GAZELLES IN OUR MIDST
Photo by Justin Barr Photography
With a background as a former model , TV news producer and successful public relations entrepreneur , Cillah Hall is all about showcasing ordinary women with extraordinary stories .
She is the founder and publisher of Gazelle magazine , and CEO of the newly launched Gazelle Life TV , a digital and video production company she co-founded to produce serialized storytelling , with episodic programs repackaged for syndicated cable or broadcast , tailored for international distribution .
Hall , a Zambian-born American citizen , has paved her own way . When she was 18 , she was runner-up in the Miss Zambia Pageant . With a newfound confidence , she flew halfway around the world alone , and came to the United States with only her suitcase and $ 136 to her name . She later graduated cum laude from University of Missouri – St . Louis and worked her way up in the media business for several years . She was a morning news producer at KSDK-TV NewsChannel 5 , where she produced a toprated newscast on “ Today in St . Louis ,” with Art Holliday and Jennifer Blome . She also honed her media skills at KPLR-TV , Channel 11 , where she served as associate producer and assignment editor .
A little over five years ago , she decided to take a new path , and founded Gazelle , a magazine that has grown from a quarterly to bi-monthly to monthly publication , while launching a lifestyle all its own . Hall shared some of her insights on business and fashion , as well as living # thegazellelife .
Q : Since you came to the U . S . more than 20 years ago , the media business has seen many changes . How do you and your team keep up with the everchanging climate to keep things fresh and relevant ? A : We all do a great job of staying connected to the world . Social media is a huge part of our lives . We get to see what people are excited about , what conversations are happening and be a part of them . More importantly , we stay accessible to our readers and supporters , responding to their messages , constantly interacting with them .
Q : Especially with the addition of Gazelle Life TV , as well as the website and social media platforms , is it fair to call Gazelle “ just ” a magazine , or has the combination of platforms changed the definition ? A : Gazelle is a lifestyle brand . Gone are the days when publishers depended solely on advertising . Readers , sponsors and advertisers all want to be engaged , and they want to have meaningful interactions and
" I am on a spiritual journey to be the best that I can be , and to do that , I started by thinking more about other people ."
relationships . Many of Gazelle ’ s partners are also part of my personal social media network . They are at the forefront of our growth , and they understand our brand through their interaction with our team . We don ’ t have to tell them and convince them of who we are . Because we connect with them via various avenues , they become part of our Gazelle Life brand . The Gazelle Life is a lifestyle : Travel , fitness , beauty , wellness , all the fun things we do with our families . But we do it with sophistication and sass . That ’ s # thegazellelife .
Q : You continue to become more and more involved with philanthropic and nonprofit projects and events . What are some of the factors that propel your social consciousness ? A : I have just had a persistent feeling over the last several years that I need to do something bigger than me . I mean bigger in the sense that I need to contribute toward making other people ’ s lives better . I am on a spiritual journey to be the best that I can be , and to do that , I started by thinking more about other people . I have been blessed with great mentors and supporters who have helped make things possible for me . It is time for me to pay it forward , and I am doing so wholeheartedly .
Q : How do you keep up with what seems like an ever-evolving social life , with so many community events and fundraising galas , combined with running a magazine ? A : It ’ s quite simple , actually . I treasure my “ Super Soul Sunday .” Everyone in my family knows how obsessive I am about my Sunday relaxation . I do not solve any family problems or any work issues on Sunday . It ’ s my day ; a day when I get to just sit and breathe . This summer , I wake up and sit on the patio , watch the birds at the bird feeder , watch the sun shine through the trees and observe an occasional deer grazing in the woods in my backyard . I just exhale all the stress and negative energy from my body . I am barely on social media on Sundays and sometimes binge-watch HGTV or a Netflix show . On Monday morning , I am up and running again , but with the energy and focus to be the best mom , partner and Gazelle that I can be .
Q : Keeping up with the fashion industry and all that entails can be a big undertaking in and of itself . How do you stay up to date , and how do you keep your own wardrobe current without breaking the bank ? A : I am not really into trends . I love a more classic look with just the right number of accessories . A ring , bracelet or necklace is usually enough for me . I do sass it up every now and then , and I absolutely love heels . In general , I have a rule to wear as little black as possible and
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY 87