If you've ever been to Wyoming, you know that the word "wind" is a no no and unspoken - if you say it, the dirty looks are soon to follow.  Like many "words" that go unspoken or subjects that seem too taboo. I decided to write about a few "words" that come to mind when I first entered the western industry, barriers and bias. 

You may be looking for some Expose’ piece, but I wanted to pose more of a question towards WHO gets certain opportunities within the "western" industry vs others. Is it all in our heads about WHO gets ahead and who get pushed to the sidelines? Do we imagine Bias or is it real? How do we deal with barriers that are obvious? Why does this seem like a hot topic today? 

before I dive, here is a little backstory about me and why I even care...

Rewind back to 8th grade and there I was getting separated during block learning, moved to a different table, and isolated from any of my friends because- "Jennifer, if I put you next to a brick wall you would talk to it." -quoted from my cheery teacher. That was me and always will be, I love to talk, discuss topics, GET IT OUT, and in fact I was much more of a writer in my younger days and dreamt about starting a magazine, even got a degree in English.  What can I say, its in my blood to question, critically think, and dissect subjects. So why now. I don't know if being in my 40s officially qualifies me for more life experience, but I do feel a sort wisdom when it comes to certain ideas and speaking up regardless of opinions. So here we go. 

DO YOU feel there are Barriers and Bias in Western industry if you are a creator? and if so how are we talking about breaking down these barriers to create a community where people outside the inner circle get a crack at opportunities within? To be even more specific, fashion focused. How do small brands make themselves more visible in world that seems to be about who knows who? No, really I'm asking you.. so feel free to chime in. 

As some of you might know I did not grow up in western culture, sure you might of caught me at the ripe age of 10 tucking my jeans into my most "western" suede boots in 3rd grade and screaming "Friends in Low Places" on the swings with my bestie -but I'm a city girl raised in metro Denver, where "Cowboy" culture has been dying for some time. 

When I choose to change careers to leatherwork from the beauty industry I embraced western culture fully, completely naïve and blind to thinking there were special circles, until I stuck around for a bit. Now, did I let it stop me? no, if anything it drove me to push past what people thought was acceptable on the "inside". It drove me to look past people who wanted my credentials of "western" lifestyle. I have felt the snubs of not being "ranchy" enough or "rodeo" enough, corrected for saying men own the "carving and tooling world",  had my pieces picked apart by other so called "makers" telling me how I should do leatherwork, cut fringe, etc etc. I've heard it all, BUT I'm glad I have. Looking back it taught me so much. I remember standing in rooms with these people thinking, wow they must be threatened, but everyone has to START somewhere, right?. Some of these folks worked for big brands and at the time, I was clueless so their opinions didn't phase me. After feeling a little burn here and there I did everything in my power to learn the trade better. From hand-sewing, carving and tooling leather, to sewing on 3 different machines, I was determined to learn as much as I could about leatherwork. Imposter syndrome, duh. 

I really had to think about the circle I was entering, Did I want to be around people that judged my credentials of LEATHERWORK on whether or not I owned cattle or did saddle work? or did I want to surround myself with people who made room at the table regardless. I realized that being blind at first was bliss, but gaining more experience around these circles was the fuel I needed to actually pursue everything further. It was the rude comments, blocks, being sidelined, and being cancelled for being outspoken to realize that without any bias or barriers I would NOT be where I am today.  It was the fuel, it was the ignitor, and everyone who wants something bigger will have to experience the same. If you are immediately accepted or things are handed to you just based on some silly credential, I have to ask.....does the journey feel as good? Does it feel worth it? Do we take opportunities for granted if they are just handed to us? 

So HOW do we break down the barriers or bias that we may find when stepping into a new arena? I certainly don’t have the answers but I do have some insight into what I find works best for me, and its one word...gratitude, for even the smallest things that have come my way. Being grateful for the opportunities I HAVE had has helped ground me and focus my growth. Gratitude for a small circle of people helped me look past things holding me back from moving forward regardless of some inner circle. It also helped me cut out the people that once "supported" me only to find them gatekeeping opportunities. Don't think people close to you gatekeep? They do. Cut those people out of your life and be grateful you did. Sound sappy? it is- but I have found that getting to the place of actual gratefulness is not as easy as it sounds and requires lots of hurt along the way. 

Side note: Anyone watching the trail of P Diddy for racketeering?  for sure a form of gatekeeping. I can't help but think, wow this must happen in EVERY industry. Am I a fool to think that there isn't some power or elite group in the western industry of the same sort of "club" ?  I just want to say.. just like Cassie disrupted the Bad Boy world after speaking up, I can't help to think...would she even be famous without PUFF pulling the strings? Wild story. 

So where do we go from here. One thing I can offer as part of my experience and insight is if you are experiencing some of the same feelings and have been in a situation where you haven't felt worthy of being there or you got pushed to the sidelines, ignored, or "cut-out."  I promise regardless, you are EXACLTY where you are supposed to be. Let it FUEL you, let them cancel you, let them misunderstand, and let them underestimate you. It teaches you bigger things for down the road, it builds your character and you will have the strength and wisdom to follow your gut in bigger situations.

One of my favorite people Jaime Lima Kern always says "rejection is God's protection" and I find that mindset so important for how we walk into new circles that may or may not be welcoming. If something feels off, it probably is. The right people will find you and in reality it may be a small circle that truly believes in you.  You don't need to be part of any circle that seeks credentials or looks for you to check boxes. It doesn't matter and any group that FEELS that way, run! 

I hope this messages finds you, there is a reason you are here, most likely because you saw something in the message that resonated. I have more to say, but for now this is just the beginning., so Part 2 and more topics to follow soon. Thank you! 

xoxo- jenn- YEEHAW you it to the end, here's a code to use for a 40% off any item in the shop use code BLOG40 at checkout