(CW: Hate Speech)
Earlier this week, I overheard a passerby refer to the LGBTQ pride flag outside of our shop as a “f*g sign,” and my stomach knotted up. Living in a staunchly conservative community can be exhausting. I regularly consider my safety and comfort when out in public, in ways that I rarely (if ever) did while living in more progressive areas, and frequently find myself quoting the indomitable David Rose—
In all honesty, there are times when I’m just not up for the emotional labor of being “visible.” But then there are days like yesterday, when I had the absolute delight of meeting T, a local customer who shared that she has been following me online and found my work deeply resonant. Hearing that folks connect to what I’m doing, that they find joy in using my products or relate with something I’ve shared, is such a gift. It feels like a reminder from the universe that I am on the right path. And it’s a gift that I could only receive because of visibility, because of choosing to do my own thing and share it with the world.
As the saying goes,
If speaking kindly to plants makes them grow, imagine what speaking kindly to people will do.
So big, big thanks to everyone who has supported HWB, whether by purchasing a bar of soap or sharing a kind word. It means more than you know. 🖤
