Behind the Brand: Dogeared
Posted on June 15 2018
Dogeared is one of the first companies to become a Certified B-Corp. They are passionate about giving back, creating opportunity, being socially responsible and environmentally conscious.
With each piece made from recycled/recyclable and sustainable materials and handcrafted in the United States, we are excited to feature their necklaces in our June/July 2018 summer box!
We chatted with Marcia Maizel-Clarke, founder of Dogeared to learn about the brand and why it's important they remain a social impact company.
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Image via HerCampus |
Why and how did you start Dogeared? Dogeared started as a creative outlet. I was working in the retail/wholesale world and decided to do a fun creative venture by selling all kinds of homemade stuff at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet - eyeglass chains, jewels, etc. I was laid off my job, and decided to just see if our jewels would sell at a real live. store. I called a friend of mine who was buying for Macy's jewelry and she bought the line for 10 doors. That was our first big buy 27 years ago!!
We realize you are committed to being a social impact company. Please share why this is important to you. From the beginning we wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. We do that two ways; our jewelry moves people and inspires them and we use our business as a force for good. |
We have always been giving back in our personal lives, but did it just that way - personally. We did not talk about it publicly it was just part of how we like to show up to the world - in service. When we had the opportunity to have this amazing business, we were so grateful to the B-Corp movement for giving us guidelines for how to be socially aware, conscious and do better inside and outside of our walls. When you are running a business, sometimes you just don’t think about things. You are in the day to day. For any company now, it’s expected that you are socially-conscious to even compete in the world, so we are happy to have some history on our side, and some parameters to keep us striving to do better and better.
What is the most fun part of your business?
Being part of our customer’s giving experiences. We are a jewelry/message company and we get all kinds of communication about how Dogeared made all the difference with our customers and their gifting experience. We just met someone whose mother has been gifting her Dogeared for 10 years, a necklace a year - each selection dependent on what was happening in that year for her - LOVE!!!
What is the most challenging part of your business?
The financial side of things.
What three words best describes you?
Happy, loving, strong.
Who is your lifestyle icon?
I like anyone that is living an integral life, and is putting good energy into the world.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Go for it and commit! Regardless of what happens, you will learn and grow. We make lots of mistakes as we are human, but we know that the most growth comes from these times and "growing pains." Believe, believe, believe, and if you need a little reminder, I am sure we have a necklace for that! :)
Excited for Dogeared? Subscribe now to reserve a June/July box and to customize your necklace style!