Pros
Like so many, I was drawn to the company by its outwardly expressed value system, its alleged diversity, and impeccable design. These recruited some of the most wonderful people I have ever met, many of whom I now call close friends. These colleagues are passionate, wildly creative, and kind beyond measure. The company risks losing so many of them if they don’t make necessary improvements. My experience with the company began with a close-knit, unwaveringly supportive team, lead by a manager that was wholly set on advocating for her employees, supporting them whenever humanly possible, and even going so far as to continuously seek opportunities for growth for each one of us. I really cannot stress how refreshing and revitalizing it was to work with such a compassionate manager; it inspired me and solidified a real pride in working for DÔEN. As for the clothing, it is on the whole very beautiful––if inaccessible to certain body types. Don’t know if will ever be more inclusive in sizing but other brands do far less.
Cons
Predominantly white decision-makers. Proves tiresome when trying to explain when something could be more inclusive, accessible, diverse. Imagine fighting tooth and nail to ask for less gendered language in order to adopt a more inclusive brand identity. Or being asked to work on a list of potential nonwhite creators only to hear that they won’t be using it because they already do so much. Cliques in the office: can remember feeling relieved when certain employees signed on, promising to lessen the feeling of “working in silos” and promote teamwork between departments. What happened instead what those individuals joined the very cliques that made parts of the office unapproachable. Being asked to be included in meetings and instead being met with an almost hostile “what for?” Did little to invoke feelings of teamwork, to be sure. On toxicity and accountability: the Director of Editorial Content has harbored a toxic/disrespectful (and, frankly, just mean) attitude to anyone outside their team and founders––unless of course they need something from you. How many times have people gone to HR, to their managers, to the People Manager, seeking resolution for the hurtful ways they were spoken to by this individual? The last time I spoke with a manager I was told that because it was them, nothing could be done. Was also told that this person does not accept feedback. What self-proclaiming ~women supporting women~ brand endorses this kind of behavior?