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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend?

Half the year is already behind us.

But here’s the good news: there are still six months left to close the gap on those January goals. Don't sweat the big picture just yet—even a single small win this week is the perfect place to start.

If you find this newsletter interesting, refer it to your friends by sharing this link and receive amazing gifts from AHN!

Together, Forward: Join Act To Change's Inaugural Youth Summit in LA!

Ready to see the next generation of AAPI leaders in action? Registration is now open for Act To Change's first-ever Youth Summit.

Under this year's theme, Together, Forward, this free event brings together youth leaders, advocates, and allies to build a safer, more inclusive future. It's a chance to connect with changemakers, grow your advocacy network, and support the next generation making an impact.

Event Details:

🗓️ Saturday, July 18
📍 Rideback Ranch, Los Angeles, CA
🎟️ Admission: FREE (limited capacity)

Event Highlights:

🔥 Youth Power: See Youth Ambassadors present real-world projects creating impact in communities across the country.

🏆 Annual Awards: Celebrate the leaders, organizations, and changemakers advancing belonging and inclusion.

👀 Exclusive First Look: Be among the first to learn about the Homeroom Collective before its nationwide launch.

🎉 Perks & Partner Activations: Enjoy a complimentary lunch from Panda and interactive experiences from community partners.

Hosting something for the community?

Add AHN as a collaborator on Luma so we can help amplify it.

THIS WEEK: RETAIL BRANDS

Building a brand or business?

Join the AHN Directory and get discovered by the community.

The Founder Who Turned a Side Project Into a Global Brand

Poketo began as a small creative project, not a carefully planned retail business. Angie Myung leaned into art, storytelling, and intentional design instead of chasing what was already popular in the market.

That creative direction helped Poketo grow into a respected lifestyle brand with customers who connected with its perspective, not just its products.

The lesson for founders is simple: your biggest advantage isn't always what you sell. It's the unique perspective only you can bring.

Interested in supporting founders building impactful brands?

Join our private investor network and stay connected to future opportunities across the AHN ecosystem.

Keanu Reeves Joins New Live-Action Lego Movie From Universal

Keanu Reeves is reportedly in talks to star in a new live-action Lego movie from Universal Pictures, with Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley set to direct. The film will combine live-action and animation, marking a reunion for the pair after Reeves voiced Duke Caboom in the Oscar-winning animated film.

The project is part of Universal's effort to relaunch the Lego movie franchise after acquiring the rights in 2020. While plot details remain under wraps, the studio is reportedly racing to begin production within the next six months to retain the Lego rights.

Read the full article here.

The World's First Chinese LGBTQ Museum Has Officially Opened

Out Museum, the world's first museum dedicated to Chinese LGBTQ artists and the Chinese diaspora, has officially opened in San Francisco's Chinatown. The museum recently received recognition from the city's Board of Supervisors for its positive impact on the local community.

Founded by Xiang Qi Chen, Out Museum celebrates Chinese LGBTQ stories through art and culture. Chen raised funds for the project while living in China, where a museum like this is prohibited. Supporters say it offers a welcoming space where people can feel seen, express themselves freely, and connect with others.

Read the full article here.

Japanese Ice Cream Pop Up Opens in DC for Six Weeks This Summer

Chef Takeshi Nishikawa has brought his Japanese-inspired ice cream concept, Snow Crane, to Little Pearl in Capitol Hill for a limited six-week pop-up. Running through late July, the residency gives DC dessert lovers a short window to try its rotating menu of small-batch ice cream, specialty teas, and floats.

Snow Crane focuses on just two ice cream flavors at a time, with new selections introduced each week using ingredients sourced from Japan and the Mid-Atlantic. The limited menu and carefully crafted flavors have quickly made the pop-up one of the city's most talked-about dessert spots this summer.

Read the full article here.

Red Velvet Joins BTS and BLACKPINK's 2026 Comeback Wave

Red Velvet is officially making its long-awaited comeback this August, marking the group's first release in two years since its 2024 mini album, Cosmic. SM Entertainment confirmed the news, ending months of speculation and building excitement among fans.

The comeback will also be Red Velvet's first full-group activity since Wendy and Yeri signed with different agencies in 2025. With BTS, BLACKPINK, and now Red Velvet returning this year, 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for third-generation K-pop fans.

Read the full article here.

Why Accessibility Became ZUS Coffee's Biggest Growth Driver

When ZUS Coffee entered Southeast Asia's crowded coffee market, another coffee shop wasn't what people needed. They already had plenty of options.

So instead of trying to sell better coffee, ZUS made buying coffee easier. A mobile-first app, digital ordering, loyalty rewards, and quick pickup turned convenience into its biggest advantage.

The takeaway is simple: customers often choose the brand that's easiest to buy from.

A $10,000 Grant Opportunity for Eligible Small Businesses

AHN and National ACE are proud to share a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the growth of their businesses. 

Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, eligible small business owners can apply for a $10,000 grant after completing two Digital Ready learning resources and submitting an application.

The program is designed to help businesses strengthen their digital capabilities while providing access to funding that can support future growth. If your business meets the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and apply.

Unlock Payroll Tax Benefits and Savings With ADP’s SMB Solutions

Managing payroll, HR, and tax compliance requires time, accuracy, and constant attention to changing regulations. For many small and mid-sized businesses, these responsibilities can take focus away from strategic growth.

Through our partnership with ADP, SMB leaders gain access to reliable, cloud-based payroll and human capital management solutions designed to simplify operations while maximizing cash flow. 

How ADP supports your growth:

• AI-Enhanced Payroll: Reduce errors and late penalties with automated filings and AI-powered error detection that flags discrepancies before you pay.

• Maximum Tax Credit Recovery: ADP’s specialists use your payroll data to uncover valuable incentives—including R&D credits (now with expanded eligibility) and Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).

• Built-In Compliance: Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory shifts, including new retirement plan mandates and updated wage bases, with automated system updates.

• Scalable HR Infrastructure: From your first hire to your 500th, access integrated tools for recruitment, benefits administration, and 24/7 HR advisory support.

Strategic payroll management is a reinvestment in your business. Fill out our form to connect with an ADP specialist for a personalized review of your current payroll process or review of potential payroll tax savings.

Investors see ANOTHER return from Masterworks (!!!!)

That’s 6 sales in 7 months. 29 all time. And the performance?

16.5%, 17.6%, and 17.8%, net annualized returns on sold works held longer than one year (See all 29 at Masterworks.com)

It’s not from stocks, private equity, or real estate… it’s from contemporary and post war art. Crazy, right?

With Masterworks, you don’t need to be a BILLIONAIRE to invest in multi-million dollar art anymore.

Historically, the segment overall has had attractive appreciation and low correlation to stocks.*

Masterworks targets works featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, identifying what they believe to have significant long-term appreciation potential, not just at the artist level but at the level of individual artworks.

As one of the largest players in the art market, with $1.3 billion invested over 500 artworks, they pass critical advantages through to their 70,000+ members to add art to their portfolios strategically.

Looking to diversify your investments in 2026?

Click here to skip the waitlist

^{*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.}

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