Like many of you, I’ve been deeply disturbed by recent events and I haven’t felt quite the same since George Floyd was murdered. I’ve spent the last few weeks thinking and thinking and thinking. So far, what I know is that it’s time I unwaveringly stand in solidarity with the black community and that I proactively do my part as a white woman to make a difference. To be honest, I am nervous that I may not get it right the first time, or that I’ll say or do something wrong, or that it won’t be enough. Failure to speak and act, however, is just not acceptable anymore. While what I’ve come up with feels small in comparison, I hope it’s a start.  

Time to Learn:

Realizing how undereducated I am on these topics, I’ve committed to learning more about the systemic racism that got us to this point. At home, I’ve begun reading White Fragility by Dr. Robin Dangelo. It’s impossible to find the actual book, which is a good thing, so I’m reading it on my ever present Kindle. We all know that horrible things thrive in silence so I’ve also been having the hard conversations. I’ve had them with myself, I’ve had them with my daughters and friends, and with everyone who’s willing to talk (and maybe even some who aren’t so willing). I’d like to shout out Meaghan from Alexandria and Company who listed several helpful resources for both adults and children in her recent Stylebook post. Check them out here. 

Time to Move Over:

What I’ve learned from listening to people with lived experience, in this case people of color, is that I can do any number of things to highlight the wonderful and important voices, experiences, skills, and strengths of those who are not often seen, heard, or celebrated. A high school friend of mine who is deeply involved in activism in L.A. probably put it best: “Use what’s in your wheelhouse, Celeste!” When I asked him what he meant, he made a good point. I have an amazing platform through these posts to lift up all, but especially women of color. It’s high time we moved over, shared the space, and shared the microphone. Representation is important. So, moving forward I commit to inviting a woman of color to be my guest writer for Stylebook each month. We all want to hear different perspectives on life, love, family, business, fashion, and community. We all deserve to hear the voices, see the faces, and read the perspectives of people who look, live, eat, dress, work, and relax just like us. 

Time to Partner Up:

What I know is that there are so many talented entrepreneurs right here in the DMV. As a white, female business owner, what I now understand a bit more is the importance of highlighting diversity, particularly in the world of fashion which hasn’t always done so. I commit to hosting black and brown designers at Kiskadee. I can’t wait to partner up with local jewelry designers, stylists, and style influencers for a pop-up or a collaboration.Finally, I commit to raising money for organizations whose mission and efforts benefit people of color. The last weekend of every month will be dedicated to helping financially. During the weekend of June 26 - June 28, 20 percent of our sales will be donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, LLC. Stay tuned to find out what organization we’ll choose next month.If you are or know of a woman of color who would like to be a guest writer, or if you’re interested in a collaboration of sorts, please let me know. I’d love to learn more about you and I know our readers and Kiskadee customers would too. You can contact me at: celeste@kiskadeeshop.com or text/call me at 703-606-5254.