Veronica Magazine—Pt 1

Creating a magazine has been a dream of mine ever since I was assigned to design one in design school. Back then, I didn’t know how I’d actually bring it to life—and to be honest, I still don’t. But every dream starts somewhere, this is me taking that first step.

The Name

Veronica was my mother. In 2014, I lost both her and my grandmother within the same year. That loss became a turning point for me—not just a moment of mourning, but a moment of motivation. I decided to let their legacy live through my creativity. I found myself asking, “How can I turn this pain into purpose?” “How could I honor their memory in a way that would ensure their stories, their strength, and their love would never be forgotten?”

Style & Grace

I hesitate to describe the women in my family as “strong black women”—not because they weren’t strong, but because that phrase carries a complicated weight. It’s often used to flatten our experiences, to glorify endurance without acknowledging the cost. It can feel like a badge of honor we didn’t ask for, one that overlooks the softness, vulnerability, and full humanity behind the strength.

Instead, I like to say the women in my family faced challenges with style and grace. They carried burdens quietly, found joy in the midst of struggle, and held their heads high even when the world tried to wear them down. Their resilience wasn’t just about survival—it was about creating beauty, love, and dignity in spaces that didn’t always make room for them. That’s the kind of strength I want to celebrate—one that’s whole, complex, and deeply human.