✨ Reflections from the Awards Night ✨

We’ve been finalists in the local business awards three times now, and every time I feel a mix of pride and perspective.

This year, our entry in the Going Green category was one of our strongest yet, from being featured in Forbes, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times for our sustainability work, to being called an environmental trailblazer and industry changer. Add to that our tree-planting initiatives and a decade-long commitment to being fully vegan and cruelty-free and yes, I was proud of what we put forward. 🌱🖤

We didn’t win ,and truthfully, I suspected we wouldn’t.

VE Cosmetics has never been a “safe” brand. We speak openly about uncomfortable truths such as animal exploitation, human rights, anti-oppression, and ethical reform. Those values define us, but they don’t always align with a more “neutral” image that tends to do well in local politics and business circles.

But here’s the thing: that’s okay.

Being recognised nationally and internationally reminds me that our voice is needed. That being outspoken matters. That change doesn’t come from playing it safe.

So while we didn’t bring home a trophy this time, we did bring home something far more important: proof that we can stay true to our ethics, our coven, and our magick and still stand proudly in the spotlight.

To everyone who cheered us on: thank you. And to every small business fighting to be seen for who they truly are keep going. The world needs your voice, too.