While I’ve addressed my stance on social media, I wanted to address my stance in a blog post that will remain on the website so you know exactly where this brand stands. 

My stance: Black lives matter. PERIOD.

I’ll never know what it’s like to grow up having to face racism. 

As I read news stories, listen to various video stories and watch documentaries I’m torn between the relief of never having to face racism and deep sadness for the many that have. 

For all those who have suffered because of it, I’m so sorry. My words aren’t enough, but I promise my heart is open to listen, to learn and to love better. 

I believe to be silent is unacceptable. 

I believe to be ignorant is now unacceptable. 

I believe to say black lives matter, but have no action behind it is unacceptable. 

I’ve always aimed to ensure each person that comes into contact with my business feels like they’ve been seen, heard, appreciated and valued. However what I’m realising this week is I need to do more. 

Here’s the actions I’m taking and adding to this list over time:

1. Learning: reading books, taking masterclasses and learning how to best support the black community. We are committing time and money to this. 

2. Thinking: Asking qualifying questions with brands I align myself with, ensuring my podcast guests align with these values, and ensuring I get better at how my education reflects diversity 

3. Acting: we are putting our money and time where our mouth is. We are committed to spending portions of our budget on hiring POC contractors, hiring POC speakers, purchasing POC authored books and more

We never wanted our stance to be a save face on social media. We are committed to the long-term work of this. We don’t want to just interact with POC or take this stance so we can be seen as someone who isn’t racist. We know there is a lot of learning and unlearning that needs to occur.

It takes effort to change, but the effort is necessary.