Hello hello hello friends…Happy Thursday! Today’s post is one Im really happy about sharing, and one that is quite different from the normal topic of discussion here on the blog. But I feel its also one of the most important posts Ive ever written.
Yesterday a post went live on Domino that sent a flood of DM’s and emails my way and I couldn’t be more proud about it. Recently I went off on a bit of a rant on in my IG stories regarding the issue of diversity, colorism, exclusivity, and inclusivity. This came on the heels of Revolve being called out by blogger Valerie Eguavoen (@onacurve) in regards to thier lack of inclusivity of influencers of color in their campaigns, trips, press promotions, etc. Not only did she call out Revolve, but the fashion industry as a whole. And not only as it pertains to a lack of diversity in terms of race, but also the lack of inclusion when it comes to plus size fashion bloggers and influencers.
The IG streets LIT UP at the knowledge of someone having the courage and audacity to take on big names such as Aimee Song and Revolve, and it resulted in a long overdue dialogue. One of my favorites was a post was by the incredibly talented Denisse of @thugnanny with her perspective and her response to Valerie’s call to action. In true Denisse fashion (no pun intended) she dished it out straight and didnt hold back. So where do I come in?
After reading so many comments and seeing so many posts I decided to take to my followers and share my own two cents on the subject…as it pertains to the home/interior/design & lifestyle space. I shared that while the recent conversations were primarily about the fashion and beauty space, there is also a very distinct lack of diversity and inclusion on this side of the tracks as well.
Lets go back a month to my recent trip with Domino to NYC for the Domino Design Blog Awards. As I was preparing for that trip thr editors asked all of the award winners one question: “What is your design wish for 2018?” We were unaware at the time that our answers would be displayed for all to see during the awards event, and I was definitley shocked to see it when I walked through the door. They had created a really cool stickey note installation on the walls and included our responses amongst them. Here is mine:
When I was asked the question I knew immediately what my answer would be, as it was something that had been heavy on my heart for a very long time. Like years.
Ive mentioned over on IG that 2017 was bit of a weird year for me when it came to the blog. I struggled with whether I wanted to continue blogging, or if I wanted to hang up the preverbial hat. I felt disconnected in many ways from the design blog community and I was just about ready to stop. I was feeling completely OVER seeing the same. damn. thing. CONSTANTLY.
The same rooms on repeat, the same style, the same aesthetic, the same look in magazines, and features, etc. The sameness was stifling. And then I had an aha moment. I dug deep and discovered my “WHY”, and for me the bottom line is REPRESENTATION MATTERS. I recently heard someone say that “when you don’t see yourself, you dont attain to do it”, and boy is that powerful. I realized I was getting messages on a daily basis of people saying things like “im so happy I found someone who looks like me/whose style is like mine/whose family looks like mine/who is lgbt, etc. here doing this”. And in that moment I understood just how important it was that I continue to show up. That I continue to share our life and my love of moody spaces, and small spaces, and my love for my wife, and my love for really great products that bring value to my life. That I continue to share and inspire, and encourage.
Just as Valerie pointed out about the fashion and beauty space having a visibly obvious lack of diversity and inclusion, such is the same for the design and interiors blogger/content creator space. So many of us had been having these conversations silently among ourselves and in our tight circles and in our facebook groups, but no one was addressing them on a larger sale. So I went there. And Domino took notice.
Now that was certainly not my intention and I was very shocked, but it was definitely a happy surprise. There are so many amazing and talented creatives in this space who are incredibly inspiring, producing great original content, sharing fresh ideas and fresh perspectives, and they arent getting the same exposure, partnership opportunities, reposts, shares, etc. Most of the time their content doesnt even get SEEN. Its frustating and deflating. I shared in my stories that It’s about what is celebrated on a larger scale, and what is not. When what you see being shared and praised and reposted and pushed out by brands and companies and media is the same look, aesthetic, and people, it tells a very clear story and sends a very clear message. And to me, that message is that if its not THIS specific look then its not going to get the time of day, or if that look is being put out by someone that doesnt look a specific way then its not going to get the time of day. It’s also sending a message to our readers, followers, and audience that their homes and spaces NEED to be designed/styled/and curated to have a certain look in order for it to be deemed beautiful and anything outside of that is wrong. And I feel like that’s a pretty dangerous message to send.
After little rant (you can check it out on my IG in the “Real Talk” highlights under my profile) I received tons of messages from people, both bloggers and not, sharing how they’ve felt the same way or have had the same conversations but never said anything. I thought this message from one reader stood out to me in partiuclar because I loved her perspective on the issue
The resulting conversations Ive had about racism, colorism, awareness, & inclusion have been amazing and powerful. And the one thing I want you to know is that, for me, the Domino article was never about me “exclusively shouting out all the black people”. It was and IS about the celebration of diversity of style, aesthetic, and point of view. Its about the inclusion of creatives of all backgrounds being recognized on a platform as large and as influential within the community as Domino.
