IDEA Mission Statement

At Designs by Nature Gems, our mission is to create an inclusive, equitable, and accessible creative workplace that empowers equity-deserving communities—including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and neurodivergent talent—through ethical employment practices, artistic expression, and fair opportunities.

We have upheld this mission for years through intentional hiring, supportive workplace practices, and continuous learning, and we remain dedicated to maintaining and deepening this commitment as we grow.

IDEA Commitment Statement

Designs by Nature Gems (DbNG) is a woman-owned, award-winning ethical jewelry company with a multi-year history of upholding inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in every aspect of our operations. Since our founding, we have operated with a clear mandate to create an inclusive and safe workplace where all individuals—regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, disability, or background—can thrive.

Our Ongoing Commitment:

• Hiring Practices: We have consistently prioritized hiring individuals from equity-deserving communities, including visible minorities, newcomers to Canada, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent people, and Indigenous peoples. Our approach values lived experience, creative potential, and collaborative spirit over traditional credentials.
  
  

• Team Diversity: Over the years, more than 70% of our team has represented diverse communities, including women of color, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We provide flexible, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed employment with a focus on fair wages, dignity, and mental wellness.
  
  

• Support for Indigenous Peoples: While DbNG is not an Indigenous-led company, we are committed to allyship through respectful sourcing, land acknowledgments, and ongoing relationship-building with Indigenous artists and communities. Our studio is located in Tkaronto (Toronto), the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.
  
  

• Accessible Workplace: While our physical studio is located down a flight of stairs, which limits on-site accessibility, we actively accommodate individuals who cannot access our space. This includes offering work-from-home opportunities, flexible roles, and personalized support based on individual needs. We also foster a psychologically safe workplace through open communication, accommodations for neurodivergence, and trauma-informed practices. Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options ensure equitable access to employment for caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and those balancing multiple responsibilities.
  
  

• Empowerment Through Creation: As an ethical maker business, we use creativity as a tool for empowerment—mentoring individuals with limited access to traditional employment pathways and helping them gain meaningful skills and confidence through artistic work.
  
  

Our IDEA practices are rooted in lived values—not trends—and are reinforced through years of action, reflection, and growth. We are committed to continuing this journey with transparency, integrity, and a deep respect for the communities we serve.