Social media influencers have a lot of power in today's interconnected world. Their words spread culture, bring people together, and start trends that spread across countries. The East and Southeast Asian community is no different. It has a strong network of influencers who are changing modern culture, busting stereotypes, and bringing people together worldwide. ESEA influencers are at the head of change, sending shockwaves around the world. They range from beauty moguls to comedy geniuses.
Who Are These ESEA Community Influencers?
The ESEA contemporary influencer scene boasts people who have not only achieved success but have also become culture stars. Let’s study ten of these trailblazers:
Michelle Phan
A trailblazer in the beauty world, Michelle Phan changed the art of beauty vlogging. How many girls were inspired by her methods - whether it was Lady Gaga, or Barbie, At a time where Asian faces were rarely seen in Cosmetic advertisements in the West, and products were not made for Asian skin tones, Michelle Phan taught young girls the tips and tricks, and also showed that our transformations had no bounds. Michelle’s journey from being a child of a Vietnamese single mum who worked in a nail salon, to become a leading influencer with her own beauty business, is a testament to her creativity and resilience, inspiring millions within and beyond the ESEA community.
Susie Bubble (Susanna Lau)
Susie Bubble has positioned herself as an important person in the fashion industry with her unique and mature sense of style. As an ordinary student at University College London who blogged for fun, she caught the attention of the fashion word with her quirky style. She pushed boundaries with her style, showing that you can really mix some of the unimaginable colours and cuts into something really trendy. Her unique look inspired many girls to be creative in their attire. Susie’s blog and social media platforms have become go-to sources for anyone seeking inspiration that supports individuality and ethnic blend.
Ryan Higa (Nigahiga)
Once hailed as YouTube’s comedic genius, Ryan Higa broke bounds with his smart, family-friendly humour. As one of the first big ESEA influencers on the platform, he brought ESEA humour and wit to millions of users, changing the early days of online entertainment and showing that laughter truly crosses limits.
Lisa Manoban
A world star and essential part of BLACKPINK, Lisa Manoban’s impact knows no limits. Her dynamic presence in music, fashion, and dance displays the strong blend of Thai heritage with international pop culture, making her a sign of global connection within the ESEA community.
Bretman Rock
Bold, funny, and totally unapologetic, Bretman Rock is a beauty icon whose lively personality celebrates Filipino heritage with style. His bold approach to self-expression has pushed norms and created a stage where genuineness rules supreme, enabling the ESEA contemporary youth to accept their identities.
Wong Fu (founded by Philip Wang, Ted Fu and Wesley Chan)
Wong Fu Productions is a Youtube production company, which would rack up millions of views for its creative and unique videos, from its early videos “Yellow Fever”, to “Strangers, Again”. Many Asian Hollywood actors started out in Wong Fu - from Simu Liu, to Ashley Park, and Harry Shum Junior. Not only did the Founders provide a platform for these aspiring actors, they also brought Asian faces to our screens at a time when they were absent in Hollywood. This opened up the door to more representation, which we have seen in recent years.
Jessica Jung
From being a K-pop sensation with Girls’ Generation to finding a place as a businesswoman, Jessica Jung exemplifies flexibility. Her work not only displays Korean culture but also underscores the power and creativity of the ESEA contemporary global movement. Jessica’s journey is a celebration of desire and ability.
CL (Lee Chae-rin)
The former head of 2NE1, CL is a force of nature who has successfully conquered the world of K-pop to become an international star. Her music and character are rooted in traditional Korean arts, which she mixes with edgy, global influences, making her a culture trailblazer and star for the ESEA community.
Tiffany Young
As a member of the Girls' Generation, Tiffany Young has changed what it means to balance global fame with deep cultural roots. Her music, fashion, and politics are linked with her identity as a Korean-American, producing a unique story that connects strongly with the ESEA diaspora.
Natalie Tran
The original queen of YouTube entertainment, Natalie Tran, brought a fresh viewpoint to online stories. Her approachable humour and satirical takes on everyday life allowed her to connect deeply with early internet audiences, establishing her as a pioneering voice within the ESEA community and inspiring countless artists to follow her path.
Social Media: A Platform for Connection
Social media influencers from the Asian community are leveraging their platforms to increase inclusion. They use their talent to normalise variety, question biases, and rethink what it means to be ESEA in the modern age.
For instance, Susie Bubble’s Instagram shows avant-garde fashion often inspired by her Chinese roots, while Bretman Rock uses fun to praise Filipino customs.
Through apps like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, these influencers share their stories, engage with fans, and connect globally. Their sincerity echoes, providing a place where the ESEA community app can grow.
How Maccha Supports the ESEA Community
Maccha is a groundbreaking app created to strengthen the ESEA community through technology and interaction. By focusing on local events, community groups, and cultural education, Maccha crosses the gap between custom and modernisation.
The app curates resources for finding local ESEA groups and joining in cultural events in Europe, ensuring that everyone, from new arrivals to second-generation people, has a place to explore their identity. Additionally, Maccha promotes the work of ESEA community influencers, giving a stage for their stories to inspire and connect.
Whether it’s finding secret gems in your city, visiting a cultural event, or supporting ESEA-led projects, Maccha is your partner in joining this active community.
Join the Revolution of Representation with Maccha
Maccha is proud to champion the ESEA community, fostering inclusivity and promoting the voices that make this group unique. From cultural pride to community support, we’re here to ensure the ESEA story continues to be told.
