Happy Asian Heritage Month!

May marks Asian Heritage Month in Canada (also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, or AAPI Month, in the U.S.). It’s a time to celebrate and learn about the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian communities across North America.

As an Asian-owned company, this month holds a special place in our hearts. This Asian Heritage Month, we’re reflecting on our journey and how we’ve evolved over the years.

Celebrate with us and explore SUKOSHI’s history—from our early days to today, and all the milestones in between!

Before SUKOSHI — Linda & Nancy Met

Linda Dang and Nancy Young met in Grade 7, went to school together, and have been friends ever since.

2018 — The Start of SUKOSHI

SUKOSHI began as a sidelined passion project, alongside Linda and Nancy’s existing saké bar, Koi Koi, and North Poké store in Kensington Market.

With a modest 355-square-foot store and a dream, the co-founders sought to create a one-stop shop carrying “a little bit of everything,” including Asian beauty, lifestyle, and snacks.

2019 — The Expansion Begins

Becoming a quick sensation, SUKOSHI opened its first mall location at Scarborough Town Centre, one of the top 3 malls in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Just six months later, we opened our second location at Square One.

2020 — From IRL to URL

The COVID-19 pandemic brought major challenges, from store closures to an unforeseen future. To support the team and preserve jobs, SUKOSHI launched sukoshimart.com.

As the team adapted, the shift uncovered the members’ hidden talents, opening doors to new roles and growth shaped by the circumstances.

Our online store now ships trending Asian beauty and official lifestyle products worldwide from North America.

2021 — First Pop-Ups

SUKOSHI collaborated with Korean global entertainment companies HYBE and LINE FRIENDS to facilitate licensed pop-up stores, featuring BTS POP-UP: SPACE OF BTS and PLAY LINE FRIENDS. These exclusive events captured widespread attention, with fans eagerly lining up overnight.

Since then, SUKOSHI has also hosted pop-ups for NewJeans and (G)I-DLE Klaxon. Our pop-up locations have landed in major North American cities, including Toronto, New York, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa.

Support your K-pop faves with SUKOSHI—all eligible album sales count towards Hanteo and Billboard charts.

2022 — Community Moments

SUKOSHI began hosting a variety of unique community events and in-store experiences.

Major events since then include:

• Personal Colour Analysis Events
• Influencer Meet-and-Greets: Miss Darcei & Sarah Cheung
• Asian Heritage Month Market
• Sonny Angel® and Smiski® Costume Events
• Blind Box Trading Event
• Geto Look-Alike Contest
• Exclusive Beauty Brand Launches
• Exclusive Genshin® and Honkai® Launches

2022 — Advent Calendar

SUKOSHI dropped its first-ever advent calendar, going viral every year for its curated mix of full-sized Asian skincare, beauty essentials, and surprise goodies.

2023 — Introducing MO

SUKOSHI’s official mascot, MO the Shiba, made his big debut. He's an adorable ball of fluff who's always ready to steal hearts (and snacks if you have any). Just please don’t point out his cute, chubby cheeks — he’s sensitive!

2024 — First U.S. Expansion

SUKOSHI opened its first U.S. location in New York at Roosevelt Field.

In Canada, SUKOSHI also launched its first stores in Ottawa and Calgary, marking its Canadian expansion beyond the GTA.

Present — Beauty Beyond Borders

SUKOSHI currently has ten brick-and-mortar stores across Canada and one store in the U.S. We’re rapidly expanding with 20 new locations set to debut.

As a leading destination for Asian beauty enthusiasts, our mission is to bring a little bit of beauty, everyday. We’re proud to collaborate with top K-beauty brands like TIRTIR, fwee, unleashia, and many more.

With community at our core, we prioritize quality, authenticity, and innovation to bring beautiful moments, big and small, closer to you.

Show Your Support with SUKOSHI Made!

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with our SUKOSHI Made collection and join us in giving back to the community! We’re donating 100% of proceeds to Yee Hong, an Asian Canadian senior care organization!

Yee Hong

Yee Hong is one of Canada’s largest non-profit senior care organizations, providing high-quality services to various Asian Canadian communities since 1994. Yee Hong offers long-term care, extensive community support services, and a hospice residence, serving over 15,000 individuals annually across the GTA. Visit their website to learn more!

Thanks for Celebrating with Us!

From our humble beginnings to where we are today, every step of SUKOSHI’s journey has been shaped by the people around us—our team, our community, and all of you.

We can’t wait to keep the celebrations going this May and bring even more Asian joy in the weeks ahead! 🤗

Want to stay connected with SUKOSHI? Follow us on our socials!