Business
Profile: Angela Reed – founder and CEO Bougie Magazine
Angela Reed – founder and CEO Bougie Magazine. PHOTO/Bougie Magazine
Angela Reed a rising star in the fashion world is the founder, CEO and editor in chief of Bougie Magazine – a publication for the trendy and fashion conscious woman.
Prior to setting up Bougie Magazine, Ms. Reed had set up and still runs Events by Excellence a full service event planning company based in but not limited to Houston, Texas.
Reed is gifted with a keen sense of self and direction – qualities that have provided her with the tools to succeed.
The Interview below provides some insight into Ms. Reed and her sense of entrepreneurship.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your product/site/magazine and who the person is that you create for?
Bougie is a digital publication written for the trendy, intelligent, tech savvy, fashion forward woman, who is applauded and envied for being bold, beautiful and willing to step out the box and be very aware of who she is and what she wants!
We believe that if aspiring to be great and if doing things in excellence makes you “bougie” then so be it. Within our issues, we aim to provide our audience…with everything they need to know about living the “Bougie Life”. Regular sections include Hair, Beauty, Lifestyle, Travel, Fashion, Designer and Artist Features. In addition, we have a section specifically dedicated to current events and community affairs. We welcome readers of all race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and walks of life.
2. What made you divulge your creative energies into launching a business? Had your past experience helped you to undertake running a business and do you do this full time?
Bougie started with a consult to a potential client to put a hair show together a hair show (I am a Event Planner) I wanted to help the client effectively market those participating in the show not only before the event but afterwards and I suggested a directory the more we talked about it the directory blossomed into the concept of a magazine and Bougie was born. Very much so. I looked at starting this magazine as putting together a long term event you have to have a theme, a timeline and a solid deadline to get proven results just like putting together a great event. Yes I do this full time and wouldn’t trade it!
3. Can you tell us about your background and experience and any type of schooling you had?
Interesting question. If someone had told me I’d be running a magazine I wouldn’t have believed them! My background is in events I’ve been planning something for someone since 1997. I’m a certified event planner, I love to write and always have but never pursued it. I consider this a huge advantage because I find it very easy to talk to my readers, for them to communicate with me and be attentive to their needs (as an event planner does) and I understand what they want to read about. This helps me put together the issue and put together events for Bougie as well.
4. Can you share with our readers a little bit about how your magazine and events work?
Bougie is virtual but very user friendly it functions as a paper publication just online. Our ads are click able for example if you like the item the model is wearing you can click on it and purchase and or go to the designers site for more information. If you like the hairdo you can do the same and even make an appointment with the stylist. Events for Bougie range from network brunches to fashion shows to community awareness events. We also do designer competitions once a year.
5. Can you share with the readers your best experience in the industry as well as the not so glamorous realities they will face or any obstacles they should be aware of in the industry that you work in?
I have to say my best experience so far is knowing that Bougie is a publication that is actually wanted and anticipated. Knowing that I have the platform given to me paved the way for someone in the industry we target is priceless. The not so glam I would have to say is that some people don’t realize what it actually takes to put together a publication it’s not pictures and articles everything has to blend if one thing is out of sync it can ruin the whole issue so it’s crucial to have a solid staff and design team.
6. How do you feel that the internet, social media and blogging has affected the fashion industry and where do you see it in the next 5-10 years?
I absolutely love it! Anybody who wants to get noticed can definitely do so thanks the Internet and social media. I also believe that the whole tech movement has caused the industry to be more creative! A new trend can be out of style in less than 24 hours because of the way we are able to relay information.
In the next 5-10 years I see EVERYTHING VIRTUAL we are quickly becoming a “microwave” generation we want things right now and what better way to get to but via the Internet.
7. What are some key tech trends that you see popping up in the fashion/blogging industries (as an example: do you think girls will start to get ready in the AM like Cher from Clueless with her digital outfit picker?
I see the virtual comp cards and runways taking the industry to a whole other level! Anybody possessing these tools has the ability to go on “go-sees” with the click of a button! These are 2 ads and services Bougie Magazine offers. I see it becoming more popular that designers are using software to aid in their initial design work as oppose to sketches by hand.
(Samples)
Virtual Runway http://bougiemagazine.info/evolution/#/single_flv
Virtual Comp Card http://bougiemagazine.info/evolution/vcc/
9. Do you have any tips for the people out there who are interested in pursuing a career in the fashion/publishing industry, what kind of direction should they take, how can they find their passions?
Patience, if going to school is not in the plan take some mini-classes on journalism, research and as in any business take some business courses.
10. Do you have any tips for the people who want to start a blog or fashion related site?
My best advice is to take your time, blog about something you’re going to be passionate about for more than 24 hours and to research the market and your target audience.
How can they go about it and how can they find their voice in this crazy crowded blogosphere? I would have to say the best way is to listen to your inner voice if this is your calling you will know you have to appeal to the audience put yourself in the readers shoes ask yourself would I REALLY read this and enjoy. Lastly find your niche remember you’re not trying to reinvent the wheel you’re just putting another spin on it.
11. Where can we learn more about you and your site or even just keep up with what you are doing in the online world?
Please visit our website at www.bougiemagazine.info and you can get up to minute info on Bougie by following us on twitter (@bougiemagazine) and we’re also on facebook www.facebook.com/bougiemagazine.info
Interview Source: The Fashion revolucion