So I'm starting a blog...

We're almost a quarter of the way into 2024, spring is definitely trying to happen, I'm recovering from a top-surgery revision and the world is in turmoil - it's safe to say I've been really reflective lately about what my values are and how I can do my best, as a small business owner and maker, but also as a highly empathetic person while politicians fan the flames on late-stage capitalism.

Hi, my name is Riley, welcome to the inside of my brain!

In my first paragraph of the first and only blog I've ever attempted I've already gotten political, and that might bore some of you but truly that's who I am to my core. My identities as a person are highly politicised - I'm trans, mixed race, AFAB and disabled - I'm proud of who I am but I know what it's like to have my rights be treated like a fun debate exercise and not like it actually affects my whole life, be scapegoated and used as a political distraction tactic - and I think that these things have led me to be firmly anti-oppression and anti-capitalism. What that looks like while running a small business, under the rule of capitalism is something I'll explore in a whole blog post of it's own, which I'm sure you're really looking forward to.

Since I started my jewellery Instagram page and business, I've been really transparent about who I am, my life events and my values as an individual and I've been lucky enough to grow a gorgeous community of kind, empathetic people - many of which I share identities and values with. The only down-side of this I've experienced is that because of sharing political posts I often get censored and shadow-banned meaning that a lot of people don't actually see my posts and it does hurt my business - I'm stubborn enough that I won't let up - but it has meant I've spent a lot of time over the last couple of months wondering how I can communicate with you more directly without relying on a fickle algorithm. 

So this is it!

I'll be reaching out to you directly about new jewellery, competitions, markets, sales and the likes via my mailing list, whilst also maintaining this blog! I'll keep up with Instagram, of course, but I know I can't rely on it anymore and that's okay - it's time to adapt!

It's no secret that I'm not a gifted writer but I hope you'll stay with me as I look forward to discussing things like the ethics of diamonds and if I'll ever use them, why it's important to shop small, the latest cool technique I'm learning, my favourite small businesses and lots more!

Thank you for being the best customers and friends I could ever hope for!

~ Riley x