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.
Carola Locke
I am a tattoo artist, and I have been in this business since 2016. When I first began my tattooing career at Ink Life DFW, then named Mild 2 Wild, I found myself to be the only female in an, otherwise, all male shop. I kind of preferred this, as I never thought of myself as someone who got along with other women. But as my career progressed, I found myself being drawn to support other females and alternate lifestyle persons in the industry. I didn’t know if I could do it, but I wanted to try. Read more>>
Felicia Johnson
Creating a more inclusive workplace starts with YOU! As cheesy at that might sound, I believe that statement to be true. Each of us own the opportunity to be the change we want to see. Read more>>
Charlyn Dahilig
I am under many umbrellas: first generation American, asian, queer and a woman who runs her own business. From previous experience, I understand how hard/daunting it can be to find a photographer who is inclusive– specially with the LGBTQ+ community. My best friend and I decided we wanted to open a photography service on the side solely for the queer community. My partner and I both recognize the comfort that it brings to share space with someone who also shares the same shoes. Read more>>
Adrienne Farrell
I’m part of the LGBTQIA+ community and it was incredibly important to me that I clearly state our values when it comes to supporting and advocating for our community. We have partnered with Chicago Therapy Collective to be part of their Hire Trans Now initiative and have hired a trans coach. We also have hosted several fundraising events for The Trevor Project, and Brave Space Alliance. Read more>>
Bora Laci
Creating a more inclusive environment is one of the most important aspects of promoting an organization. Firstly, you need to make sure you create a space where everyone is welcome and feel comfortable. This means providing resources, such as training and education, on topics surrounding diversity and inclusivity. Read more>>
Laken Alexandra
Establishing clear policies and procedures: Develop policies and procedures that promote inclusivity, such as anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, and make sure that all employees are aware of them and understand how to report any incidents. Read more>>
Da Buket List LLC
Da Buket List LLC is more than just one entity. We are more than just a podcast, and our brand is greater than our current members. Da Buket List LLC’s mission is to be a platform where creatives, collectives, and impactful doers are able to collaborate in an open-minded positive environment. Read more>>
Jahleel (DJ JSO) Muhammad
I started my career out on a community radio station, PhillyCam 106.5 WPPM FM. A station founded on the foundation of community involvement and since my ascension to programming director of a new station “Hit Nation Empire” available on IHeartRadio, Tune In, Alexa, Apple CarPlay, etc, my goal has remained the same to Include community creators from across the country in the development of our stations content. Read more>>
L Brinks
I initially started out as a social media manager for queer and fat-positive brands because there was a severe disconnect between virtual marketing services and the queer entrepreneur community in my social sphere. Of course people can get referred to agencies, but the questions I got time and time again, and continue to get are “But how can I hire someone trans like me?” Read more>>
Malik Perry
As a model, I want the industry to continue merging the culture into a more inclusive job setting but, also broaden its classism within the industry. The industry is open to orientations of all sorts and tones of who we are as people but I’d say that it’s still pretty segregated within the budget for different people. Read more>>
Dr. Kristin Morris
As a Black woman in corporate America, I was often times the only person of color in the workplace. Feeling like an “outsider” was commonplace. It was difficult for me to find a place where I felt comfortable fitting in and being supported. Who did I feel safe talking to? Who would be a great mentor for me? Read more>>