02/02/2021
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Thank you .mag for this very important magazine issue on Diversity , Equality and Inclusion and the honor to be recognized and have our on the Cover. I pondered back and forth about our position in the optical industry and what this much needed conversation meant to us and so many more like us. Many conversations about diversity and inclusion do not happen in the boardroom because people are embarrassed at using unfamiliar words or afraid of saying the wrong thing, yet this is the very place we need to be talking about it. transparencymoment On the very day we were contacted about our brand being featured on this cover, we received news that one of the largest optical retailers here in the USA had changed their minds about bringing in one of our brands. Not that the product was not up to par or quality and not that the pricing was not within their budget, but it was only because their head of stores and buyer felt that she didn’t feel the need to not only diversity or do business with and I quote “ a black owned business”... She believed that they do enough by ordering goods from Vietnam etc.. and that’s how they contribute to minority owned businesses etc. I was devastated and disappointed to say the least, but the fact that we made this cover allowed me to recognize that not everyone in the industry has the same beliefs. I believe we have the ability to promote a culture of acceptance and inclusion and that is something I believe every leader has a responsibility to do. The minute we become an integrated whole, we look through the same eyes and we see a whole different world together. Diversity is having a seat at the table. Inclusion is having a voice and belonging is having that voice be heard. To all the independent designers and brands, keep moving forward. Your about to transition from being skipped over to sought after. Our collection has become the #1 selling brand in every optical retailer that has bought it in!!!and we are just getting started!!!
