Choosing Progress in an Imperfect Industry
Reflections on responsibility and why collective efforts add up to meaningful change.
By Brandee Dallow
At the start of a new year, I often find myself reflecting on responsibility, not as a concept, but as a practice. I do so with a clear understanding that the past is not filled with easy stories or perfect decisions, and that even the work being done today carries nuance and complexity. Acknowledging that reality matters, but so does deciding where we place our energy.
Responsibility cannot be built by staying anchored in what was, nor by waiting for flawless solutions to emerge. Progress depends on learning from the past, engaging honestly in the present, and committing to do better moving forward.
I have spent much of my career in fine jewelry, but the lessons I have learned about responsibility are not unique to one category. Across jewelry, beauty, footwear, handbags, eyewear, etc., responsibility is often treated as a destination, a box to check, a point of arrival. After more than two decades working across mining, manufacturing, retail, nonprofit leadership, and advisory roles, I see it differently.
See the full article or explore the entire Winter 2026 issue.