Back2Basics, LLC

05/30/2026

Who's ready for brand strategy outting?

05/29/2026

The Twin Cities is home to a powerful community of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) entrepreneurs who shape the way this region eats, shops, and cares for one another. 🏆From award-nominated restaurants to mission-driven wellness and retail brands, these businesses bring culture, creativity, and heart into everyday life across Minneapolis–St. Paul.

In honor of National AANHPI Heritage Month, this is an invitation to explore, support, and celebrate AANHPI-owned businesses and organizations that keep the Twin Cities vibrant all year long.

👩‍🍳 Restaurants and Dining
A wide range of AANHPI-owned restaurants offer both tradition and innovation:

→ Vinai MN (Northeast Minneapolis): Chef Yia Vang highlights Hmong culture through a nationally recognized dining experience.

→ Quang Restaurant (Eat Street): A longtime local favorite known for Vietnamese pho, banh mi, and fresh noodle dishes.

→ Staff Meeting (Eat Street Crossing): A go-to for Pacific Island street food and Filipino-inspired comfort meals.

→ moto-i (Uptown): The first sake brewpub outside Japan, serving house-made noodles and steamed buns.

→ Hai Hai Restaurant (Northeast Minneapolis): A lively space featuring Southeast Asian street food flavors and creative drinks.

🍵 Cafes and Tea
These local spots bring intentional sourcing and cultural storytelling into every cup:

→ Càphin Mpls: Focused on Vietnamese coffee traditions, including signature egg coffee and direct-sourced beans.

→ Verdant Tea: A Minneapolis-based brand partnering directly with small tea farmers in China.

→ Coconut Whisk Café: A mission-driven café offering vegan and gluten-free baked goods and breakfast options.

→ Sencha Tea Bar: A trusted destination for loose-leaf teas and Taiwanese boba across multiple locations.

🛍️ Markets and Retail
Shopping local supports both culture and community connection:

→ Hmong Village (St. Paul): A large indoor market with over 250 vendors offering food, produce, and handmade goods.

→ Komonigoods: A wellness-focused brand rooted in Filipino values of care, connection, and quality.

♥ Services and Wellness
Local service providers continue to make care more accessible:

→ REST Massage Therapy L.L.C (Shoreview): Focused on affordable, high-quality bodywork led by owner Zang Xiong.

→ Total Health Clinic (Columbia Heights): Helping others live and heal naturally through Traditional Chinese Medicine, with 3 major components: acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork.

🙏 Community storytelling and media:
Asian Media Access – “Connecting the Disconnected” – is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community media arts education agency using media, culture, and technology to support creative solutions for challenges facing AANHPI communities.

🔎 Discover More
Want to discover more AANHPI-owned businesses in the Twin Cities? Visit aapibusinessmn.org to explore the Asian American Business Resilience Network's directory of local entrepreneurs.

Every choice to dine, shop, and invest with AANHPI-owned businesses is a choice to honor heritage and build a more inclusive local economy.

05/27/2026

As clients look for renewal this spring, many wellness professionals feel pressure to “show up more” online. 😟

Post daily.
Use trending audio.
Be more visible.

💡 But visibility without clarity can feel inauthentic.

In trust-sensitive fields like health and wellness, consistency builds confidence — not volume.

Your brand should feel as grounded as your practice.

Structured messaging reduces overwhelm and protects credibility.

Before increasing your output, evaluate your foundation.

Back2Basics helps service-based businesses define, align, and protect their messaging strategy.

05/27/2026

📸Happy National Photography Month! Let's celebrate the incredible power of imagery — especially when it comes to personal branding!

Powerful visuals do more than just catch the eye; they create an emotional connection with your audience, build trust, and enhance brand integrity.

Remember, authentic imagery not only showcases your unique story but also plays a vital role in SEO. Algorithms are becoming adept at recognizing original work, which can elevate your brand above the noise of AI-generated and stock images.

A great photography partner understands the power of personal branding through imagery. Shoutout to our trusted partner, Britta Marie Studios!

So grab your camera or call up your trusted photographer, capture your brand’s essence, and let your images speak volumes!

05/23/2026

We know how to fill in the gaps!

Have you noticed the hole-punch trend taking over social media? It has us thinking about what it means to stay "current" in a world of constant trends.

You don’t have to chase every fad!
You need a smart, effective, research-backed social media strategy.

💡 Brand consistency is built on trust and a clear voice, not on thoughtless graphics or fleeting trends.

Before jumping on the latest craze, pause and think!

05/22/2026

Today is a day to honor the memories and sacrifices of those who have fallen in the line of service of their country.
♥ We remember. 🙏 We Honor.

☝️ As a gentle reminder, our offices will be closed now through Memorial Day in observance of the holiday and to spend time with our family and friends. We hope you are doing the same, and we look forward to reconnecting with you when we return to the office on Tuesday, May 26.

05/20/2026

Celebrating a Decade of Partnership! 🌟 Susie Jose, founder of Carefree Bookkeeping Service, LLC, highlights her incredible 10-year journey with Back2Basics owner Tanya Troska, sharing insights into their successful collaboration!

Discover how this fruitful relationship has fueled growth, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Want to learn more about how Carefree Bookkeeping has thrived alongside Back2Basics? Check out the full success story here: https://loom.ly/Iqxstas

And don’t miss this month's edition of our Business in Action magazine, where we spotlight the inspiring Susie Jose and Carefree Bookkeeping! ✨

05/19/2026

The future of marketing is here! According to a Canva study, 99% of marketing leaders expect AI budgets to increase in 2026. But do consumers really want it? 🤔

The facts are:
➤87% of consumers say the best advertising still needs a human touch.
➤74% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase from an ad created entirely by humans than an AI-generated one.

Finding the balance between consumer preferences and efficiency can be tricky. While AI can streamline processes, too much reliance on it might backfire.

🧠 Here's what you need to know:
1. Nearly 9 in 10 marketers are using AI regularly in 2025, saving time and boosting decisions!
2. 65% of consumers find AI ads obvious, craving that human touch. Al slop is noticeable and disengaging.
3. Ad creativity matters! In particular, Gen Z and Millennials prioritize the vibes of an ad over the production method.
4. Trust is key! Brands must practice transparency, human oversight, and responsible data use.
5. Personalization should be on the consumer’s terms — combine AI ambitions with transparency and human touch.
6. It’s time for AI to evolve from experimentation to a connected, governed system for competitive advantage.

05/12/2026

Across the Twin Cities, trucks are back on the road.
Yard signs are going up.
Spring projects are underway.

But while storefronts and vehicles get refreshed, many websites and social channels are quietly drifting.

AI has made it easier than ever to publish content.

But easier does not mean aligned.

When messaging is inconsistent across:
► Trucks
► Yard signs
► Websites
► Google listings
► Social platforms

Trust erodes — even if the craftsmanship is excellent.

Your reputation should feel as solid online as your work does in real life.

Before peak season fully hits, ask:

Does your digital presence reinforce your professionalism — or dilute it?

If you're unsure, begin with a Brand Audit + Brand DNA Report.

👉 https://loom.ly/CLpctMk

05/11/2026

Minnesota lawmakers are considering new taxes on digital ads and social media platforms. This extra assessment can significantly affect some small business owners' ability to run ad campaigns.

Learn what a $1,800 ad budget could look like when taxed and how to share your concerns with legislators.

☑️ Find the full article here: https://loom.ly/IFDPrz0
☑️ Voice your concerns here: https://loom.ly/eFuHk-o

When Ad Costs Shift, Local Small Business Brands Need Stability More Than Ever Minnesota lawmakers are