Today we’d like to introduce you to Mas Magazine
Hi Mas, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Mas Magazine started as a spur-of-the-moment idea in September of 2023. We noticed a gap in representation in public media and wanted to fill it. So, we started the magazine to highlight Black creatives, POC, LGBTQ, disabled, women, and seasoned creatives. It began with us asking friends if we could tell their stories. We officially debuted with Issue 001 in November of the same year. We wrote, photographed, and designed everything in that first issue in two months. It was a tiny publication, but it made a huge impact. People began contacting us immediately for a feature in the next issue. We’ve been growing ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We’ve run into some bumps, curves, dips, and speed humps on our journey so far. Many of the challenges were growing pains, such as efficient shipping methods or balancing duties between two people with full-time jobs. But through it all, we have appreciated every setback because it has allowed us to learn and grow.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At our core, we are storytellers. Cofounded by Joel Taylor and Sydney Johnson, two creative individuals passionate about diversifying media. Mas Magazine is a Black-owned independent publication that provides a platform for creatives who are often overlooked by mainstream media. We share the stories and talents of Black creatives, POC creatives, disabled creatives, queer creatives, seasoned creatives, and women and gender-nonconforming creatives identifying with womanhood. Mas is a hub for boundless creativity, vibrant ideas, and pushing boundaries. We believe in showcasing diverse voices and perspectives while providing a space for people to share their experiences and passions. Mas Magazine has now released four issues, with two available in print. We are proud of everyone who has allowed us to share their stories. It means the world when people reach out to us looking to be part of Mas and when they recognize our name. As we continue to grow, we are excited to expand our reach, share more stories, and further our mission of promoting diverse and inclusive media representation.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
We have been blessed to work closely with Edi Doh, our content strategist and associate editor. She’s mostly behind the scenes, filling in where we can’t stretch to. Edi handles the tasks that distract us from our bigger goal of releasing issues quarterly.
We also want to thank two amazing models and humans, Aza Goodwin and Kristen Bruton. Aza was our very first cover model for issue one and has been routing for us and supporting us every step of the way. Kristen, aka KB, has been so vocal in her support and believes in our vision.
Pricing:
- Issue 003 and 004 is available for print purchase for $24
- Issue 003 and 004 is available for digital purchase for $14
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.masmagazine.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magzmas/
- Twitter: https://x.com/magzmas
Image Credits
Mas Magazine Cover 1 – Aza Goodwin
Mas Magazine Cover 2 – Kamuri Lockey and Shomari Miller
Mas Magazine Cover 3 – Aza Goodwin, Kristen Bruton, Tre’Dorian Arnold, Kharissa Williams, De’Quon Henderson
Mas Magazine Cover 4 – Steve Lemon And Arianna
Image of man sitting down – Joel Taylor Cofounder and Creative Director
Image of woman standing – Sydney Johnson Cofounder and Editorial Director
