There is something to be said about the sense of community when it comes to who and what users follow on social media. Consumers put a lot of faith in the experiences and recommendations of people whom they may not know first-hand. As a result, social media has transformed from a place of sharing to a place of discovery, and even shopping, particularly as it relates to fashion.

The NPD Group (npd.com) recently surveyed consumers to determine how they learn about or discover fashion brands and retailers. Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest landed at the top of this list, educating 41%, 35%, and 21% of consumers about brands, respectively. When asked what platforms converted advertising and other content into actual purchases, a little over half (51%) said Facebook and Instagram content resulted in buying products.

"The pandemic accelerated the ongoing retail shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online purchasing years into the future," said Maria Rugolo, apparel industry analyst for NPD. "Ready or not, with consumers sheltered at home last year, fashion retailing needed to adapt, and that adaptation had to happen quickly. With this shift, impulse purchasing also shifted. As these platforms make purchasing even easier, with one-click shopping and the ability to buy instantly, social media will continue to gain more impulse-purchase attention."

In a recent thought leadership survey done in conjunction with partner CivicScience, when NPD asked consumers if they made any unplanned purchases of clothing, footwear, or accessories while scrolling through social media, younger consumers said they were more inclined to buy on impulse. In fact, one in three consumers between the ages of 13 and 24 had some sort of purchase interaction when it came to fashion and social media. Twelve percent said they made an unplanned purchase, 17% said they were not opposed to it in the future, while only 6% said they would not purchase fashion products via social media sites again.

"We're closely watching social media engagement options, like livestreaming, as well," added Rugolo. "While still small relative to other modes of discovery, livestreaming converts to purchases at about the same rate as larger platforms. It's clear that those consumers who are using livestreaming are engaged by it."

NPD offers data, industry expertise, and prescriptive analytics to help our clients grow their businesses in a changing world. Over 2,000 companies worldwide rely on us to help them measure, predict, and improve performance across all channels, including brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and B2B. We have services in 19 countries worldwide, with operations spanning the Americas, Europe, and APAC. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, books, B2B technology, consumer technology, e-commerce, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, juvenile products, media entertainment, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, toys, and video games. For more information, visit npd.com.

NPD's Checkout service offers robust data for tracking and improving performance across all channels plus buyer analytics to help businesses keep current customers and win new ones. Over 150,000 actively engaged buyers, the largest omnichannel panel focused on general merchandise and foodservice, provide us with receipt-based information on their in-store and e-commerce purchases. With comprehensive data from the same consumers over time, Checkout illuminates trends in behavior including migration to shopping online by category and consumer demographics. Buyer analytics deliver insight into most valuable customers, brand loyalty, brand leakage / lift, brand launches, and more.

The Wela Founder, Upuia Ahkiong Advises on How to Get from Hate to Healing with Coffee

How do you combat Asian anger? Focus on the positive aspects a heritage brings to a community and to a country. "Culture, Community and Collaboration are part of who I am, those traits come from my family background and traditions" said Upuia Ahkiong, a first generation Samoan-Chinese American born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. Those cultural traits were so strong they led her to make a dramatic career change.

"I will be honest, my career change came as a complete surprise to me and to others who knew me," Upuia Ahkiong explained. With her head down in graduate studies and her sights on becoming a principal she became aware that her grandmother was playing an important role into her professional future. Her grandmother was from the islands of Samoa and was considered a Taulasea and Fofō; a traditional village healer of her time. Suddenly Upuia went from teacher to massage therapist. Upuia became a highly sought-after massage therapist at Google, Inc. While she was with the Google, Inc. she led and created a plethora of massage initiatives.

And #APAHM (Asian Pacific American Heritage Month) adding wellness to our lives doesn't just start and stop at massage. Upuia recalls a time with her father, as he sat on a stool (mata tuai) grating coconut and then through a strainer (tauaga) to produce the luxurious and fresh coconut milk. Fast forward to today. Have you had a drink with coconut milk? I bet you have. This coconut milk became a staple on the shelf at Starbucks in 2015 and due to its continued growth in popularity; the coffee house continues to concoct new beverages with it as a major component in 2021.

"'Let's focus on the beauty of our differences that we bring together," says Upuia.

