Our DEIB Values: Creating Together Through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Our DEIB Values: Creating Together Through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
At Not Just North, DEIB isn't just an acronym – it's the compass that guides everything we create. As an LGBTQ+ owned business, we believe that celebrating our differences makes us stronger, more creative, and better connected.
What DEIB Means to Us
Diversity is recognizing and honoring the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities that make each of us who we are. From the rainbow of colors in our Pride Collection to the varied designs across all our handcrafted items, we celebrate the beautiful tapestry of human experience.
Equity means acknowledging that we don't all start from the same place and working to create fair access and opportunities. We're committed to pricing our products accessibly while ensuring they're made with quality materials that last.
Inclusion is creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to participate fully. Our products are designed to spark joy and conversation, bringing people together across differences.
Belonging is that feeling of being accepted exactly as you are. Every item we create carries this intention – that whoever wears, uses, or displays it feels a sense of connection and acceptance.
DEIB in Action at Not Just North
Our commitment to DEIB values shows up in everything we do:
In Our Creations Each handcrafted item is designed with intention, whether it's our A-MAZE-ing Statement Button celebrating self-discovery or our Cat Mom Statement Keychain acknowledging diverse forms of family. Our designs aim to represent many identities and experiences, creating visibility and celebration.
In Our Materials We carefully source materials from LGBTQ+ friendly suppliers, avoiding companies with discriminatory practices. This means you'll never find materials from Hobby Lobby in our creations – instead, we build relationships with suppliers who share our values.
In Our Workspace Our ADHD-friendly studio is organized into zones that celebrate neurodiversity and different ways of creating. From our Morning Station to our Art Creation Area, we've built a space that honors different ways of thinking and working.
In Our Community We proudly partner with organizations that share our commitment to creating inclusive spaces:
🏳️🌈 Safe Space Alliance - supporting safe spaces for LGBTQI+ communities
🌈 Open to All Coalition - promoting nondiscrimination and inclusivity
✨ Everything is Queer community - connecting LGBTQ+ creators and businesses
Our Ongoing Journey
DEIB isn't a destination – it's a continuous journey of learning, growing, and evolving. We're committed to listening, learning, and adapting as we deepen our understanding and practice of these values.
We welcome your thoughts, questions, and suggestions as we travel this path together. After all, while we might all be heading in different directions, we're still in this together.
Thanks, Traveler, for joining us in creating a world where everyone belongs. Your support of our small business helps us continue creating spaces and items that celebrate the beautiful diversity of human experience.