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.

Sam Greer

Here at Precision Studios, we are all about inclusion. Being inclusive means EVERYONE, not just some. Being inclusive to me means making an atmosphere that anyone and everyone feels welcome in. The largest goal of mine has been to serve the people who sometimes get overlooked but nonetheless deserve an equal service as anyone else. I have patience and a passion for serving people with intellectual disabilities. We pride ourselves in providing a comforting environment that will cater to each individual that walks through the door to the best of our ability. I have worked in workspaces before that was not as welcoming or as friendly as the environment, we have now at Precision Studios. With our private suites, it allows a more one on one service that allows you to cater solely to that client in the chair. Read more>>

Jasmine Gonzalez

Coming into the barber field a little later in life, I came with some personal experiences as a customer that I knew I wanted to implement in my space. I always loved the idea of being in a shop that was run and operated by all women. With being a barber and male dominated industry there are not a lot of opportunities for us, so it can be refreshing to see other women in the field, uplifting and supporting each other. I also wanted to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. As a masc presenting Lesbian it was always uncomfortable to go into a barber shop and request a haircut and not feel judged. I know it is even harder for others in our community, my goal is to always make sure every person who walks into my shop feels comfortable and leaves my chair more confident then when they walked in. Read more>>

Ryan Gutierrez

After over a decade in b2b and b2c community work, one thing I’ve learned is that self-awareness is everything. Tools like Clifton Strengths have helped me name not just what I’m naturally good at, like strategic thinking, building relationships, and influencing change, but also where I tend to struggle. That kind of insight has shaped how I set goals, how I show up for my team, and how I choose the right partners to fill in the gaps. For me, leadership isn’t about being strong in every area. It’s about knowing where you need support and being open enough to build around that. That’s where trust starts to take root. Read more>>

Gilbert Smith

Our theatre team carries a motto, “There is no job too small.” We have a complex entertainment venue, where we present live musicals and comedies on our main stage, screenings and nighttime entertainment on our rooftop and special events that promote movies, books with personalities on tour. Our goal is to make the experience for patrons a uniqiue adventure with the backdrop of Hollywood, CA “The entertaimnet capital of the world.” Bulding events and load-in dates are strenuous, tedious and deserve full attention by all of the team members. We aim to make those days meaningful. Theatre is a family workplace. Read more>>

Stephany Poe

One of the best ways to create a truly inclusive workplace is to stop assuming everyone communicates, learns, or leads the same way—especially across generations. I’ve seen firsthand how misunderstanding between age groups creates tension, missed opportunities, and people feeling undervalued. Read more>>