Upuia's culture of community and wellness is easily seen in her work as founder of Kua Body, in 2014 and then in 2016 founding WELA. WELA (Women Entrepreneurs Launch) grassroots not for profit women's entrepreneur business organization. It began in the heart of entrepreneurship in CA and has grown to embrace beyond city boundaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is currently offering women entrepreneur workshops partnered with Google

The next online event is set for Monday, June 21 where female entrepreneur attendees will learn how to use Google tools for marketing, leverage online space.

sign-up at thewela.com

In celebration of Women's History Month 2016, a grass roots community business group "Women Entrepreneurs of Los Altos" was formed by Upuia Ahkiong of Kua Body Studios in Los Altos, CA and in March 2019 launched it's second chapter in Pleasanton, CA. The group's mission to create a chapter in every small town throughout the US. As the group grows it has rebranded to WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS LAUNCH (WELA). During March 2016, Upuia and other local business owners went on to host three major local events which drew over 300+ attendees with a kick-off party a Honcho wine bar , private reception with Anne Wojcicki, CEO/Founder 23andMe / LACI and public event at Enchanté Boutique Hotel.

The Glass Skin look that everyone wants to achieve. How does this so-called 10 step Korean Skincare Routine works? Or does it really work or it does work only for selected skin type? Let's find out.

10-step sounds so overwhelming to everyone. It may sound so extensive and expensive, but Koreans use this skincare routine without skipping one every day to achieve and make their skin looks healthy and glowing. Here are the morning and evening routine skincare.

Cleanse your skin: using a mild cleanser, cleanse your face together with lukewarm water. It removes the impurities and sebum that is being settled on your face during the night and makes your skin feel hydrated.

Exfoliate: it is required to exfoliate once or twice a week. It removes skin impurities, dark spots, blackheads and whiteheads.

Toner: use a toner afterwards to balance the pH level. It is very important to use a toner base on your skin type. Failed to determine will make your skin dehydrated and dry. Toner helps to absorb the next product that you will apply on your face.

Essence: Essence works perfectly in giving hydration to the skin complexion, adding its components to make the skin look moisturized.

Ampoule: Similar to Essence, it is like a booster to the skin but with higher components and thicker amount than the essence.

Serum: Serum targets specific concern such as dry skin complexion, acne, wrinkles as serum consists of concentrated formulas with active amounts of ingredients targeting your skin concerns.

Sheet Mask: A cloth-like mask saturated with active ingredients depending on your skin concern. Making you feel your skin bouncy and hydrated.

Eye cream: It is important to care for the under-eye area as it has the thinnest skin. So it is recommended to put an eye cream to keep it protected and hydrated all day.

Moisturizer/Sleeping Mask: Apply soothing gel or moisturizer for all-day hydration.

Sunscreen (for day routine): Protect your skin all day by putting sunscreen on a daily basis. Sunscreen helps the skin to protect from UV rays that causes dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

If you are in rush, running late from school and work as you cannot avoid skipping these steps, here are the simplified steps that you can do that also has the same effect like the 10 step.

Step 1: Wash your face with Water

Step 2: Toner Step

Step 3: Serum and Ampoule

Step 4: Moisturizer

Step 5: Sunscreen

Whether you complete the 10 step routine, it is also important to know the basic rules that you can do in order for the routine to take place, making you see the full result such as the following:

Hydration: Drinking 8 glasses of water a day makes you feel hydrated, especially your skin. Aside from seeing the result of your skin being hydrated because of the 10 step routine, it is also important to care for your body. Aside from keeping bottle water on your bag, you should always have a water mist on your bag, just in case your face feels dehydrated, you can just apply a mist and voila! Your face will look as refreshing as it is. If you like to have a glass-looking skin without putting so much make up, you can also add a cushion-foundation and a lip tint. Some Korean girls also keep one sheet masks on their bag. A sheet masks can make their skin pampered after being drained the whole day.

Exfoliate: Aside from body exfoliation, it is also recommended to exfoliate your face once or twice a week. Koreans goes to sauna or take a warm bath before doing an exfoliation in which makes their pores open. It will be easier to take out the dead skin using Korean exfoliation towels and exfoliating creams for the face.

Eat Healthy Foods and Sleep Early: they say that the foods that you eat describe who you are as a person. Koreans are very dedicated and health-conscious about what they eat. Avoid eating oily foods and sleep for 8-10 hours. Sleeping at the right time makes the skin get healed and boost at the same time. They say that it is recommended to sleep at 10pm because that time is considered as a ‘golden' time to revitalize the skin.

Collagen comes from the Greek word ‘kolla’ – it means ‘glue’. Collagen is a fibrous protein that is found towards our body parts such as our organs, skin, hair, muscle, teeth, bones, nails, etc. It is a major component that is connective tissues that makes up several of our body parts. Type 1 collagen is the most and strongest type of collagen.

Starting at the age of 35, the production of the collagen in our body slows which can make negative effects can be visible on our body. At the age of 40, collagen depletes faster than being reproduce. And by the age of seniority at 60, half of our body’s collagen has been totally depleted.

