Before I opened the doors to Moon Rabbit, I had to settle on a name - and if you've ever named a business, you know it's easier said than done. I wanted something with history and meaning, something that told my story, reflected my roots, and spoke to the ideas of culture, healing, and community that live at the core of my work.

My grandmother, Chuan, seemed to embody all the values I was working to represent. Thinking of her, I was reminded of the traditional folklore she grew up with, which led me to the Moon Rabbit.

In traditional Eastern stories, the Jade Rabbit is a mythical figure who lives on the moon. In Chinese folklore, the rabbit is the companion of the Moon goddess, Chang’e. The Rabbit makes the elixir of life for her and uses a mortar and pestle to mix herbal medicine for Earthly families.

During China’s Mid-Autumn Festival families visit open-air altars to worship Chang’e. Mooncakes depicting Chang’e and her rabbit companion are placed on the altar for her to bless, and it is said that Chang’e will endow her worshippers with beauty.