The Designers Collaborative (TDC) has a company culture of inclusion. When I decided to create a group for designers that could offer the best pricing so we can all finally compete with the internet, inclusion was a core value.
Before embarking on creating TDC I asked a local designer I knew if I could join their small buying group. I was turned down because the group preferred to stay small. This experience of being excluded is not pleasant in any part of life but especially when it affects one’s financial well-being. Getting a seat at the table can be a struggle.
When TDC was born including any professional who wanted to become part of it was a given. TDC welcomes all designers, stagers, and stylists in North America. Our strength comes from our diversity.
As we enter the month of July, Pride month is over, but acceptance is year round. TDC is proudly an LGBTQ+ supportive group.
I have a transgender sibling. The hardest part about that is getting my brain to say they/them. I know a lot of people struggle with the whole concept of transgender.
What I realized was that I don’t have to understand it, I only have to accept it.
I know from experience that if you haven’t experienced something for yourself you don’t really understand it. You might think you do but it’s not entirely accurate. This became clear when my dad died at 59 years old. Those who had lost a parent were unbelievably helpful in what they said and how they acted. Those who have yet to go through that said some really dumb things. You can’t know what it’s like until you go through it.
Acceptance is not hard. You just decide that you don’t have to know everything, understand, or even like it. You can still accept it.
For all those who disagree – keep it to yourself. If you had good parents they taught “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.
TDC will always be inclusive.
