What a year 2019 has been! It’s been a breakthrough year with major firsts and accomplishments, not just for MiaDonna but also for the lab-grown diamond industry. I am so grateful for your continued support and I am truly inspired by the genuine excitement you have for our mission. Each time you vote with your dollars you are validating our pledge to be an advocate for diamond mining communities, the environment and you, the diamond consumer. Together we are making a difference! Here are a few of our highlights from 2019.
B Corporation Certified
This has been a major goal of mine for many years. Since the creation of MiaDonna and The Greener Diamond, I have been committed to placing equal importance on people, the planet and profits. The B Corp Certification validates the work we do and the model we’ve put in place. According to the B Corporation web site, “Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is a community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good.” As of the time of publication, we are one of only 3,123 businesses worldwide to receive this certification.
Retail Store & Pop-Up Shop
Our new retail store in Portland, Oregon is the perfect representation of my vision for the Brand. We provide visitors with a truly luxury experience in a low-pressure, relaxing environment. Shopping for fine jewelry should be fun, so enjoy a glass of bubbly or a Portland craft beer, bring your friends and family, and let our Personal Shoppers assist you in finding the best quality lab-grown diamond at the best price.
We also opened our first Pop-Up Shop in Washington Square Mall here in Portland. We nearly doubled our staff to accommodate the additional hours and we are thrilled with the excitement and intrigue of the mall visitors. This has been a great way for us to share our message and our mission with even more consumers.
Above: Our Grand Opening Event on Black Friday, Nov. 2019
The Greener Diamond Agricultural Training Center
In our biggest giving back project to date, our team in Liberia, Africa purchased 10-acres of land to be used for farming instead of mining. This in itself is a major accomplishment. The Training Center brings together agricultural students with locals for a cross-sharing of information, as well as formal education. Graduates of the program will receive a micro loan of seeds and equipment so they can create a farm on their own land and become self-sufficient without relying on mining or aid.
Awards
I’m thrilled to see the business industry embracing Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Enterprises. When I started MiaDonna over 15 years ago, I knew this was the future as consumers were no longer allowing the profits of big business to drive commerce. I am incredibly grateful for the recognition both myself and MiaDonna have garnered this year. Here is a sampling of some of the awards we’ve received:
- Entrepreneur Magazine 100 Powerful Women
- World Biz 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Leader 100 - #36
- Stevie Awards - Women in Business Innovator of the Year, Silver Award
- Fastest Growing Private Portland Companies - 2019
Stay tuned, as there are several other awards that will be announced in early 2020.
I can’t wait to see what 2020 holds, and look forward to helping you celebrate even more of your important moments with truly conflict-free fine jewelry. Thank you for letting your love be part of the solution!
