EQUITY & REPARATIONS COMMITMENT

First Looks LLC recognizes that the beauty and wedding industries help uphold the same oppressive and unjust systems and structures that operate within our society; and as a business owned by someone with multiple socially privileged identities, it is my responsibility to build justice back in by committing to transparent, actionable, and ongoing reparations as a central function of our business model.

When we hear reparations, we usually think about money, which is material (financial) - but there are also symbolic reparations (official apologies, public memorials, etc.) Purely symbolic initiatives may feel empty, and material reparations without symbolic gestures may feel insufficient.

Reparations as a business model requires that I not just give money within my own comfort, but that I actively let go of my own privileges and their social functions (namely, access to opportunity, work, and compensation).
It asks that in addition to money, I also give attention, advocacy - and that I give UP space, power, and access.

As part of this commitment, First Looks LLC pledges to:

1. Direct prospective clients to colleagues with traditionally marginalized identities as a first step.
   This means that when clients contact me, I will ask them to reach out to marginalized colleagues of mine first. If those colleagues are unavailable, or the client does not want to work with them, they are then welcome to hire me.

2. Incorporate products and equipment from brands owned by those with one or more traditionally marginalized identities into our kit and studio with a balance goal of at least 50% 

3. Contribute a minimum of 15% of all net profits on a monthly basis to local organizations, community projects, and mutual aid programs

4. Promote vendor partners and colleagues with one or more traditionally marginalized identities 

5. Share regular updates for reparations and equity on the First Looks LLC social pages, as well as our website

6. Provide excellent and compassionate service to all human beings, and strive to serve in a way that is inclusive and not a source of further harm and microaggression. 

Part of the language in this statement is inspired by work from the leaders and activists below:
Dan Lynn @drawingoncommunity
Sonya Renee Taylor @sonyareneetaylor
Adrienne Maree Brown @adriennemareebrown