June 1, 2020
Times are weird, and even though every brand ever is in our inboxes and on our feeds saying the same things about 'these unprecedented times,' it would be obtuse of me to start an e-newsletter without mention of COVID-19 and of the racial injustice that continues to take place across our country.
I'm an interior designer and entrepreneur, not a politician nor a seasoned activist, but I want to make my stance clear that I stand beside and behind people of all colors (...and genders and sexualities and ethnicities and backgrounds...). While I continue to share business updates and pretty before/after photos and motel development updates and the like, please know that in the background I am taking action, and that I encourage you to do the same. I am reading more books by black authors and acknowledging the work of POC in my industry in particular. I am putting thought daily into being not being simply "not racist," but being anti-racist. I am educating myself, I am speaking out, I am donating what I can, and I am committed to advocating for equality for all in every way I can.
As I type, there are protests happening less than a mile from my home. There are helicopters overhead, and at 8pm I hear the now familiar nightly howl in support of our essential workers at shift change. It's an odd juxtaposition of humanity. Amidst the uncertainty and the sadness and the loneliness of these times, I'm trying to remain hopeful and I hope you are too. I also hope this email update finds you well, and is received as intended: not as a tone deaf message but as a thoughtful note that acknowledges the state of the world while still carving out space to share business-related updates and small wins I'm working hard to make happen amidst it all.
Sending lots of strength, support, and love to you and yours.
Cheers,
Lauren
