Story Behind the CEO & FOUNDER

Dear fellow artists,​

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I founded AAPI Artists for Mental Initiative (AAMI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, out of a deeply personal journey — one shaped by both the silent battles within and the visible waves of the industry.

As an Asian American artist, I often found myself caught between expectation and expression. The highs and lows of the creative path can be exhilarating, but also isolating. Early in my journey, I didn’t always recognize the toll it was taking on my mental health. I coped by withdrawing, believing that isolation was strength. But in truth, healing only began when I found the courage to seek support.

Through my ongoing Ph.D. research, I was inspired to understand more deeply how storytelling, identity, and creative expression intersect with mental health — and how vital it is for artists, especially those in the AAPI community, to have spaces where they feel seen, heard, and supported.

AAMI was born from this vision: to offer a safe platform where artists can share not only their work, but their lived experiences. A place where the struggles behind the art are honored just as much as the art itself. Where vulnerability is not a weakness, but a bridge toward healing.

At AAMI, we believe that no artist should ever feel alone in their journey. Through storytelling, creative expression, and community support, we hope to break the silence surrounding mental health — one voice, one story at a time.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Your story matters. Your healing matters. And together, we are stronger.

 

With heartfelt gratitude,
An Phan

Founder, AAPI Artists for Mental Initiative