Mango & Peppers

Annie (she/her) is an ancestor in the making. By the way that she talks about community organizing and appreciation for the Hmong culture, you’d think she’s been a grassroots organizer for decades - which is why we were so humbled to learn that she just graduated high school this past summer. Her youthful spirit and hunger for change is what makes Annie so inspiring. She has a gusto for wanting to make the world a more loving and accepting place for queer Hmong people. Keep listening to hear more about Annie’s story and what she hopes for the future of our community.

We were privileged enough to sit down with Naikta and hear her journey to independence away from the typical Hmong womxn typical that too many are culturally pressured to adhere by. Listen on to hear what she loves about being Hmong and how she deals with critics who’d rather see her fall in line than define her own future.

It’s safe to say that Hmong people love love. We write songs about love,

make movies about love, and cry about love (or sometimes the lack thereof).

But aside from the fantasy of love, what does it actually take to make love

last? What’s the secret to a happy relationship? We decided to ask two

people whose relationship we admire to get their insight. In an exclusive

interview, you’ll be able to get a sneak peek at what the couple calls

their annual “State of the Union” address, where they ask each other

intimate questions about their relationship. Listen as Michelle (She/They)

and Kevin (He/Him) reflect on what’s working and what needs work so they

can have a lasting partnership.

As indigenous people of Southeast Asia, Hmong folks have an innate nature to adapt to the changing world and find ways to thrive which, has naturally made us hustlers. Join us on this journey in reflecting on recent events in Hmong entrepreneurship and meet with Charlotte Phravoraxay, social entrepreneur and founder of Soul Sisters MN. Get to know the wonderful Charlotte as she shares her dreams of creating a world built on connectivity, trust, and vulnerability.

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About Charlotte:

Charlotte is a Hmong-American womxn who is passionate about healing her community. She’s a self-love enthusiast; an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and has the heart of a sister.

She’s the founder of Soul Sisters MN, which is a womxn empowerment group with the goal to embrace vulnerability and create genuine connections. In her spare time you can find her journaling, being a foodie, or buried in a new book.

We headed to the streets to march and demand justice for George Floyd and Black lives everywhere. Along the way, the stars aligned and connected us with community organizer and all-around amazing human being, LyLy Vang-Yang. She’s been at the forefront in political organizing, the fight for reproductive justice, police abolition... basically anything that will make this world a better place, she’s probably worked on. So, we knew we had to introduce you to her. We sat down with LyLy to ask some important questions about her astrology chart, power, and how being Hmong has influenced her community organizing. Tune in to hear LyLy’s story!

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and we can't be any more excited. From discussing Mindy Kaling's new Netflix show to reflecting on our connection to this month, join us in today's episode as we talk through it all. In addition, we have a special guest and dear friend, Justina who will join also us on the conversation and share with you her journey to understanding both her Hmong and Black identities.

How are you? We checked in with each other from our respective social distancing pods. Tune in to see how we are practicing self care during this time, and listen to us play some revealing/embarrassing Q&A games, yet again, for your entertainment.

Guess who’s back (back again)?! Happy New Year from your girls at Mango &

Peppers.

We realize it’s been quite a while since we last posted but we’re happy to

announce we are back on for Season 2.

When we first created this space, our initial intention was to spark

dialogue and build community regardless of where we were. This season, we

plan to continue that AND MORE. In Season 2, we will be featuring guests of

Southeast Asian millennial identities as a way to showcase the breadth and

depth of the lives of twenty-somethings in the modern age. As many of us

are still navigating the intersection between refugee and immigrant

identities in ourselves and in our families as well as adapting to western

practices, the ways in which our lives have been shaped looks radically

different. The opportunities that were offered to us were not all the same

and the choices we’ve had to make in our lives were based on our

circumstances.

Bad dates are a normal part of the dating process and sometimes, make for some pretty hilarious moments. Come reminiscence with us as we spill the tea on some of our not-so-great dating experiences.