The Heart Behind Our Handmade: Why We're Picky About Our Suppliers
Share
At Not Just North, every piece of jewelry we create tells a story—not just of creativity and craftsmanship, but of the values woven into every step of our process. When you wear our handmade jewelry, you're supporting a supply chain built on businesses that actually give a damn about people and communities. (And honestly? That feels pretty incredible.)
What "Good Business" Means to Us
Look, we could source our materials from the cheapest suppliers and call it a day. But that's not who we are. We believe that how we spend our money matters, so we've gotten pretty particular about who we work with. Here's what we look for in our supplier partners:
Year-Round Integrity: We partner with companies that consistently support their communities and employees—not just when it's trendy or profitable. Real values aren't seasonal, and we're not interested in businesses that only care about people when cameras are rolling.
Businesses That Lift People Up: Our suppliers actively support various communities through their actions—whether that's championing small businesses, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, treating employees fairly, or protecting our planet. We believe good business means making space for everyone to thrive.
No Room for Harm: We absolutely will not work with suppliers that fund hate groups, discriminate against communities, or support politicians who actively work to harm marginalized people. Our money goes where our heart is, and our heart is with businesses that believe everyone deserves respect and opportunity.
Meet the Companies That Share Our Values
We're proud to source our materials from suppliers who prove that good business and good values can go hand in hand:
Michaels: This craft giant doesn't just talk about inclusion—they put their money where their mouth is:
- Partnership with PFLAG: They donate proceeds from their Pride collection directly to PFLAG's mission
- "Michaels Pride LGBTQA+" Employee Resource Group: An internal team actively working to make the company more inclusive
- Open to All Campaign: Joined in 2019 as a leader in protecting LGBTQ+ employees and customers
- Makers Like Me Program: Specifically designed to support candidates with disabilities across all operations
- Staying the Course: While many companies rolled back diversity programs in 2025, Michaels doubled down and expanded theirs
The Bead Chest: These folks are all about ethical sourcing and community support:
- Global Community Impact: Their team works year-round for direct access to materials, ensuring fair prices and ethical trading
- Human Stories: Every bead they sell comes with a story—because they believe in the people behind the products
- Supporting Developing Communities: Their mission explicitly includes uplifting communities through their supply chain
Fire Mountain Gems: A women-led business that's been walking the walk since 1973:
- Environmental Action: In 2017 alone, they recycled over 30 tons of cardboard, 3 tons of paper, and 2 tons of plastics—and they're always improving
- Art Brings People Together: They believe creativity transcends language barriers and backgrounds
- "Friendly Service" Philosophy: For over 50 years, they've prioritized genuine human connection in every interaction
Lima Beads: Started by three college friends in Ann Arbor, MI, with a simple mission: spread the love of art and connect like-minded creatives. Sometimes the best businesses come from the purest intentions.
Rings and Things: These folks get it—business should be a force for good:
- Positivity as Purpose: Their mission statement literally prioritizes being "a counterweight to negative news cycles, internet trolls, and daily stresses"
- Environmental Kindness: Comprehensive recycling, employee commute incentives, and eco-friendly packaging
- Community Support: Regular donations to food banks, community radio, and grassroots organizations
Why This Matters for You, Our Fellow Travelers
When you choose Not Just North jewelry, you're not just buying an accessory—you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Every earring, bracelet, keychain, and button (or whatever we create in the future) that we create connects you to a network of businesses that believe in treating people well, supporting communities, and operating with integrity.
This isn't about virtue signaling or checking boxes. It's about recognizing that our purchasing power is one of the most direct ways we can support the changes we want to see. Pretty powerful when you think about it, right?
How We Keep Our Standards High
We're constantly researching new suppliers and reevaluating existing partnerships. If we discover a supplier no longer aligns with our values, we find alternatives—even if it costs more or takes longer. Because maintaining our integrity isn't negotiable.
Sometimes this means paying premium prices for materials. Sometimes it means extra research and vetting time. But honestly? It's worth every penny and every minute to know that our business supports other businesses doing good in the world.
Transparency You Can Trust
We believe you deserve to know where your products come from and what your purchases support. No corporate speak, no hidden agendas—just honest information about the companies we choose to work with and why.
When you shop with Not Just North, you can trust that your money is flowing to businesses that share your values of respect, inclusion, and community support. Because that's exactly how we'd want to spend our money too.
Ready to wear your values? Browse our collection knowing that every piece has been created with intention, sourced with care, and crafted with love for our community of Travelers who believe business can be a force for good.
Thanks, Traveler, for supporting handmade jewelry that makes a difference—one beautiful piece at a time.
