If you follow me on social media, then you already know a lot about where I stand on a variety of political and legal issues. As a practicing lawyer for nearly two decades, I have a uniquely crafted set of views on issues that pertain to constitutional law and I am very confident in those opinions.
On the other end of the spectrum are my views on being a founder and entrepreneur. This is the first time in my life I've ever had to ask the question:
To what extent should a brand get mixed up in politics?
Luckily, there are many amazing founders, business owners, and CEOs who have set forth an incredible example for me to follow. Indeed, KVBeauty's own Creative Director, Nemanja Golubovic, is the founder and owner of an award-winning vegan restaurant (Kale My Name) and shows up, everyday, wearing his heart on his sleeve, daring to tell the truth even when others have advised him to shut up.
The risks aren't insignificant. I know the majority of you are here and reading this email because you support me, Joanne. We had the kind of start to a small business that defies logic, but reaffirms a collective belief in solidarity, humanity, and good things. But I also know that I risk estranging potential customers--money for this little experiment of a business--by making my stance on various polarizing issues too clear.
But I don't want to start this beautiful dream business on the wrong foot. I just don't. I'd rather we crash and burn as a brand than build it on a foundation of lies. So, let's just pull the bandaid off, shall we?
I believe that what ICE is doing to communities and neighborhoods across the country is illegal and unconstitutional.
I believe that DHS's repeated and transparent attempts to lie to the American people is undemocratic and corrupt.
I believe that the DOJ's refusal to fully and thoroughly investigate what appear to be crimes committed by ICE agents is similarly undemocratic and corrupt.
I have a lot more opinions that many people will disagree with, to wit:
I think that sourdough is overrated.
I think that gochujang is superior to sriracha.
I think that my kimchi is the best kimchi on the planet.
I will also share something with you that I've been horribly embarrassed about for decades and hiding in my heart with fear as a way of prophylactically canceling myself:
When I was in kindergarten, I borrowed Cinderella from the school library. At that time, we were learning how to spell and for some reason I cannot fathom, I took a pen to my father and asked him to teach me how to spell the name of a boy in my class, Michael Grady, by writing it on the back of the book. My father thus scrawled the name "Michael Grady" over and over again on the back of this book. I returned it to the library, without mentioning the graffiti. Several days later, Michael Grady was called up to my teacher's desk where he was yelled at for several minutes in a row for defacing school property. He denied it vociferously but the evidence was right there, as the teacher pointed out.
I never said anything.
I have rued this moment in my life for years and years and years. And now you all have this on me, so do with it what you will.
In all seriousness, KVBeauty Fam... It's been a rough couple weeks for me. Not only have I had to watch what we all saw unfold on TV, I've had to sit my parents down and explain to them just what they should or should not do should ICE approach them or DHS show up at their house. I've had to deal with emails telling me I should get deported to North Korea or calling me words I cannot write down in public or otherwise trying to make me feel small for standing up for what I believe is NOT a political stance, but a human one.
If this means we are parting ways, I can't say I'm ok with that, but I also understand. For those of you who decide to stick around with this fledgling brand, you have my gratitude.
Joanne.
