I stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. This statement marks just a small step in my lifelong journey to advance racial equity in society.
As the founder of Soukra, I pledge to be an active participant in change, to take a stand for basic human rights for all, and to be an equitable, anti-racist company. This begins with recognizing my own personal privilege as a white woman in society and identifying factors that perpetuate inequality.
One of Soukra’s founding aims is to provide a platform for the underrepresented voices of talented Tunisian designers and entrepreneurs through their products and designs. As the founder of a U.S.-based company, it is my responsibility to do a better job promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in the U.S. as well. Last summer, I took some small steps by featuring exclusively BIPOC models for that season’s collections. But there’s more to be done. Here are steps I’ll take today onward.
Even though I am a solopreneur and don’t have employees (yet!), I spend money on software, subcontractors, and consultants. I realized recently that the majority of that money goes to white-owned businesses. I commit to spending more money on black-owned businesses, and when I can hire my first employees, I will target a wide applicant pool in order to hire a diverse team.
Lastly, I’ve signed Rachel Rodgers Anti-Racist Small Business Pledge. Small businesses account for over 40% of this country’s workforce*. Together, we can effect positive change in our companies and communities.
Pauline Eveillard, Founder
* https://institute.jpmorganchase.com/institute/research/small-business/small-business-dashboard
