One of the most powerful things about being a business owner is the ability to create a work environment according to your own principles. So many of us have worked within a company or organization and been disappointed by the way things were run, the way team members were treated. So, we wanted to ask some fantastic business owners and operators how they’ve gone about creating a more inclusive workplace.

Hazel Caldwell

I believe you have to have a target audience in mind that includes absolutely everyone. Age, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion, and beyond should feel welcome. Some moments on my journey that have shaped my view and made me pivot and realize I needed to have more safety measures in place, but that is a part of growing and learning. My gallery is Downton in Macon, GA and we have our fair share of crime, but it doesn’t make me want to close my doors (yet). Read More>>

Summer Demery

Creating a truly inclusive workplace starts with listening to what people need to feel safe, seen, and welcome. That means honoring who someone is and how they move through the world. For me, that’s looked like being mindful of sensory needs by offering silent appointments, respecting all identities with gender-affirming services, and creating a space where no one has to squeeze into a mold that wasn’t made for them. Read More>>

Yeonji Pak

Growing up, I was the quiet, shy kid in class. That part of me stayed with me into adulthood and shaped how I showed up at work. It often felt impossible to move the needle in my career. Speaking up in meetings made my stomach tense up, connecting with others didn’t come naturally, and I often felt invisible. But because I’ve gone through that experience, I have a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a quiet person at work. From nerve-wracking interviews to trying to be heard in fast-paced conversations, it can be a tough environment to navigate. Read More>>