business social media as a political platform
I use my social media accounts mostly twitter and instagram for my business but also feel an obligation to use my platforms to speak against the morally corrupt trump administration, homelessness, funding assistance for organizations and many more areas of society I feel need attention and help. Since opening the shop in 2006 I helped in the only way I financially could which was allowing artists and designers to sell their designs and art at the shop, mostly on a consignment basis. At most we were carrying 14 independent designers. We also used the space for art shows, my friend Lauren Napolitano and Lauren Davis both hosted events at the shop. It was a great way to help build a customer base for the shop and help artists. The shop was created with the intention to have a space that ALL people feel comfortable and welcomed. As the store grew and became more successful we were able to use some of our profits towards school auctions and local fund raisers. One of the first big events we did was to ask people to bring in tampons, pads and sanitary wipes to donate and we would offer them 20% off in the shop in return. The items were donated to "Operation Dignity" in Oakland. It was very successful and we saw a real hunger for people to give back. We donated and sent boxes of supplies to the protesters/water protectors at Standing Rock. Collected and send supplies to Puerto Rico and connected with a customer who lived there to give us a list of needs and she distributed the supplies to the people in need in her community. We collected supplies for the northern California fire victims. And have donated to various go fund me accounts. Our store has also had new mom meet ups, women's march protest sign making and black lives matter visual participation. WE ARE MORE THAN A SHOP WE ARE A COMMUNITY. I feel it is my obligation to give back and if I can't do that with money, I use my time and the use of my shop and especially my social media platforms. I have gotten some push back mostly "i like your page for clothes and don't want to see political commentary" I kindly offer those people to shop directly with us online, but I will not be silencing myself and what I believe in. Helping others is an important part of building community and I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to do that. It is only possible with customers shopping and spending with me. Thank You For Supporting Pretty Penny. You have no idea how much it means.