It’s been a minute. So hey, I’m Katherine, the founder of Everly Mag.

I wanted to make this a YouTube video. But, no matter how hard I try, I am not meant to be a YouTuber, considering that I put off making a single video for over a year. (I have filmed many rough drafts, which I suppose I will upload someday).

So, here it is in writing…The (much abridged) story of Everly Mag and its past, present, and (hopeful) future.

How did it start?

It was something to do to pass the time; a way to take the passions I’d always had, the things I’d always thought about, and make it a reality.

What were your goals?

To: interview people doing cool things; bring others together in a positive digital environment; build a community; write things I wanted to write; gain web + design experience; post cool things on Instagram; meet new people.

Did you intend to make it a business?

At first, I didn’t. Then, I did. Then, I wasn’t sure. I didn’t have a clear vision from the start, and that’s part of the reason why I had to step away for a bit.

What went right?

Everything, for the most part. It was amazing. I met so many awesome people, some in person but most through my phone. I watched people build connections with each other because of something I had built. I got to create original content in the format I wanted to and know that others were enjoying it. It felt like anything was possible, and I hadn’t felt that in a long time.

What went wrong?

I started spending too much time on my phone. I was one person trying to do the work of an entire organization and convincing myself that’s what I wanted, because “hustle.” I was doing so much administrative work that I wasn’t writing anymore. I was checking my Instagram follower count like it was my job (because, let’s be real, it was). I was spending more time online than with a real-life community. It wasn’t making me happy any longer; I felt burnt out and ready to move on. Then, I felt guilty for those feelings. I didn’t want to let people down or leave them behind. I didn’t want to let myself down.

What happened?

I took a break. A long one. I did other things: some professional, some personal. I left my phone upstairs while I watched TV. I relaxed. I worked a whole bunch of jobs (and got an amazing job or two that I have now!). I thought about Everly Mag, a lot. I even did an interview or two. I kept saying I’d figure out what to do with it, then procrastinating that.

So, are you back now? 

Yes, but not in the same way. Everly Mag is going to be something I do for fun, so I won’t always be around for it. I’m going to do the best I can.

Just a note: I am using this as a jumping point to “start over.” If I promised you something in the past, I will try to make good on it; just send me an email to remind me. But I won’t be going back through all my old messages, because I want this to be a labor of love, not something that makes me feel bogged down. I hope you understand.

What kinds of content are you doing?

Interviews, collabs, takeovers, product reviews, things I’m thinking about, discussions of issues + events going on, and whatever else I’m connecting to at the moment.

For any and all inquiries, please email katherine@everlymag.com.

I preferred the old content: ambassador program, group chats, and tasks.

I know it was amazing, and I’m sorry I can’t bring that to you right now! It just got too much for a single person to run, and I had a crew of amazing interns but they have moved on to bigger things. It’s just me for now, and I need to focus on what’s best for me and the brand. I hope to bring those chats and programs back someday, in some form!

How often will you post?

As much as I can. Some on the web, some on Instagram. I’ll update you if I come up with a clear posting schedule.

What else do you want to say?

I am so thankful to every single person who follows, reads, clicks, engages, does an interview, joined the Ambassador Program, interned, contributed, and everything else. Thank you for making it a comfortable place to take a break, and thank you for always being there to welcome me back.

Lots of love, Katherine

I want to know more!

Cool! Contact me here. Let’s talk.

Feature image created using Adobe Spark Post.