So adding a collagen supplement is essential for our functioning and our health, from relieving joint pains up to improving skin health. So what are the benefits in taking collagen supplements? Let’s find out below.

It improves the appearance of skin:

The wrinkle-reducing effect of the collagen can also help strengthen skin as collagen may help slower the aging of your skin as it reduces wrinkles and dryness. As you age, your skin starts to show and becomes looser and less elastic, it also wrinkles and creases started to show up. Collagen intake increases and boost elasticity, helps to smoothen out the skin and fine lines, promotes the production of other protein such as elastin. There are also claim that taking collagen supplements can help reduce acne but still not supported by scientific evidences studies.

It helps relieved joint pains:

Collagen is like oil on the joints, ligaments and tendons which glides and helps moves easily. Collagen contains amino acid glycine and proline which helps support the mobility of the joints. It also helps the cartilage which is a tissue that protects the joints. The more we age, the more we’re at risk of getting and developing joint disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Taking collagen supplements reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen in our body. It also promotes pain relief for those who are suffering from joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.

Supports Bones Growth:

Bones are also made from 1/3 collagen which makes our bones flexible. As we age, calcium and collagen decreases which makes our bones depleted. Adding a collagen in our diet helps as it increases bone minerals. BMD is a measure of the amount of minerals such as collagen and calcium found in our bones. Low BMD may result to bone diseases such as arthritis; weak bones can lead to osteoporosis. Consuming collagen supplements can help reduce bone disorders as it helps increase BMD and lowers the levels of minerals in the blood that stimulates breakdown of the bones as we age.

Supports Liver and Helps Detoxification Process:

Glycine which is found in the collagen can support the liver while it’s in detoxification process.

Reduces Heart-related Problems:

Taking collagen supplements can help reduce heart related problems as it contains Proline. Atherosclerosis is characterized as narrowing the arteries which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Collagen increases the level of good HDL as collagen provides structure of the arteries, making the blood vessel carries the proper amount of blood towards the body

Improves Gut Health:

Having a leaky gut can caused inflammation as toxins and infections can pass on the intestinal walls. Intestinal walls are made up of collagen or villi. Collagen supplement intake helps to treat the intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome. The amino acid in collagen supports cellular health and tissue growth.

Improves the appearance of Nails and Hair:

Taking collagen can help strengthen the nails and hair. As you age, nails can be brittle and hair loss can be seen. Adding collagen on your diet makes your nails and hair healthy at it gives impact making the hair look shiny and nails looks healthier than being pale.

Adding collagen on your diet is recommended. There are also collagen-rich foods such as spinach, kale, tomatoes fish etc. However, there are many collagen supplements that are out in the market and starts being on-trend because of the celebrities using it. Be mindful and consult your family doctor about the right dosage of supplement collagen intake. Better be safe than sorry.

Green tea originated from India and China has been proven for its health benefits, from skin to our body. Green tea is used in Chinese and an Indian medicine that controls bleed, heals wounds, improves digestion, improves mental health etc. studies also shows that drinking green tea has a positive effect in weight loss and liver disorders.

Green tea is more than just a leaf, many of its components contains important nutrients. Tea is rich in polyphenols that reduces skin inflammation and helps fighting cancer. Also, it contains catechins that are natural antioxidants which help prevents cell damage.

Green tea substance can decrease the formation of free radicals inside our body, protects our cells from further damages. Free radicals are one of the components which make our skin age and give various diseases in our body.

EGCG or catechins is found one of the most powerful components in green tea. It is proven to be used in treating various diseases in which the main reason why green tea is used in traditional medicines because of its powerful medicinal properties.

Types of Green Tea: a bottled or with artificial sweetener green tea, single tea bags, loose-leaf, instant powder or herbs, green tea supplements which sold in capsule form or in liquid extract juice.

Tip: use or buy the higher quality of green tea as lower quality brands has been proven to contain a lot of fluoride ingredients. Also, according to research, bottled teas are not equivalent to brewed tea because it contains few polyphenols than a brewed cup of green tea. Choose green tea products that are suitable for you.

Here are the health benefits of Green Tea:

Cancer Prevention: Cancer is one of the leading diseases which cause rapid deaths around the world. The polyphenols in tea is shown to decrease the tumor growth and protects damage that causes by UV radiation. Also, if you live in a country wherein green tea is high in consumption, it is proven that the cancer rates on that country is lower than the average. Researchers believe that having a high level of polyphenols in tea helps kills cancerous cells.

