Knox AAPI Business Association

Knox AAPI Business Association Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Knox AAPI Business Association, Nonprofit Organization, Knoxville, TN.

The Knox AAPI Business Association is sponsored by a nonprofit and helps provide free resources and paid opportunities to Asian small businesses in Knoxville, TN.

Meet .by.nia 🥰Nia Maheshwari says: I have been growing my henna business (Henna by Nia) for five years. Henna is a tradi...
05/28/2026

Meet .by.nia 🥰

Nia Maheshwari says:

I have been growing my henna business (Henna by Nia) for five years. Henna is a traditional art form from South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa that uses natural henna paste to create temporary designs on the skin. I work to improve my artistry and create intricate designs that help people feel confident and expressive.

My Asian heritage represents tradition, creativity, and connection. Henna has deep cultural roots and is a crucial part of celebrations, weddings, and meaningful moments. Through my work, I am able to honor these special occasions by creating stunning designs for each client. With Henna by Nia, I have had the opportunity to meet clients for Eid celebrations, engagements, and parties. One of the most rewarding parts of being a henna artist is seeing my clients’ happiness when I finish their designs. Their joy encourages me to continue creating art for the community.

How people can support:

People can support Henna by Nia by booking appointments, inviting me to events, sharing my work with friends and family, and engaging with my content on social media. Small acts like following my Instagram page, liking and sharing posts, and recommending my business to others can help me grow my visibility as an artist.

Our next AAPI business spotlight is  🙂Owner and massage therapist Xiuli "Jennifer" Sun, LMT, graduated from Memphis Mass...
05/28/2026

Our next AAPI business spotlight is 🙂

Owner and massage therapist Xiuli "Jennifer" Sun, LMT, graduated from Memphis Massage School in 2012.

Jennifer specializes in deep tissue massage, trigger point, and cupping. She finds Eastern and ancient practices intriguing and has continued her education with courses centered around Parasympathetic Reset and Acupuncture at Whitewater University of California, so she has a greater understanding of trigger points of the body. She combines this knowledge with her Swedish techniques to deliver lasting results after each session.

Jennifer enjoys cooking for her friends, camping, working in her garden, and going to church.

"I'm grateful and proud to be a part of the PURE Empath Massage team and hope to bring the quality and high standards I have developed in Maryville and Alcoa to Knoxville."

To book: Call 865-336-0498

Location: 321 Erin Drive, Knoxville

Meet Stephanie Hong! She is a TV and film actor and writer based in Knoxville, TN, and she sells sponsorships for films ...
05/27/2026

Meet Stephanie Hong!

She is a TV and film actor and writer based in Knoxville, TN, and she sells sponsorships for films and TV series that specifically highlight AAPI stories.

She says:

"As a Taiwanese-American who moved to the American South from Taiwan at a young age, my heritage is something that I am distinctly proud of and love. As an artist, I often write about AAPI characters, with the kind of nuance and representation that can only come from lived experience.

People who are curious about bringing more AAPI stories to life on screen financially through sponsorships and investments can reach out via my website stephaniehongofficial.com, while people who are interested in following along the journey of an AAPI actor/filmmaker can follow me on socials: .for.short is my Instagram!"

Meet  😎Yune is a graphic designer and illustrator passionate about spreading the bliss of art and design in all its form...
05/27/2026

Meet 😎

Yune is a graphic designer and illustrator passionate about spreading the bliss of art and design in all its forms.

She says:

"As a child who was born and raised as a second-generation immigrant in Knoxville, I can’t say that I didn’t struggle with my Asian-American identity. Through my practice, however, I find myself drawing a lot of inspiration from my Korean heritage, and my art has become a way in which I can honor and express the unique cultural influences that have shaped me into who I am today."

You can find on Instagram and TikTok or on her website www.yunekim.com :) Her art is for sale on her website and in markets. She is also available for commissions!

Our next AAPI spotlight is  😍📸Photographer Miranda Dean is Filipina-American. She primarily sells prints, postcards, and...
05/26/2026

Our next AAPI spotlight is 😍📸

Photographer Miranda Dean is Filipina-American. She primarily sells prints, postcards, and photography services.

She says:

"My Lola loved to paint and I think that's where my love for art started. I grew up in a very small town in Morgan County and loved taking pictures of nature with disposable cameras, my love for photography grew from there. I ended up going to Pellissippi State and getting associates degree in Photography in 2016.

What my Filipino heritage means to me is empathy, kindness, and perseverance. My Lola was the embodiment of all of those qualities, as is my mom. Growing up with that Filipino culture was really special and has helped shape me into who I am today. I bring those qualities into my personal and professional life, and I feel it gives me a unique perspective."

How you can support Miranda's photography business:

You can visit me at the Asian Night Markets where I sell my prints and postcards.

