Black Lives Matter

It is clear that institutional racism is rooted in far too many of our systems, our workplaces, our online spaces and in our day to day lives.

The devastating injustices we have seen in the past several weeks against Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Christian Cooper are injustices that have been occurring against black people in America since the country’s inception.

While I haven’t engaged with this community directly on this topic, it has never been more clear to me the importance this particular issue holds.

So first, let me state clearly where I stand, Black Lives Matter.

Here at Erin Stutland HQ, we are a small, tiny company.

The bulk of what gets created, starts with me.

In my heart, the business and life I have always wanted to create is one of inclusion, love, support, kindness and compassion.

It has never been about making millions of dollars or being the most popular person on social media. It has always been about true connection, the steady practice of mindfulness and spreading goodness in the world around me.

And while I am proud of what I have built in both my business and my life, I can see the areas where I have fallen short and where I can do so much better.

It is clear to me where I have learning and growing to do.
It is clear to me where I need to be led and do more listening.
It is clear to me how inclusion can and will take on a whole new meaning personally and professionally moving into the future.

I share this, because I want you to know that it doesn’t require that you run a large business with a gigantic team, or that you have huge followings or spheres of influence in order to create change.

We can start with what we have and where we are.

Our people are the people we have brunch with. They are the people we talk to and text with. There is no reason that we can’t begin to implement change and tear down the walls of racism in our own backyards, homes and families.

You are my extended family. You are my people. And I plan to do this work with you, alongside you, for you and most importantly for our future generations to come.

With love,
Erin

P.S. I will be sharing what changes we will be making and what resources we are employing both professionally and personally in a thoughtful way. We are in this for the long haul. And because we are a small company, we want to implement changes in a meaningful and sustainable way, not just a flash in the pan. I am personally digging in and doing work, I promise that in the coming weeks, I will be sharing more with you. I hope you will join me on the journey. We have lots of work to do.