FROM THE PUBLISHER
How has one year already gone by ? It seems like yesterday when I released the first issue . So much has changed — from the first issue with missed mistakes to being a reader ’ s choice finalist in the ASME Best Cover Contest alongside Vogue , Harper Bazaar , Time , The New Yorker , and ESPN Magazine . If this was the last issue being released , ( don ' t worry , it ' s not ) I would be happy with how far it ’ s come in such a short time .
The magazine industry is tough . Sixty percent of new magazines fail within its first year , and I am fortunate to not be part of that statistic . It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance , especially for me . What a lot of people may not know is that I produce Ville Magazine pretty much on my own . I am responsible for creating ideas for content and executing those ideas . My job titles include Owner , Publisher , Editorin-Chief , Editorial Director , Sales and Marketing Director , Account Manager , Web Designer , Webmaster , Creative Director , Graphic Designer , Video Editor , Social Media Manager , Event Producer and Coordinator , and , of course , writer . You may wonder how that ’ s possible . Simple . Because I want to .
I was born with determination and ambition in my veins . I ’ ve been writing since I could pick up a pen . When I was 10 years old , I wrote my own children ’ s book and sent it to multiple publishers . It wasn ’ t accepted , but I did have one publisher kindly write me a declining thank you letter . As I got older , I immersed myself in magazines and found it fascinating how a series of articles and beautiful photography could be pieced together to create an overall story of entertainment . It became my dream to have my own magazine someday . I wanted to share stories of inspiring people and for myself to be an inspiration to others . So , knowing I turned that dream into reality keeps me pushing thorugh .
There is no doubt that I probably would have failed by now if I didn ’ t have the amazing team that I do . My writers , photographers , and intern are lifesavers . They are always willing to help above and beyond
their job requirements . My team , the readers , the businesses that I support and support me , the relationships I have with clients , and the stories I share — they all make my ideas and ambitions alive .
Paul Allen , our featured spotlight , had his own passions and dreams that generated into a huge influence on this city and his generosity has helped others through his foundation . After learning about his inner ambitions as a child to pursue his many dreams was truly moving and motivational to myself .
Motivation is a key to success so I strive to project that to who I can . This issues marks the launch of the annual Cover Model competition . I ’ ve ran so many modeling competitions in my life that lack substance . It ’ s important for this search to give the woman encouragement and confidence ; I want to empower them to know that a dream can happen if you have the courage to take that step . I invite you to support them at each of the events starting on Tuesday , February 7th to see whose dream finally came true . If you ' re one of thos women that want to sign up , please go villecovermodel . com for details .
Each event will have a copy of this issue so you can read up on what 2017 trends to put on your to-do list , awaken your imagination with Cirque du Soleil ’ s feature production coming in March , and to learn more about India Gants , a Seattle contestant on this season America ’ s Next Top Model who had another beautiful Seattle model , Binta Dibba , along her side during the show .
Despite a world of skepticism of lasting print magazines , Ville Magazine will continue to prove them wrong . Paul Allen described it best , “ Some people are motivated by money , some by recognition , and some for a social goal . I start from a different place , from the love of ideas and the urge to put them into motion and see where they might lead . The creative path is rocky with the risk of failure ever present and no guarantee . But even with its detours and blind alleys , it ’ s the only road I find fulfilling .” Even though it ’ s been a year for Ville Magazine , its path has only just begun .
Charity Mainville anniversary issue 9