Heart Benefits: green tea contains catechins and polyphenolic compounds that have protective effects on cardiovascular system. Green tea also increases antioxidant on the blood which protects the LDL from oxidation. Knowing that heart diseases, stroke are one of the biggest causes of death in the world, drinking green tea can improve the risks factors of this disease.

It Lowers Cholesterol: consuming green tea reduces bad cholesterol in our body.

It Improves Brain Function: green tea contains less caffeine than coffee. It also contains amino acid or L-theanine which improves brain function, L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter which has anti-anxiety effect. Not only that, green tea may also protect your brain as it lowers the chance of having Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Alzheimer is the most common disease and also the lead cause of dementia. Parkinson is the second most common disease after Alzheimer as the Parkinson’s death of dopamine which produces neurons on the brain. The bioactive compounds that can be found in green tea reduce the risks of getting the two common neurodegenerative disorders.

It Lowers the Risk of Infection: green tea has a component called catechins in which lower the risk of infections and viruses particularly influenza as it lowers the risk of infection on the body. It also reduces bad breathe as it contains catechins which reduces the growth of streptococcus mutans. Streptococcus mutans are the primary bacteria that harms on the mouth as it causes plaque formation which contributes cavity and tooth decay.

It Lowers the Risk of Obesity: green tea can promote a small weight loss in overweight and obesity when consuming it, particularly in reducing the dangerous abdominal fat.

It Lowers the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: This disease involves elevated blood sugar levels in insulin or inability to produce insulin. A study shows that green tea improves insulin and reduces blood sugar levels. Over 400 million people worldwide have a Type 2 Diabetes.

So here are the benefits and the power of Green Tea. It can protect us from harm by drinking it. What are your thoughts? Are you also a green-tea lover?

Whether if it drains you physically and emotionally to the point that you’re getting tired of it, When it comes to friendship, there are certain limits or boundaries that makes it totally easier for us to determine if it’s the sign of being in an unhealthy friendship. How will you be able to determine that you are friends with someone that is already toxic?

"When you can’t be yourself." – If you are anxious because of getting worried of what you will tell them or how you’re going to do things but in fear of making them feel upset.

"Feeling unsafe." – Feeling of getting drained and just trying your best not to go with your appointments whenever they are around.

"One-sided type of friendship." – Planning about going on a trip but all of sudden, they cancel it. Or if you stop reaching out to them but they never really care about you.

"Not comfortable to tell problems" – If it bothers you to tell a story, or even your deepest secrets, in fear of getting judge or worse, making you the topic of their gossip with other people. Or you know things about them but they don’t give any importance to you by not asking about what’s happening to your life.

"Inconsiderate with your time." – It is never worth your time when they cancel the plans the last minute or when they plan on going out knowing that you won’t be able to go with them.

"Disrespects your boundaries." – You should not feel anxious in the first place if they are really your friends. You should not feel any pressure whenever someone boasts his /her achievement which makes you feel insecure.

"Ask-hole." – The kind of toxic friend who asks for advices but never really does it. Or someone who just vents out but when you are the one who needs to confide, they’re all out and busy, not wanting to talk and listen to you.

"Manipulator" – if they are the ones who manipulates you instead of giving you positive advice.

"Nega-tron" – the one who gives you negativity vibes in your life.

"Liars" – When they lie to you about a certain things or situation.

"Makes you feel guilty" – when you started to hang out with different kinds of people which made them upset to the point that they started to insult you, or if they disregard what you feel.

How to deal with it?

First thing first, think about yourself. Think about what you really feel. A healthy friendship is like having your own family. They care about you and how you feel. They make you feel safe and as much as possible, the belongingness. They never let you feel any single thing that makes you upset. Of course it is normal and natural to have a misunderstanding but in terms of things that makes you feel like you’re not belong, then that’s toxic. Liars are also the number one factor in terms of being in a toxic friendship. Better yet confront them, let them know how you feel. So they can reflect on their own actions and you will know if second chances can be given to them. If the friendship can’t be save anymore, then walk away and move on. Travel and love yourself again, rebuild and boost your confidence. Never let the old memories define you because of what they had done; the situations that made you feel upset and unsure of what you really are. Till then, you will meet new set of friends that will make you feel loved, confident to confide and not to let you feel anxious whenever you’re with them. Real friends will show interests and reciprocates your feelings. You will never pretend or change yourself just to show off that you can be with them. Real friends should make you feel comfortable, be able to smile and laugh even on the slightest jokes, and even defend and protect you when you are in trouble. Mostly, real friends are the ones who are trustworthy, being able to give you positive advice and knock your head off whenever you are in trouble, will make time for you when you need them to.