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Core Values in My Business

1/13/2021

6 Comments

 
Back in the days when the shop and Mill space were open to shopping, classes and fiber group meet-ups, I had a list of "Rules." Don't panic, they were rules meant to help maintain a positive vibe and space for creativity.

The very first was "Please leave your politics outside our front door." The reason I made this rule was to maintain an open creative space that could serve as a break from what was going on outside. My goal was to welcome all people to the mill, regardless of political affiliations and beliefs, and to allow them to feel safe from being singled out or made to feel as if they didn't belong. For the most part this has worked although over the last 4 years I'll admit that if we all were on the same page politically, the conversations happened and they were fierce and sometimes tinged with a bit of fear.

If you've been following me on social media you likely have noticed by now that I have voiced my opinion on multiple issues over the last year. Why the shift? Why put my business at risk of losing clients? Especially in an industry that leans toward the conservative side? Well here's the thing, to me civil and human rights are not fundamentally political, they are the most basic of rights. It seems so simple but obviously not to all.

I believe that since I am using social media as a free platform to grow my business, I should also use it as a platform to voice equality and inclusivity for all.  My business is a part of me and therefore my core values are a part of it. I have stopped supporting businesses that are touting what to me amounts to racism and/or support of a President who has given racism, hate, and now insurrection a loud voice in our country again. Ewethful has been and will continue to be about creativity, support, acceptance and respect. All of that said, racism and hate will never be tolerated within my business walls or on my social media pages. These core values will be added to the new "Rules" in the Mill.

Speak up. Step up. Vote and appreciate that our democracy is indeed fragile. Choose love not hate.

If you are still with my business, thank you!!! I appreciate you all so much!!!

Stay safe, for the love of all wear a mask because science is real and please take care of your fellow humans.

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6 Comments
Robin Kearney
1/14/2021 04:51:00 pm

I really enjoyed coming to your shop when you were open, and love your yarns and commitment to a simple lifestyle. Politics is such a touchy subject though, and not everyone agrees depending on your perspective. Hopefully the blog conversations with consist mainly about yarns and knitting and all things that draw us together.

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Gale Michel
1/15/2021 12:26:12 pm

It is not easy for small businesses to speak up, and I appreciate you speaking up. You are absolutely right, civil and human rights are fundamental rights, not political. I am happy to have a business owner that works to make sure that their space is safe for everyone.

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Robin Kearney
1/15/2021 06:26:10 pm

But tying human rights, racism, and insurrection to the last four years is political. People have very different views of current events so why get into all that rather than just celebrate our common love for yarn and supporting small businesses?

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Ewethful
1/18/2021 03:34:04 pm

I believe my blog covered the why. But even more basic, I can not sit and just post pictures of yarn as if nothing is happening around me. As I watch injustice and hate gain a louder voice. I need to speak up. My business is a part of me as well as a platform and because it is my space, I will use it to stand up for what I believe, politics or not. There will always be lots of yarn and fiber talk but I will not be silent about the injustice and ugliness in our country right now.

CarolLynn Mc Ardle
1/21/2021 01:58:03 pm

I love that you will not sit passively by while injustice is done. I stand with you...

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing"

Edmund Burke

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Debbie Ellis
1/21/2021 10:43:55 pm

Hi, Kim,

I am totally with you in all respects. I used to be of the mind, as well, that political discourse had no place in polite society, but no more. It is not good enough to simply “not go there” anymore. This last administration was so destructive, so cruel and so corrupt, that to ignore its impact is, in my view, giving tacit acceptance. I guess we can thank this vile man and his cronies for exposing the ugly underbelly of our society to such a degree that a rational human being can no longer ignore it. We must speak out against misogyny, racism and destructive ignorance when we see and hear it. Further, polite, thoughtful discourse about politics, religion and any other so-called hot button topic is healthy. Burke was so right, CarolLynn.

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    I am Kim Biegler, the owner and operator of Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill, along with my husband Mitch - my steadfast supporter, enabler, grass seed farmer, maintenance guy and all around love of my life! Visit the Mill's website for more about us and well, to shop for fiber of course! ewethfulfiberfarm.com

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