29. Turning a Passion Project into a Business with Lauren from The Letter Magazine

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What would you do after a five-year relationship ends? For my guest this week, Lauren Taylor, the breakup sparked a period of self-discovery and was the catalyst for launching her passion project.

Lauren is the founder and editor-in-chief of the tri-annual publication, The Letter, a magazine that seeks to inspire subscribers to pursue their dreams, live their best lives, and stand in the fullness of their purpose. The magazine launched in August 2014 with a small team of five, but has since grown and is now featured in two stores in the US, has a host of subscribers, and has an international team of 22 women.

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• Recently moved to Orlando, FL
• After experiencing a breakup, she realized she was stuck in a rut and needed a change
• Experienced a light-bulb moment and decided to start a publication
• Launched publication within four weeks of formulating an initial idea, using Apple’s iAuthor software
• Publication’s popularity increased after featuring a well-known YouTuber in the magazine
• After two years, she rebranded the magazine
• Advises new entrepreneurs to use social media forums and groups as marketing resources
• The magazine was digital only for a while, but users began to request a print version, which added another level of complexity
• Publication is a passion project; services are provided on a volunteer or collaborative basis
• Initially, The Letter Magazine was free, but they began selling it a year ago (2016)
• Suggests surrounding yourself with people who have strengths in areas that may not be your niche
• “Go For It!”-Lauren Taylor
• How to grow readership: build a community (people are always looking to collaborate), commenting on social media, emailing, reaching out to family and friends
• Don’t spend more than you’re projected to earn
• Features a “Snail Mail” option on the website where you send, receive, or publish a letter of inspiration to anyone. #bringsnailmailback
• The first event will be at Citizen’s Supply in August 2017; there will be a photo booth and calligraphers to do art for people
• Create an amazing team who can help you realize your dreams
• Her dream is to see others realize their dreams
• If you’re not being joyful and jumping out of bed to start your day, you should change something
• Your dreams don’t chase you; you chase after your dreams. -Lauren Taylor
• Knows her pizza guy by name because she looooooves pizza

LINK LOVE

• The Bookshelf (has tons of amazing books)
• #the100dayproject
• iBooks Author
• Joomag
• Darling Magazine
• Kinfolk Magazine

LAUREN TAYLOR

The Letter Magazine – NO LONGER EXISTS

Instagram: laurentaylorltw
YouTube: laurntay

WHERE’S NACHÉ

Website: nachesnow.com
Facebook: studio78podcast
Instagram: @nachesnow
YouTube: Nache Snow
Twitter: @nachesnow
LinkedIn: nachesnow
Podcast: Studio 78
Pinterest: Tallook

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