Meet the Makers

Underpaid and overworked at her last job, Angela Bonato needed some sparkle in her life – so she made her own. “Because of my love for all things shiny, I started doing research on crystal work and found an unstoppable passion.” Angela founded Angie Bonato, where she produces a variety of hand-embellished crystallized products, such as sunglasses, mirrors, hair clips, and clothing items.

We asked Angela what being an AAPI-owned business means to her. “Growing up as an adoptee of an Italian-Irish family, I rejected connections to my Asian heritage as a form of internalized racism, especially because there were no other Asian people in my neighborhood. As I grew older, I realized how much I actually wanted to be connected to the AAPI community, and was embraced with open arms. Being an AAPI owned business has meant a lot to me because it has allowed me to fully come into my identity as an Asian woman. I hope to pass on the warmth and acceptance I received to other AAPI businesses as my company continues to grow.”

Angela’s hope is to one day provide valuable opportunities through paid internships and mentorship programs at Angie Bonato Design, fostering growth and empowerment within the AAPI community and beyond.