Media and music have a powerful influence on how young people see themselves. Growing up, K-pop and the Hallyu wave gave me a sense of representation and belonging as an Asian American, inspiring my passion for design, fashion, Korean culture, and entertainment. With Cua Tshiab, I wanted to create that same sense of connection for young Hmong American women.

Cua Tshiab is a five-member Hmong American girl group whose name translates to “a breath of fresh air.” Composed of Shannon, Alexis, Pasha, Hnubae, and Cha, the group brought together diverse dance backgrounds and a shared passion for performance. Their debut original single, What You Wishing For?, was released in November 2021, celebrating the dreams and ambitions of Hmong American women in their 20s. The project was brought to life through the collective efforts of the Cua Tshiab production team and community freelancers.