Remembering Who Brought You to the Table
After years of contemplation, I applied to be a Women-Owned Business. See, my mindset is not that of your average person nor had I experienced anything that makes me feel like being a woman-owned business puts me at a disadvantage. However, for more than 4 years, friends, fellow business owners and those with the SW division of WBCS had tried to, then finally convinced me to apply.
I made a deal with myself to justify the certification. At the end of year, I calculate the dollars brought into my business which are thanks to the certification. Then, I take 10% of those sales and donate it to a company which invests in countries where women are at an unquestionable disadvantage. This year, I spent time pursuing US-based companies which help those in impoverished countries/situations earn a sustainable wage.
While delving into my Google-search results, I found Brother Vellies, also a woman-owned business. Their leather vegetable-dyed goods are divine and rock the feet and shoulders from Hollywood’s finest to people who simply enjoy products they can feel good about.Yet, I encountered another dilemma (is it possible I overthink some things?).
Since Brother Vellies is a for-profit company, it didn’t feel right just to send a check their way. Ok, so I’ll order some products. What then? Do I keep it for myself? No. Keep digging, Misty. I discovered that they now offer “Something Special” (And, yes, I want those feathery boots.) Since BV pays their artisans fair wages, there is never a sale. Yet, the average person isn’t going to buy a $600 pair of boots. Via this special offering they are able to send monthly goodies to people like me. Although at a little less than $40/month, during the next year I‘ll be spending quite a bit more than the original 10%. I signed up anyway. And, no, I am not going to keep these little gems. Instead, I decided I would place each month’s clients in a drawing. The winner will then be gifted BV’s latest offering.
Does this circle of the dollar make sense to anyone else? If not, feel free to send ideas my way.
A special shout out goes to Don McKneely with Women’s Enterprise Magazine for he is the reason I have been able to invest $100s to artisans across the Globe. Together, Don and I and my team have traveled to Irving for headshots and celebratory portraits (where I was honored to have taken Outgoing President of the Women’s Business Council - Southwest (WBCS) Debbie Hurst’s portraits), to McKinney for Emerson’s internship program and to Plano for headshots of one of the most powerful supply-chain execs in the nation.. He is the founder of this great-resource-of-a-magazine, and has introduced me to so many difference makers in Dallas and beyond. Together, let’s keep up the great work, Don.
Hopefully, I’ll be drawing your name next month
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