Why I’m Not B Corp Certified (Yet) and What I’m Doing Instead

People sometimes ask if I’m a certified B Corp. It’s a fair question, and one that I really appreciate. It tells me they’re thinking about where their purchases go, what they support, and how their values line up with the brands they love.

So I wanted to talk about it.

The short answer? I’m not B Corp certified. At least, not yet.

But the longer answer is that I’ve spent time looking into it. I’ve taken the impact assessment, I’ve read the requirements, and I’ve asked myself if this is the right fit for my business at this stage. And I want to share a little of that thought process with you, because transparency matters to me.

What is B Corp Certification?

Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet high standards for social and environmental responsibility. They’re reviewed by a non-profit called B Lab, and to be certified, a business has to score well on a detailed assessment, commit to ongoing improvements, and update their legal framework to match those values.

It’s a serious commitment. And it signals to the world that the company is focused on people, planet, and purpose—not just profit.

There are a lot of amazing B Corps out there, from big global brands to small studios. I admire many of them deeply and dream of the day I can proudly join their ranks.

Coming up in the Wine Industry, I saw what impact quality certifications can have on a company. I worked with ISO9000 Standards as well as HACCP for food manufacturing. Putting together the documentation and procedures to be able to withstand the intense auditing that comes with these kinds of certifications was a full-time job for teams of people in these companies and I shudder to think of what it will take to bring LanaBetty into the realm of B Corp Certification, but like, I'm also excited? I know I've got the tenacity and enthusiasm.

Why I’m Not Certified (Right Now)

I’ve gone through the impact assessment. I’ve thought about what it would mean for my studio. And while I respect the certification and everything it represents, I’ve decided that it’s not quite right for me at this moment.

Here’s why.

First, I’m a one-person business. I design, make, photograph, ship, and connect with you, all by myself. The admin and legal work required to get certified would take a lot of time and energy away from actually making jewelry and running my studio.

Second, there’s a cost. For businesses under $500K in revenue, the annual fee is $500 USD, with a $150 submission fee upfront. That’s not unmanageable, but for me, it has to be weighed against what else I could do with those funds—like investing in better tools, higher-quality materials, or more inclusive sizing.

Lastly, while B Corp certification is one way to show you care, it’s not the only way. There are many ways to build a values-driven business. Right now, I’m choosing to focus on those instead.

What I’m Doing Instead

Even without the official stamp, I’ve built my business around the same principles B Corp stands for.

I source my materials ethically

I work with North American-mined silver and gold and responsibly source gemstones. I have long-standing relationships with my suppliers and ask hard questions about where and how things are made. All diamonds I source follow strict standards (the Kimberly Process) and when a client has the financial means, we go for Canadian Graded Diamonds, which not anyone can purchase, you have to prove yourself and your studio to Diamond Suppliers and prove that you will create beautiful pieces with their stones.

I make everything myself

Every piece is designed and handcrafted by me in Vancouver. I know exactly how each item is made, where it came from, and who it’s for.

I keep sustainability in mind

I use recyclable and reusable packaging and avoid plastic whenever possible. My studio runs on a low-waste model, and I’m always looking for ways to do better. Customers can choose to reduce the volume of packaging supplies in their online orders and I keep track of that to donate a portion of my profits each year to the David Suzuki Foundation.

Read my sustainability statement here.

I prioritize inclusivity

I offer custom chain lengths, ring sizes from 3 to 16, and I design for all bodies and identities. Everyone is welcome here, and I mean that.

Read my inclusivity statement here.

I stay accountable

I talk openly about what I’m working on, where I’m sourcing materials, and what I hope to improve. I’m not perfect, but I care deeply and I’m always learning.

Will I Apply in the Future?

Maybe. I haven’t ruled it out. As my business grows and I bring more people into the fold, I’ll keep revisiting the idea. I think there’s real value in third-party certification, and B Corp does an incredible job of helping businesses improve.

But for now, my energy is going toward the work itself, building relationships, crafting meaningful pieces, and staying present with my community.

Choosing Values Over Labels

Certifications are great. But they aren’t the only way to measure care, or integrity, or purpose. Some of the most thoughtful businesses I know are quietly doing the work behind the scenes. No fanfare, no gold stars; just intention, honesty, and heart.

That’s where I’m at. I want to build something lasting. Something meaningful. Something that makes people feel good when they wear it and feel even better about where it came from.

💌 Want to Stay in the Loop?

If you’re curious to learn more about how I approach sourcing, sustainability, inclusivity, and community, I’ve shared it all right here. I hope it helps you feel connected, informed, and proud to shop small.

Thanks for being here.