Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Beautiful Women Literati Collection by Sophie Kissin Jewelry.jpg

I am dedicated to using my jewelry business and platform to stand up for Black lives, Indigenous Peoples’ issues, and the rights, well-being, and equality of all People of Color. I am committed to fighting hatred, racism, and White supremacy in all of their pervasive forms. This is a working statement and will be updated regularly as I continue to build an anti-racist business and personal philosophy.

Current Commitments

  • All of my models are BIPOC (me included). It has been my goal from the beginning of skj to feature diverse faces and bodies in my branding. I will continue to create content with diverse representation, and expand to include models of all gender identities and sizes.

  • Make quarterly donations to BIPOC organizations via campaigns that spread awareness about issues and the work of highlighted organizations on all existing platforms (website, instagram, Facebook, email list, Pinterest). If you would like to suggest an organization or collaborate with me, please email me at holla@sophiekissinjewelry.com

  • continue to educate myself and encouraging followers to follow suit. Currently I am committing to reading at least one work of non-fiction or fiction by BIPOC authors. In 2020, I started an SKJ Book club that read 12 works of fiction and non-fiction and met for virtual discussion. Visit our book club page to learn more and see our reading list.

  • Improve accessibility of beautiful, handmade pieces to diverse clientele of limited economic means by Offering Skj essentials at sliding scale pricing. Everyone deserves to feel and look good, and do so ethically and sustainably. Sliding Scale pricing is now available for select items in the SKJ Essential Collection!

  • Continue to spread awareness about social, environmental, political issues that align with my values by amplifying messages on my platform.

  • Commit to learning about other BIPOC artists (filmmakers, painters, sculptors, dancers, theater-makers, etc.), past and present, and share their work in blog posts.

  • Listen to my BIPOC educators, role models, and community. Take their criticisms and advice. Have courage to make mistakes, take ownership of them, and adjust my philosophy as I continue to learn and grow.

Aspirational and long-term goals

  • 30% of total business budget will go to BIPOC-owned businesses and individuals. This means I will be researching new suppliers and prioritizing BIPOC (women and non-binary folx especially!) hires, contract work, and creative collaborations. I will strive to promote and uplift BIPOC folx creatives whenever possible.

  • Create an apprenticeship program for young BIPOC jewelers and/or creatives. I have had the privilege to learn my craft working under two women jewelers who graciously taught me jewelry-making and business skills. I would love to someday develop an apprenticeship program specifically for aspiring BIPOC jewelers to pass on metalsmithing traditions and ethical, anti-racist business practices.

If you have suggestions or ideas for how I can improve and show up for my community, please write to me below.

Hate will not be tolerated at Sophie Kissin Jewelry.

“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” — James Baldwin