017 // Stacey Kwong // Co-Founder - MILK + T // The Helpers Series

Meet Stacey Kwong!We celebrate Stacey successes in being a business owner in three states, leading with her vision of creating a place where anyone can feel welcome.We support her business, MILK + T, and all small businesses during these challenging times.We are inspired by her courage and conviction to always put the needs of her team members as well as those who need help more first above her own.*****About StaceyFrom slangin' mac and cheese in middle school, to reselling iphones in high school, to starting a failed clothing line in college, Stacey Kwong was born wired to start her own business. But growing up queer in a strict Asian American household with less than stellar report cards meant finding her passion wasn't always easy.It wasn't until she and her business partner found success through boba with MILK+T, a Los Angeles food truck concept featuring the first self serve boba bar on wheels. With 10’s of 1000’s of delicious, high-quality drinks sold, MILK+T proudly grew to 3 owned and operated stores in 3 states including Los Angeles, CA, Portland, OR, and Las Vegas, NV.In June 2019, with an urge to give back, Stacey and her business partner started BOBAWASTED-- a brand focused on bringing the boba community together. Rather than competition, BOBAWASTED believes in working together. A portion of the proceeds go towards Andie Bear and Dance With Mweyne, both organizations helping children in need. Connect with StaceyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-kwong-15b70188/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceykwongInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceykwongg/Support MILK + TFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialmilkandt/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkandt/Website: http://www.milkandt.com/ORDER MILK + T on POSTMATES: https://postmates.com/merchant/milkt-los-angelesABC NEWS Feature: https://abc7.com/community-events/boba-tea-shop-in-little-tokyo-gives-back-during-coronavirus-outbreak-with-free-lunches-to-those-in-need/6053873/*****Dear Asian Americans supports Asian American Donor Program (www.AADP.org), a partner with Be The Match. Asian American Donor Program is a non-profit organization working to help blood cancer patients find their matching stem cell or marrow donor. They are running a campaign called “Swab For India”, for their patient, Mahesh. Mahesh was diagnosed with a blood cancer called “acute myeloid leukemia”, and the only way he can be cured is with a stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, only 1% of the donor registry is South Asian, leaving Mahesh with very limited options. We are looking for donors of all ethnicities to register to see if you could be Mahesh’s match -- even if you’re not, you still might be able to help other patients searching for their perfect match! Text AADP to 61474 to join!*****