Currently Crushing On

An Ode to Honey

By  | 

The media, much like music, has the power to immediately transport you back to a time and space. Honey Magazine (the first incarnation) was like my first true love. It spoke to me in a way that no other magazine has or possibly, ever will. Honey was the first magazine that truly resonated with me and an entire generation of brown girls across the country and beyond. With its on-point editorial content, flyer than fly fashion spreads and tongue-in-cheek commentary, Honey Magazine “got it” and as a result, I made it my business to get it each month…faithfully.

I remember the moment I laid hands on the highly coveted preview issue like it was yesterday. You know the one. Lauryn Hill graced the cover and in one amazing image, showed the world just how beautiful black can be. It was love at first sight. I was working at Burrell Communications Group in Chicago enjoying my new PR career and its many perks – like getting all the hottest magazines for free ninety nine, before they hit the newsstands. I was smitten and somehow, between doing all of the grunt work of an entry level PR exec, found the time at my desk to read that unforgettable issue from cover to cover. More than once.

Each month, no matter what was going on in my personal or professional life, I relied on Honey to provide a much needed escape. Each issue drew me in closer and closer. The undeniable style, heartfelt interviews with some of the most talented women in the industry and pure realness kept me open!

Fast forward to 2010. I’m still doing PR, relocated to New York City, and like many Honey lovers, stood by in disbelief as our beloved magazine got shifted to multiple homes, underwent several facelifts and most recently, came back to life in the form of an online outlet. I applaud the industry’s attempt to keep the legacy alive but as we all know, there’s nothing, I repeat, nothing like your first love.

So honey, what’s your story? We all have a special Honey moment to share and the magazine’s original founders would love to hear from you. Check out Honey’s Facebook “like” page to reminisce with Honey girls from all walks of life by clicking here now!

Much love and respect to Honey’s original founders, Joicelyn Dingle and Kierna Mayo, for paving the way for all of the new magazines (on and offline) and blogs for women of color that we enjoy today. Your vision and ability to bring such a beautiful concept to life continues to inspire us all!

*r

As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This