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Last week we told you about a site for men that features food, fashion, music, and just general, all-around know-how for men. Think bow-ties, blue grass, bowling league. Actually, I’m not sure if they’ve done a piece on that last one, but I submit that they do. Nothing says “gentleman” like two-toned shoes and polyester.
So speaking of fashion…this week, I’m excited to share about a new women’s magazine that is seeking to be, well, realistic. I doubt you will get your fix of anorexic models and a “Stars! They’re Just Like Us” section with Drew Barrymore picking up two-ply toilet paper at the local grocery store.
I had the privilege of being interviewed by Ashley at Verily magazine last week and heard their story and vision. Similar to last week’s interview with Bearings, the Verily founders saw a problem with what was, had an “Illumination” moment, and realized they could be the solution.
You may be thinking, “These are first-world problems, Joy.” And maybe so, but I believe the media dictates how we perceive the world, ourselves, and others in a huge way. So whether fashion and lifestyle magazines are your thing or not, my hope in this series is that in relationships, God, your work setting, or whatever, you will push yourself beyond what is and always be asking questions, seeking wisdom and helping to create solutions.
In the wise words of my friend Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Plywood People:
“We will be known by the problems we solve.”
Verily Magazine is less about who you should be, and more about who you are. We give real women the opportunity to lay it down. To be totally honest and upfront about what they are encountering in life and how they’re handling it. This won’t be sugarcoated, preachy, or out of touch—it will be like sitting down with a best friend over coffee and having a straight talk.
We showcase fashion that is worthy of the woman; discuss cultural and lifestyle topics that offer strong journalism; empower women in their relationships with advice that goes beyond sex tips.
Verily grew out of a conversation between women over brunch. We were discussing the topic of women’s magazines and how most of them didn’t reflect our lives or philosophies as women. We felt overlooked, so we decided to start something totally new—to begin the fresh conversations we wanted to be having!
Having to learn Twitter! But seriously, we have constantly faced twists and turns that come with any start-up. Coffee is our best friend and we fight against the snooze button every morning.
One of the things we most appreciate is the positive reaction from our readers, who regularly call Verily “a breath of fresh air” or “so uplifting.” That’s what we want to be!
We’re that sweet spot of educational, aspirational and everyday content for women; an outlet of intelligent curiosity.
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Do you know of other online magazines like Bearings or Verily?
What’s an area of media/culture you feel like you could contribute positively to?
Be honest, how many of us took “relationship quizes” in magazines growing up? Or last week?
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Hi Sarah! Great to see your initiative at starting a magazine in the UK! We just did an interview at a UK publication, and they’re eager for more UK magazine options, too! We ship overseas, but please subscribe at shop.verilymag.com. Best wishes with your venture – keep being a breath of fresh air!
Ashley at Verily
Supper awesome! I love darlingmagazine.org too! Thanks for sharing Joy.
Sarah thinks...
Wow, I love this! It’s great to see the media and women’s lifestyle magazines being redeemed rather than rejected. I’m working on a similar soon-to-be-launched magazine in the UK called Magnify (hellomagnify.com) – there’s definitely a gap in the market for everyday women who are searching for significance and don’t want to read the same content they’ve been fed for years. I’ll have to see if I can track down a copy of Verily over here when it launches!
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