Publisher of the Month: Simply Hygge

We’re proud to share that our Publisher of the Month for January is Simply Hygge, a Danish publication focused around the concept of hygge. We’re kicking off the spotlight with a little Q&A with Editor-in-Chief, Anya Jensen. Look out for more Simply Hygge content throughout the month!

Tell us about Simply Hygge! How did you get started?I started Simply Hygge because I had so many hyggelige ideas and wanted to share them with everybody. Hygge is a concept that is very close to my heart. I wanted to show people how it is possible to create everyday magic with very little effort – making the ordinary everyday seem extraordinary.

What is the concept of “hygge”?Hygge as a concept is something the Danes have lived by for ages. I think it is the comfort of being entirely relaxed in your surroundings, and enjoying the moment. Simply being yourself. Of course candles, woolly blankets, hot drinks and good food help, but it is not a necessity.

Why is a hygge lifestyle important to you?Because I like spending time with my family, and I like to believe it is healthy to sometimes go back to basics; leave all the electronic devices at home, and go explore. As far as I am concerned, the more you see – the more you’ll know, and this is the rule I choose to live my life by, and something I try to teach my children. But don’t get me wrong – we are not always running around – another favorite thing to do as a family is to snuggle up on the sofa with a good film and freshly made popcorn.

You are starting a second publication, Tweentown –– what is that about?It is all about tweens. My daughters’ are now what you’d call tweens, and I found it difficult to find any decent stuff for them: accessories, shoes, and clothes that weren’t either too babyish – or too grown-up. So I created something I wished existed – a magazine for people like me – tweens and their adults – a go-to place to find inspiration.

Do these publications tie together at all?Yes, they do tie together because Tweentown will also have exciting places to visit, food, shopping lists, shop recommendations, room tours, crafting and of course loads of hygge too.

What is the best part of editing magazines to you?I literally seek inspiration all the time. My mind works visually, so you’ll always find my eyes darting around taking it all in, and trust me – if I come across a stunning sunset, I will stop the car and make my kids come out and enjoy it. Magic moments are everywhere – you just have to open your mind and your eyes. “You may say I am a dreamer – but I am not the only one” – that quote from the song ‘Imagine’ could easily have been written about me, and that is why I love to share what I see – to hopefully inspire others.

Why do you choose to publish digitally?I used to love buying magazines and had stacks upon stacks of them. I still love magazines but buy a lot less now. People are busy and we all have our heads buried in a screen somewhere. People ‘flick’ and read on the go and I wanted to make my content readily available to everyone everywhere, and that is one of the reasons. The other is that it is very pricey to print and not great for the environment. That said, I might have to make copies of my magazines in print one day just for me to keep.

What inspires you the most?My kids and family of course and the people I meet. I am always in awe of people who create. I love meeting new people, and I love how the internet makes everything so accessible. And also when someone writes me and tells me they cooked one of the recipes I posted and loved it, or went out and saw something due to my recommendation, then I get very proud. That’s what inspires me.