Lorraine Zander is an entrepreneur, mentor, speaker, and dreamer – igniting a generation of powerful young women!
I’m often asked what it was like to start my own magazine. Simply put, I was ignorance on fire. I had no experience in publishing, no formal writing background, and truthfully, I wasn’t even an avid magazine reader. But I had a strong desire to try to make a difference. That was it. But it was enough.
I remember in the early stages when I was in the midst of doing background research in my industry, I was lucky enough to get a one-on-one meeting with a magazine owner and publisher of a very well known national publication. He kicked off the meeting by leaning forward, looking me in the eyes and asking, “How do you become a millionaire?” Before I could blink twice, he said, “Start with a billion dollars and then start a magazine.”
I dismissed his funny-not-funny message, because like any self-respecting, unstoppable, newbie boss lady entrepreneur I was certain my magazine would be successful, and everyone would love it (unshakeable certainty is always helpful when starting a business).
My magazine’s mission was simple: to inspire and empower young women. Over the 20 years since that meeting, I have worked many 20 hour days, sometimes consecutively and including weekends. I have experienced devastating and deflating defeats, thankfully tempered by pinch-myself and shout-from-the-rooftop motivating wins. I have laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time.
But most importantly, I have been fulfilling my mission. I have been privileged to meet some of the most inspiring change makers on the planet, like Melati Wijsen, who by the age of 20, led the charge to ban plastic bags on her home island of Bali. Maureen Muketha is helping to end hunger and fights everyday for gender equality in Kenya. In Nepal, Dipika Badal is tackling environmental policy change. I have shared their stories, which light the path for others to make our world a kinder more compassionate place.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t make becoming a billionaire your mission, but please don’t make it your only one, because you’ll never find real wealth in your bank account. In my commitment to share the message that kindness matters, I feel richer every day.
Connect with Lorraine:
Website: www.faze.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FazeMagazine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motivation.for.her/
Email: lorraine@faze.ca
