We are celebrating our one year anniversary today, 19 September and we want to say a massive “thank you” to our loyal readers for sticking with us, we promise you, we’re only getting started!
This milestone is a really big deal as stats show that nine out of 10 new magazines fail and it’s even tougher when you are an independent publisher, without the big budgets of the larger mainstream publications. But our success and growth in the last 12 months shows that there is a need for a publication like ours.
I really surprised myself 18 months ago when I quit my comfortable job in the public sector for a new career as an independent publisher and it’s been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. The uncertainty, crazy-long hours and financial squeeze has been daunting, but would I do it again? “Hell yeah!”
Over the last year, I have been blessed to meet some of the most giving and supportive people you could hope to find and been blown away by the talents and ambitions of my fellow womenpreneurs. There have been hurdles and major stumbling blocks, many I’m still trying to find a way to surmount, but find a way I will as the reason for launching this magazine remains.
Inadequate representation of people of colour in mainstream publications is what started me on this journey.
But rather than sit back and moan about the status quo, I saw it as an opportunity to roll my sleeves up and start a publication that speaks to women of colour in a voice that they can relate to, one just like theirs.
As a mature, woman of colour, I set out to create a publication that I would enjoy. That’s the beauty of being an independent publisher; I can do what I want. We own our own narrative so the focus is less about ‘black issues’, and more about general lifestyle, from a woman of colour perspective. I don’t feel the need to shout from the rooftops that I am black. I just am. But it’s not all I am, and that’s the spirit of the Melanmag.com woman. We welcome our readers of other races, because, let’s face it, our content on fashion, food and general culture is educational, thought-provoking and bloody brilliant!
I’ve often described Melanmag.com as a glass half-full, kind of publication. You’re more likely to read about health & wellbeing articles, fashion & beauty, travel features and encouraging stories about how you can take the steps to be an entrepreneur, told from a women of colour perspective, rather than sensational and generally negative articles that you would find in certain publications that focus on only adverse ‘black’ issues.
We’re excited for the future. We’re planning some amazing partnerships and collaborations with well-known brands over the next few months and loads more so watch this space. At this point, I can really relate to the famous catchphrase, “You’ve come a long way, baby!”, but I can assure you, we’re only just beginning.
Happy birthday to us!
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Inspire, Enlighten, Slay!