Summer, we LOVE your magazine Eliza! Better yet, we love that you can view the complete magazine on your blog! We are so excited to get to know you! Read this interview and get to know Summer the founder and Editor in Chief of Eliza Magazine!
When did you start Eliza magazine?
ELIZA’s first issue was printed in the summer of 2007.
When you started Eliza magazine did you ever fathom that it would be such a huge success?
I hoped it would, I knew that I wanted a place that brought together clothes that worked with my lifestyle and positive articles, movies, music, books and role-models. I am glad that there are so many women who are looking for the same things.
From what I hear you have a modeling and fashion background… and your husband Kerry works in the film industry and helps with the magazine. What an amazing team you two sound like! How do you feel you and your husbands backgrounds have helped in publishing such a popular magazine?
Kerry has been a huge support, because he understands the process. He hasn’t worked specifically on the magazine since the first few issues, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without him.
My background in modeling and fashion has helped bring together amazingly talented teams and keep up to date with fashion. The whole point is that you can dress modestly without sacrificing an ounce of style. Our articles and images are on par with the heavy weight magazines, we are showing that it is more then possible, it is fabulous. It is really rewarding when we get praise from people in the industry.
In the “About” section of your blog you say that you mix professional models with real women. I think that is so amazing, and is definitely worthy of praise. How do you feel this has affected your readership?
Women like to see a broad idea of what a beautiful woman is. In our lives we recognize the beauty all around us, so it would make sense to have a reflection of that in the magazine. The girls we feature don’t have to be six feet tall and a size two, although some are. We like to feature all different types of women.
Alright, confession. I love Meg and Dia! I was so excited to see them on your latest issue! (quick bragging moment… I hung out with them in Rexburg, ID once after their show… although I’m 100% sure they wouldn’t remember, I still think I’m cool!) How do you decide who graces the cover of Eliza?
One of the perks of owning your own magazine is the ability to pick your favorite people. We always look for women that are good role models. They have to be talented, smart and doing good things in the world — not famous just for being famous. Meg and Dia were especially fabulous! And our fall cover girl is amazing too…
Can you share with us three items that you have in your closet that are your must haves for completing an outfit?
For fall, it would have to be a well tailored black blazer. It dresses up skinny jeans and a white tee, but plays down a dress and heels–makes anything around town ready. The second is a great pair of sunglasses, the bigger and darker the better. You could be wearing your pajamas to the grocery store, but you throw on the right shades and you look glamorous. Lastly, would be a great pair of shoes. It is smart to splurge on that perfect black pump. It goes with everything and comfort is worth a big price tag.
Modesty is definitely key over here at Sensibly Styled and is obviously just as important to you and your staff as well as your focus over at Eliza. Can you share your feelings on modesty and it’s importance?
There are many benefits to dressing modestly. For me personally, modesty is important because it helps me focus on what my true worth is. The modeling industry is all about how you look and can bring out your vanity. When I wear clothes that adequately cover my body I am in a stronger place to take on the world. I know who I am and what my purpose in life is.
x
Summer
If you love Eliza as much as I’m sure you do… go on over here and subscribe to get four quarterly issues! ALSO, there will be interviews all this week on their blog… so check it out regularly!
Related posts:
- I want to play tennis…
- more awesomeness from Eliza magazine.
- What is modesty?
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I love love love Eliza magazine. I love seeing fashion spreads where it’s as gorgeous and stylized as any other high fashion mag, but I could actually imagine myself in the clothes. What a crazy awesome magazine! Summer, you’re doing a wonderful job!
Summer, you are so beautiful! I really love that picture of you. You have such a warm smile…and such flawless skin!
I stumbled upon your blog about a year ago and then promptly forgot about it…but I just subscribed so now I won’t miss any of your updates. I really appreciate your magazine’s mission and what you represent.
P.S. Where do you recommend getting a “well tailored black blazer”? What stores are your favorite?
Great interview, Natalie. Your “bragging moment” made me smile
What a great interview! I love Eliza Magazine and what it does so it was nice to get to know Summer better through this interview.
Natalie! You were in Rexburg? Were you going to BYU-Idaho?? Because I went there for three years….
Yeah! I was at BYU-I from summer 2005- spring 2007 (I think those are the dates…lol) When were you there?
[...] week when we did our interview with Summer of Eliza Magazine I was browsing through their past issues for pictures I wanted to post and I ran [...]
[...] you already know how much we love Eliza Magazine and it’s fabulous editor, Summer, [...]