truth

As the team and I work to slowly re-launch the Allison Izu brand, I’m excited to share more of myself through the work we do. I promise to lead with honesty, openness, and authenticity—so that together, we can let go of the things that hold us back and step into lives that feel more whole, balanced, and harmonious.

That’s my hope and wish for all of us!
-Allison