Speak Up and Be fEARce

More than a year ago, I launched fEARce, our spectacular gold-and-diamond ear climber series honoring strong and independent women. Spelling out words like “Warrior”, “Fierce” and “Nasty” in diamonds, I wanted to play some small role in a movement that I felt was crucial to insuring that women would no longer be victimized, demeaned and silenced by those in positions of power. The idea was to make a statement with statement jewelry and to pay it forward by donating a portion of the proceeds to organizations that are working towards empowering and supporting women and girls.  The EarStylist is known for our signature “EarStories” and to me there is no more important story to tell than that of the empowerment of women and girls.

The past few weeks reminded me that we have a long way to go. With so much rancor, we are losing sight of the fact that this is not an issue of red or blue. It’s an issue of right and wrong. There is no, nor can there ever be a justification for the character assassination and belittling of victims of sexual assault. There are few absolute truths in this world but this is one such case of an absolute truth.

I could run a company that doesn’t take a stand on important issues like this but the vast majority of my clients are women so speaking up for the rights of those who could be my clients or even my potential clients is both a moral and fiduciary imperative and a responsibility that I have to the well-being of this company and the people who support it. A portion of the proceeds from upcoming fEARce sales will go to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Perhaps in some small way, we can make a difference.

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?"- Hillel