DM me on Instagram to book photography sessions. I do family photography, portraits, headshots, and real estate photography. I also love photographing events, it is definitely my favorite!

Our next AAPI spotlight is .byme 😎💅🏼Phalicia specializes in nails and lashes! She loves meeting new people, practicing d...
05/22/2026

Our next AAPI spotlight is .byme 😎💅🏼

Phalicia specializes in nails and lashes!

She loves meeting new people, practicing different art styles, and making her clients feel beautiful 😍

You can book with her via her website 🥰

Headshot by:

Our next AAPI Spotlight is  🥰Ramya said: I am the artistic director of the Natyarpana School of Dance & Music. I started...
05/21/2026

Our next AAPI Spotlight is 🥰

Ramya said:

I am the artistic director of the Natyarpana School of Dance & Music. I started this LLC in 2014 in North Carolina to share the rich traditions of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music (codified forms of dance and music from South India) with the community through private lessons, masterclasses and performances.

We are now based in Knoxville and have added a research wing to our offering, where students of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music receive guidance and support to research the history of these forms within the socio-economic and political frameworks of each period and how they apply to them as Asian-Americans in the diaspora.

To this end, I founded a non-profit organization, “INCUBATOR,” to further these research goals. My academic background is in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, and Neuroscience. I find it particularly interesting that several Asian traditional practices can potentially have a great impact on mental health and disability.

Asian culture to me is a holistic way of being in harmony with one’s environment (people and place). Spiritual, physical, philosophical, metaphysical and scientific practices exist within Asian traditions, providing meaning to things which are both manifest as well as abstract.

This Fall of 2026, there are two events that I am particularly excited about:

August 29 and 30, 2026 - at World’s Fair Park (I will be at the India booth)

Sept 26, 2026 - I will be presenting a full-length Bharatanatyam program and would love for people to come out to learn more about the form.

Follow for more event info!

Photo by: Sivaram Kaushik

We are excited to feature AAPI artist .starcake 😍Sarah says: I graduated with a degree in sculpture from UTK, and I took...
05/20/2026

We are excited to feature AAPI artist .starcake 😍

Sarah says:

I graduated with a degree in sculpture from UTK, and I took a long break post-graduation from creating. I was super lucky to attend a ceramics course at Arrowmont last summer, and it inspired me to explore my artistic practice again! I started sharing my pieces under “sasa art” recently as a way to find community (and motivate me to document my stuff...). My recent work includes lots of clay critters, but I also love drawing, painting, and fiber art!

My heritage informs so many things about me, including my art! I’m very drawn to contemporary Asian-American art since it reflects my cultural background. I love seeing how other AAPI artists incorporate cultural imagery, media, and experiences into their work. So, my culture is a way for me to appreciate a shared experience, but it also opens space for creating community.

Follow Sarah on Instagram for pop-up info and support local artists!

Our next business spotlight is  😋Curry & Queso is a modern Indo-Mex restaurant in Knoxville serving bold, flavor-packed ...
05/19/2026

Our next business spotlight is 😋

Curry & Queso is a modern Indo-Mex restaurant in Knoxville serving bold, flavor-packed bowls and burritos inspired by Indian and Mexican cuisine. We combine real Indian spices like butter masala, turmeric, and smoky paneer with Mexican favorites like queso, rice, beans, and fresh salsas.

Whether you're looking for a healthy bowl, vegetarian options, flavorful chicken, carne asada, or a quick but high-quality lunch or dinner in Knoxville, Curry & Queso delivers fresh ingredients and unforgettable flavor in a calm, welcoming space. Different Roots. One Love for Flavor.

They encourage everyone to come try them out at 117 Lovell Rd in Farragut!

Support local 😎

Our next spotlight is  🥰Owner and baker Benjamin D. Suh specializes in sourdough and milk bread. Ben loves seeing his cu...
05/14/2026

Our next spotlight is 🥰

Owner and baker Benjamin D. Suh specializes in sourdough and milk bread.

Ben loves seeing his customers enjoy all the baked goods he crafts by hand. You can find him at many different pop-up all around Knoxville.

He hopes to incorporate more of his Korean heritage into the branding of his small business.

You can support A Little Lucky Bakery by buying from them at pop-ups and following them on Instagram.

Headshot by

Our next spotlight is  🥳They said: "I’m Ezra Haddad. South-West Asian & North African creator of all things ceramic. I o...
05/13/2026

Our next spotlight is 🥳

They said:

"I’m Ezra Haddad. South-West Asian & North African creator of all things ceramic. I own Ezra’s Ceramics, and I sell handmade pottery goods ranging from kitchen items to household goods and trinkets.

My South West Asian heritage (Arab nations) and culture defines who I am, how I embrace life and other cultures, and gives me freedom to be fully me.

People can support my business by coming to local markets or commissioning custom pieces through my Instagram requests."

Address

Knoxville, TN

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