Although 2020 is behind us (and boy am I thankful for that!), I know last year left many industry folks in a state of emotional whiplash.

As I write this, I am trying to make sense of the pieces last year’s train wreck left me on the business front. (Business owners and creatives, I see you!) We’ve been through the wringer.

But it’s important to recognize that there was good that came from last year. I am immensely grateful for the deep, challenging, and sometimes painful conversations 2020 brought me.

Conversations about diversity, inclusivity, equity, and affirmation—all topics I was not used to openly discussing. These difficult yet essential conversations caused me to examine my personal life and naturally inspect my business. I began to ask myself questions: Does my brand represent my heart? Is my business inviting? Does it include and represent all?

So I went on a journey of examining my business and virtual brand with a fine-toothed comb to make significant changes wherever I had to. As an enneagram 1, I am completely obsessed with list-making, so I drafted a list that helped me create and maintain a brand that demonstrates and celebrates inclusivity and diversity, and I’m sharing that list with you today.

It is important to note that this is not an all-encompassing list. Our journeys with these topics will all look different, and that is okay! I also should mention that there is a sense of privilege that comes with examining our businesses and virtual brands. Let’s approach this with honesty, humility, and with the overall goal of lifting others up. Alrighty, let’s dive in!

Checking Our Bubble

In the beginning, we must examine our physical bubble and ask ourselves honest questions. Who are the vendor teams we are used to and comfortable working with? Who makes up our business teams?

Working alongside individuals we feel comfortable with and trust is not bad, especially when it comes to our business and brand. But creating room to expand this bubble is a must.

In an era and an industry that so heavily relies on social media, it is also imperative that we examine who we are following. Who are the voices that inspire us? What are we double-tapping? Who are we drawing inspiration from?

By curating my social media intake to include individuals who looked and thought differently from me, I opened up myself to various points of view, experiences, and creative journeys.

This simple act is something I have found inspiring and educational. If we are going to mindlessly scroll through social media (putting myself on blast over here), we may as well be enriched by the process!

Being Intentional with Change

If your virtual brand, i.e., social media and website, does not demonstrate diversity, you may have to be intentional with that change, and there is nothing wrong with that!

Often in this industry, we have the honor of collaborating on styled shoots or editorial projects. I used to go in blindly in the past, and it had not occurred to me to ask who would be represented in the vendor team or who the models would be.

But I have learned that these collaborations are great opportunities to be inclusive and open the door to diversity.

Although it may be awkward initially, it is not only okay but necessary to ask if the vendor team is inclusive, if models represent diversity, and if the overall project will propel positive change.

Virtual Brand Diversity Is Not True Diversity

We must chat about the difference between virtual brand diversity (how diversity is depicted on our social media pages and website) versus day to day brand diversity (the authentic way our business operates behind closed doors). While styled shoots and editorial projects are a good way to promote diversity, virtual brand diversity that is only shown on our highlight reels is not authentic diversity.

Focusing on only bringing diversity to our social media and website is not enough and can be damaging. Instead, we must examine our teams and ask ourselves if they reflect diversity and promote inclusion.

This is also a great opportunity to look over our preferred vendor lists and make sure they include individuals who may not look or think like us. Intentionally working with talented vendors who may not have had the same opportunities as us is a great way to promote equity and eliminate barriers so that everyone is given a chance to participate fairly.

It is important to remember that we will not always work with vendors who represent our community or ethnic background, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! But it is great to ask ourselves how these vendors contribute to the overall topic of diversity and inclusion.

Adopt a Greater Mission

Fighting for a diverse, fair, and equitable world can sometimes feel like an uphill battle with no end. I get it; I’ve been there.

A great way to combat burnout is by adopting a greater purpose that becomes a long-term part of the mission of your business.

This can be as simple as using your website to tell your clients that you are vowing to fight for a more affirming, diverse, and just world through an inclusion statement. An inclusion statement can be simple, to the point, and a great way for potential clients to get to know you and your values.

Another way to adopt a greater mission is by supporting a nonprofit organization that benefits the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or disenfranchised community. You can do this by giving monthly or volunteering periodically as a team. These are great ways to tangibly make a difference and allow these topics to become pillars that shape and strengthen your business.

One Step at a Time

Creating an inclusive and diverse brand can sometimes feel like an intimidating, bigger-than-life task to tackle, but it is important to remember that small changes can make a lasting impact.

We can fight for a more inclusive and equitable world in our businesses, brands, and platforms with our everyday choices. We don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Living a life that embraces diversity and inclusivity and fights for all is beautiful. Having a brand that demonstrates that is a powerful act, especially in the divided times we live in.

Think of the beauty that will come from embracing our differences, regardless of race, gender, politics, sexual orientation, or religion. There is so much to be celebrated. There is no limit to the beauty our industry can create when we work to serve and get to know each other. I hope you feel encouraged and empowered to embrace diversity and inclusivity through your business and brand. I can’t wait to see our industry transform this world.