Issue 33: June 9, 2020
Take Action and Take Care.
Hello Dears,
We write to you with full but heavy hearts this week. Our hearts are heavy because attitudes of prejudice and acts of racial violence continue to perpetuate divisiveness within our communities…but our hearts feel full because we’ve begun using our voices to stand up for what is unequivocally right, just, and long overdue.
We rallied together with family members and friends this past weekend to march for black lives. On Saturday we joined the peaceful demonstrations at 16th street in NW Washington, and on Sunday we participated in the family march against racism along MacArthur Boulevard.
Protesting alongside such a big, diverse group of community members was deeply affecting, and sharing these experiences with our children sparked critical lessons about justice and equality. We share this with you today to underscore the commitment we’ve both made individually, as co-founders, and as business leaders to be part of the change our world so desperately needs.
It is a privilege to protest racism rather than experiencing it in everyday life, and we want you to know that we’re personally and professionally dedicated to listening, learning, and taking vital action. In the near term, this means contributing a portion of Secretly Gifting’s June profits to the NAACP, and in the long term, it means making a conscious effort to work with BIPOC-owned and BIPOC-run businesses.
In the past, we’ve sought out female-run and female-founded businesses as partners, and we recognize that this is not enough. To be true allies, we must seek out non-white designers, makers, freelancers and brands to work with. We want you to know that our commitment starts now.
In lieu of a “local spotlight” we’re sharing a “vendor highlight” in this week’s newsletter issue, to celebrate one of our favorite black (and female) owned businesses that we’ve proudly partnered with for the last two years. 125 Collection is the Harlem-based luxury candle brand behind three of our top-selling items in The Gift Vault, and we’re delighted to share their inspirational story and messaging with you today.
Finally, because sustainable action begins with self-care, we encourage you to take care of yourselves this week. Don’t forget to hydrate, breathe, move your body, and prioritize your mental health. Spread kindness where you can, and lean into small moments of gratitude and joy. We welcome your candid thoughts and feedback as always, and encourage you to get in touch with any questions, ideas, and suggestions.
Yours in Continued Solidarity,
Ashley and Candace
Co-Founders, Secretly Gifting
Vendor Spotlight: 125 Collection
Admittedly, we’re picky about scented candles. Especially as gifts. They must burn clean, fragrance the air with a light (but not too cloying) perfume, make a visual statement, and be made from high-quality materials. This is where 125 Collection steals the show.
This luxury candle brand out of Harlem was founded by two friends, Valerie Wray and Joy Fennell, who wanted to inspire and empower peoples’ home décor choices. Down time is a necessity in a busy city like New York, and these co-founders recognized a void in the market of affordable, well-made candles packing a decorative and impactful punch.
We greatly admire their entrepreneurial grit and resourcefulness because financing their operation hasn’t been easy. They’ve bootstrapped 125 Collection from day one, turning to friends and family for loans when credit and venture capital funds weren’t an option. Today, their candles are carried by 20+ retailers, and Secretly Gifting is proud to be a longtime partner!
We’ve been big fans of their cheeky designs and rich scents since we discovered them two years ago, and we stock three of their best-selling designs in our e-commerce shop, The Gift Vault, all year round.
Valerie and Joy pride themselves on offering unique messages for every mood and personality, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share three particularly uplifting and inspirational candle designs with our community during these challenging times.
To view 125 Collection’s full product line, click here. To order a gift-wrapped 125 Collection candle for a friend, or for yourself, click here!
Using Our Voices for Good
Below you’ll find some uplifting photographs from our family-friendly participation in DC’s peaceful anti-racism marches this past weekend. We were proud to see so many friends, followers and community members mobilizing for this worthy and urgent cause.
We’re hopeful that these demonstrations remain peaceful, and grateful for the opportunity to use our voices to support Black Lives Matter and promote justice and equality!
