POPSUGAR: How have the past three years affected you personally and professionally?
Rene Macdonald: It's always devastating to see that injustices like that still take place in the modern day, and although there are daily reminders amongst marginalized communities, it's particularly harrowing when an incident like this brings it to the forefront. From a positive perspective, I think it's encouraging that the topic has been highlighted and that people are engaging in the conversation. However, I think that there still remains much to achieve. On a personal level, as a Black woman with mixed-race children, it's crucial that change happens, and my hope is that my children's lives will be less complicated as a result of everyone [being more aware].
On a professional level, we still need to focus on the lack of support given to Black entrepreneurs, especially women, and the way in which our businesses are affected by the color of our skin. Black women are the least supported when it comes to investment, we're less likely to even be invited to join the room. I hope to blast that particular door wide open for those who will come after me. We all have something to contribute to the cultural history of our times and this opportunity should not only be extended to a certain ethnicity or socioeconomic demographic. That said, I feel it's important to act while still retaining a hope for change.
POPSUGAR: How has that initial support evolved over time? Has it remained consistent or dwindled?
Rene Macdonald: I was very fortunate in that aspect. I had so much support from friends, followers, customers, and even random strangers — all of whom give me great hope for the future. Those who supported me initially have remained consistent, however, there are still many who believe the situation is now fixed. After 400 plus years of discrimination, it's going to take a lot more than one campaign to change the narrative. It's an ongoing process.
