Publisher of the Month: Sweet Paul

We're happy to introduce Sweet Paul Magazine. Filled with food, crafts, lifestyle, and travel, Sweet Paul Magazine is "chasing the sweet things in life!"

Tell us about Sweet Paul Magazine

Sweet Paul is a magazine about my passions in life: food, crafts, travel, and lifestyle. I kind of put my hobbies into a magazine. The subtitle is "Chasing the sweet things in life." I even have that tattooed on me.

How did Sweet Paul Magazine get started? What's the inspiration behind it?

I have been working with and in magazines for 30 years, and I was at a point in my life where I wasn't into being told what to do anymore. Don't use blue plates, no fish on the cover, etc., and I started my own magazine. At first, it was a way to have a creative outlet where I could decide everything, and then it grew bigger and bigger. It felt so liberating to be able to do whatever I want. I think it's more creative that way. I didn't want it to be just another magazine but a product my readers could use. We make delicious foods, and our recipes must be easy and doable—the same with our craft projects. I want everything to be easy. But there needs to be a chicness about both the food and everything else.

What are some challenges you face as a publisher? How do you conquer them?

Ha, where to start... Shipping, printing, deadlines, deals, etc. I think the main thing is to realize that you can't do everything yourself. I'm super creative but not the best at practical things, so I have help. I have people that can help me with those things. And keep it simple. We have no office, and everyone works from home—all freelancers.

How do you think publishing digitally has helped Sweet Paul Magazine?

So we have always had a digital edition of the magazine. That's how we started, and it was only online. After two years, we went into print but have always had the digital edition. We found out that digital editions are an essential way for readers in other countries to be able to look at our magazine. The printed issue is expensive to ship overseas, but everyone can afford a few dollars to look at it online. Readers happy, Paul happy. Everyone is happy!

What advice do you have for someone looking to start a magazine?

You have to have a powerful and clear concept. I, as a reader, should be able to look at your cover and get what it's all about. I suggest building your online platform first, starting with a blog and social media and then turning it into a magazine. That way, you have readers ready to go. Printing is expensive, and you need to have good backing, so start small with digital.

What is the best part of running a magazine?

For me is that my work is my hobby. I love cooking and crafting and get to do it every day. I feel very free doing it. You, of course, meet many great people and eat tons of amazing food and some not-so-amazing. But that's life.

Each issue of Sweet Paul Magazine features fresh and exciting content. Any advice on how to keep the content flowing and on brand?

Surround yourself with great creative people that can make inputs. We have contributors from all over the world. Ignore trends; make your own. Do whatever feels right for you; trust your gut. The content in Sweet Paul is often what I'm into now. Anything from a story about a date farm or some cool woman in the desert that makes her own olive oil.

What's next for Sweet Paul Magazine?

Working on a Podcast series, maybe another book. Oh, and taking over the world.