3 Ways to Be an Inclusive Business Owner
Photo by A. Creative Co. // Taken at Brave Haus // Babe Crafted “Create Easy, Engaging for Instagram Workshop”
“When you know better, do better.” I’ve been recalling this quote from Maya Angelou often lately and thought it was especially fitting today, because we’re making it a point to chat about Inclusivity, babes.
I want you to recognize what you could have done better in the past, but not get stuck on it. Why? Because together we are moving towards running businesses & brands that are not just welcoming on the surface, but that are truly welcoming and supportive for Black women and women of color.
xx -Gina
Here are 3 tangible, actionable ways to become a more Inclusive business owner TODAY as well as some stories from real business owners who are taking action.
1 // Represent More Black Women (and Women of Color) in your Feed.
Make more diverse choices when you’re selecting visuals for your Instagram feed. If you don’t have access to diverse photos, consider becoming a member of ColorJoy Stock owned by Christina Jones of Christina Jones Photography.
2 // Invite Black Women to be a Guest on your Podcast/YouTube Channel/Instagram.
Hoping your podcast will be diverse by magic, on its own is not a strategy. This is something I’ve learned. But be sure to connect authentically– this is about taking a genuine interest in a woman’s work and wanting to highlight her business & story.
3 // Buy from Black-owned Businesses.
Think about the supplies & services you use in your business on the daily. Some examples for when you need:
Thank you card for a client
Photo booth for a future event
Cake to celebrate a birthday or anniversary
Candle for some delicious work-from-home vibes
Yummy, contactless dinner delivered to your door
Here are some really fab directories to help make shopping a breeze and that easily showcase the incredible amount of Black-owned business who are kicking butt & taking names in their industry:
The Hill Creatives - Connecting people and brands to Black creatives.
That’s So Tampa’s List - “Black-owned businesses you can support right now in Tampa and St. Pete” such as restaurants, health & beauty, and non-profits to support.
BLK+Green - Self care products like hair, skin, home, menstrual care, grocery & more
Official Black Wall Street - Everything from childcare, cosmetics, insurance and health & wellness.
Recommend B2B Black-owned Business Directory - Service-based business including copywriting podcast editing, graphic design, and so much more.
Black-owned Etsy Shops - Handmade goodness ranging from clothing to earrings and artwork
(Note: If you know of another wonderful directory, please send it my way in the comments or by email and I’ll add it! Hello@babecrafted.com)