I hope you all will take a moment to read the article and possibly discover someone who inspires you whom you would’ve never otherwise known. I know that the topics of race, and diversity, and appropriation, and inlcusion are really difficult for some people to engage in, ESPECIALLY with our current political climate, BUT I truly feel like they matter. They make a difference. They bring about awareness, and help to dispell ignorance. Thank you so much Domino for playing a big role.
Whew that was a long one guys. But these things needed to be said.
Until next time friends…
jana says
jesus christ shavonda! i wish i would’ve found you a long time ago. i know i’m a cisgender white girl that loves a minimal white space but you are so inspiring. you as a person, as a mom, as a creator, as a blogger, as a wife, as a designer. all. of. it. and now i want to go paint my little all white house black. & my husband, who knows nothing about home design, blogs, etc.. heard your voice on an ig story i was watching & yelled “what’s shavonda doing today?”. so apparently i’ve talked about you enough, that you’ve inspired him to care too. i still can’t believe he even remembered your name. anyway, thank you. i may or may not have just caught up to this point after back reading your blog from the beginning since i found you from YHL earlier this year. i’m glad you didn’t quit in 2017. & i’m pretty sure you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to IG.
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi Jana! Thank you so much! I was so delighted to be a guest on the YHL podcast. And Im so happy to have you.
Vanessa says
“When it’s not your something,” I so agree, even as that applies to me not noticing what has been missing. What I have noticed is a lack of people over 50 and an absence of people using what they already own. Because of course that is me, so I noticed that. I also think there is even a lack of diversity of style going on these days. Everything is really similar.
Thanks for your thoughtfulness.
Shavonda Gardner says
Yes! I would agree that diversity of style is something Im passionate about and dont see all that much of.
Jen O says
Vanessa speaks for me too–the ‘age thing’. I never see that POV listed when unrepresented groups are included. Please add that to your mantra and bring us in the over 50 group who love design–regardless of our race or preferences, into the circle because we are being left behind in the discussion.
p.s. just new to your blog–I love it!
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi Jen! Welcome love! And I agree…there is a vast age gap. We’ve got to do better. So happy to have you babe.
Daria says
I am a new follower and I found you on Instagram on my explore page. I was so amazed to see you and your family. I love watching you all on Instagram and reading your blog! I am a lesbian and am so happy to see such a beautiful and thriving family such as yours. I love your style and real-ness! I am grateful to have someone to look up to – someone whose style is like mine. I am so grateful that you have continued to blog. You are truly an inspiration.
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi Daria! Thank you so much and welcome to my Instafam friend. I love sharing our family and our life and Im so happy you have been able to find inspiration here. So so happy to have you!!
Lori Pitts says
I just found your blog on IG I love it and love love your style! What a beautiful family you have I look forward to reading your blog! I wish you all the best!
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi Lori!! Thank you so so so much! Im so happy to have you!!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
I’m once again late in catching up on my reading. Loved this entire post so much! I feel like a change in the right direction is definitely happening, especially since the politics have gotten so bad. Sometimes it just has to get worse in order for a change to happen. I’ve always loved following you and I’m glad you stuck with blogging and social media.
Reiko says
All of this! Thank you so saying this! It really is the truth! Bravo!
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you so much! I appreciate it so much.
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you!!
Monica Benavidez says
YAS! To all of this. I quoted you in my post about this Domino feature because you articulated what I wanted to say better than I could.
http://www.monicawantsit.com/2018/01/domino-feature-diversity-in-design.html
As a Latina blogger who has been ignored, looked over and had to work twice as hard to get half as far in this interior design/decor space, I thank you for speaking up. It made me a bit braver, and it’s all thanks to you. Being included in that list was the first time I felt included in anything amazing in a long time.
Much love to you! xo.
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi Monica!!
Thank you so much! Im so so happy to hear that you werent only inspired by it but also that you were encouraged to find your voice through it. Your attributes to this space and your talents are so important. Love you mama.
annton says
And that is exactly why crossing this space made me happy as well. We need as many different colors, sizes and forms as possible, to conctantly recreate the diverse reality we want to see.
Shavonda Gardner says
Yessssssss!!!! I couldnt agree more.
Ariene says
Thank you for bringing our private conversations to light!
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank YOU so much Ariene!
Tauska Trusaun says
Just Wow!!! I’m beyond words but extremely elevated by your blog… muchas Gracias !!!
Passing it along to other Comrade creatives and following you for continued inspiration and light shine.
TAUSKA + CO B
UpUsAgsinstTheWall
2nu biz’s
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you so much Tauska. I appreciate that more than you know.
Lakitia Austin says
Love this post. I’m so happy to see people like you, LakeithaDuncan, StyledbyCassanova, and Nubiinteriors who are out there doing your thing and doing it the way you want. I would love to see a roundup of unique bloggers and YouTubers that I can continue to follow for more inspiration. Maybe one of these days I’ll face my fears and pick up a camera myself. Lord knows I’ve thinking about doing it.
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi Lakitia! Thank you so much lady. I would highly recommend taking a look at the article and looking into the amazing creatives that have been highlighted there. And yessssssssss definitley take that leap!!!