This is the second in a series of blogs about the values that set Real Kind apart from so many other small, local businesses.

I spend a great deal of time making sure my business decisions are ethical and responsible. In fact, those values are the drivers behind what I do. It occurs to me that I should really share those thoughts here.

Next in this series is social justice.

Racial Equity

Black Lives Matter.

If that is uncomfortable to read, Real Kind might not be the shop for you.

After one of my suppliers, Bramble Berry, came out strongly in support of BLM in the summer of 2020, I double down and redirected much of my business to them, and away from other suppliers who had not been vocal on the topic.

Further, I’ve severed ties with a few other vendors who came out against BLM, or who have a history of donating to conservative social causes or candidates. Shopping your values matters, and I’m proud that I have a voice, albeit a small one, in the marketplace.

I also learned that paradoxically, sometimes keeping my mouth shut is maybe the best way to support racial equity. By giving my platform to people of color, purposely and regularly, I can use my position as a white woman of privilege to amplify the voices of people of color.

Gender Equity

In the summer of 2020, as I expanded my apothecary beyond the products I make, I chose to carry only products handmade by other women. This includes anyone who identifies as a woman.

Showcasing the talents of other women is one way I can amplify their voices, and build solidarity among us. Empowered women empower women.

I work hard to break through a lot of internalized misogyny. It’s been a tough road, and I fight battles against my own socialization every day. I’m proud to speak out against misogyny, and challenge misconceptions, harmful societal norms, and patriarchal systems. We have a long way to go and I’m grateful to be on this path with you.

When you hear “shop your values,” buying from a company with these guiding principles is what that looks like.