DIY Cotton Face Mask
When the call to make masks for heroes began, it was time to shift focus and make protective masks for those on the front lines supporting communities and people in...
Shu's Notebook — Community
Aplat + La Cocina on Giving Tuesday
In 1972 my parents immigrated to Manhattan Beach, California from Seoul, South Korea. When they made the journey to America with nothing but a California Dream, my father was a mechanical engineer...
Visiting Shao Shan Farm and the Asians of West Marin Potluck
At the end of the harvest season, I was invited to a very special community potluck hosted by my friend, Scott Chang-Fleeman, the brains and hands behind Shao Shan Farm...
Favorite Outdoor Tips For Responsible Summer Adventuring
Earth Day in April. Bike-to-Work Day in May. World Oceans and World Environment Day in June. And soon Plastic Free July. All wonderful reminders that we need to continue honoring,...
Aplat and the French Connection
In my previous notebook I shared how I transitioned from a 20 year industrial design career to mompreneur pursuing my bag dream full-time. It took almost a year to ideate...
Aplat. Before it was Aplat.
Back in 2009, my boss of 8+ years said to me, “Shu, mark my words, you will start your own bag company and be a leader in design one day.”...
In Honor of International Women’s Day
The Women of Factory Aplat Today on International Women’s Day, I want to honor the talented women of my factories who inspire me and the work of Aplat. They are...
Aplat + Ida Blooms: Let's Flower
Bouquet Arranging with Aplat & Ida Blooms It was such a pleasure to join our friend Annie Heath at the new Ida Bloom San Francisco studio for a hands-on flower...
Plat Around Town
Saving the Planet. One Paper Bag and Box at a Time. I design and manufacture with zero waste, people and the planet in mind. At the same time, I think...
November is All About Sharing
Sharing our favorite Neighborhood Store There are certain places that are my absolute “go-to” for the best finds when it comes to bread, cheese, chocolate, unique pantry goods, spirits and...
Reaching Out
We are all connected by our sense of place and, in the wake of its sudden absence, there is community, hand in hand, ready to provide relief in any way we can....