My Magazine Is Out....At Last!!! | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Wednesday 24 October 2007

My Magazine Is Out....At Last!!!

My Magazine is out....Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! That's me screaming! I'm so happy and so excited and so happy and so excited, so proud, so happy, so excited, so happy! lol!

Seriously, I've been on this magazine for over a year and it feels so great to have it out at last. Of all the projects I've been working on, this is one I know I've gotten 100% right.

This magazine is the same quality with Genevieve, True Love Mags...(Direct Image). It cost me 830 grand to print just a thousand copies.

I'm penniless...but I'm so happy! Whenever I look at the mag...I don't care I have no money to buy recharge card! It's worth it!

This second edition is quite rich and an improvement from the first edition...I try sha!


First edition
The magazine will be in most leading stores in Naija from this weekend.
You can get it @
Collectibles Boutique, Surulere
Talk to me Boutique, Surelere
Bobby's Hair Salon, Surulere
Nu' Metro, Silverbird Galleria, V/Island
Nu' Metro, @ The Psalms
Lafayette Shopping Mall, V/Island
Airport Hotel, Ikeja
The Book/Magazine shop @ Eko Hotel, V/Island
International and local airport Magazine stands
Wrangler Boutiques, Surulere and V/Island

Second edition

I'll let you know some more places where you can find a copy to buy. I'll also see if I can upload some pages of the magazine for y'all to see...you will be so proud of me, like I am proud of myself.

Oh, by the way, did I mention that Virgin Nigeria want the magazines on their planes? Soon you'll find the mags on VN international flights to UK, SA and Dubai! We will also have our magazines in some local flights.

Anyway, here's what I wrote on the publishers' page...thought to share it with y'all!

Dreams do come true
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"


This Magazine came to me as an idea in June 2005. Exactly one year later, the first edition was published. How I managed to do it puzzled a lot of people, even myself, considering the outstanding quality of the magazine and the enormous amount of efforts and resources it took to put it together and get it out.

Before the first edition came out, I went to a few financial institutions to see if I could raise money needed to print the magazine. Nothing came out of it! So I put in my life savings, and got some credit facility to produce the first edition, hoping that when I do the launching I'll be able to raise enough money to pay back my debts and print the next edition.

For some reason, it didn't work out that way. I wasn't able to raise enough money, not even close. It was as if I'd failed, because before venturing into this, a lot of people had tried to discourage me from doing it. I remember a friend telling me that what I was about to embark on was bigger than me. A few others said I should leave the country and get a better life abroad. Some said I should stick to modeling and leave publishing to older and richer people. Did I listen?

The weeks following the formal launching of the maiden edition of my magazine were some of the worst moments in my entire life. I was more broke than I'd ever been. I was in debt. I was loosing money because I was selling the magazine for less than I printed it. I couldn't get the money from sales immediately and the magazine wasn't selling as fast as I'd hoped. Worse still, I couldn't raise money for the next edition. I remember feeling very gloomy and depressed, especially when I heard 'I told you so' from friends. It was disheartening.

Inspite of all this, I started work on my next edition. And for the next one year I went around Lagos to see if I could raise the money needed to print. I didn't get much help. But did I give up? Did I let my dream die? Instead I went down on my knees and prayed to my God, and every day I went to look for help with renewed hope, not only because I believed in the magazine and in myself but also because I believed in God and I knew one day a door will open...and it did!

The easiest thing we humans know how to do is give up, especially when we think we've tried our best and our best does not seem like it's enough.

Dreams do come true. The bottom line is to believe in yourself and in your dream. People will try to discourage you; most times they mean well. But understand one thing: Only you see your dream, only you know where you want to go and only you can make your dreams come true.

To make your dreams come true you need to have faith, be determined, work extraordinarily hard, don't be too proud to beg, take risks, pay attention and don't get easily discouraged. Remember, the road to success is rough. Winners never quit and quitters never win.

Most importantly, don't ever forget to get down on your knees. It works!

Because I didn't give up, I present to you another edition of FM&B Magazine...
Enjoy!

Linda Ikeji
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief


Ok, that was what I wrote on my publishers' corner...I always write the way I feel, see and know it.

Anyway, I'm looking at bringing out the 3rd edition in January. So please help me get my next edition ready by sending in articles and pictures that relates to Fashion, Modeling and Beauty. (I'll credit the write-up to you if that's what you want), anyone who can handle a column, please let me know. It's 108 pages...let's fill it up. Also, if you want to be featured or want to advertise in it...do get in touch with me.

Ok, let me go attend to some business...despite my busy schedule, I'll still find time to blog...because I love you guys and writing is my biggest passion...next to modelling.

Take care and always remember "Where you are going should look nothing like where you have been"

Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it...YOU CAN!

Love and plenty kisses! Linda

78 comments:

Unknown said...

Congrats Girl...keep your head high! This is the beginning of greater things to come! VN putting it in their planes? Am so happy for you....your hard work, dedication and perseverance has paid off...enjoy it while it lasts....well, its gonna last long, right?? Just say "Amen". All the best with future productions too.

Good luck with sales this time! Maybe an online version like pay-per-view for international fans? Whatdyathink? Well, think about it...

I rejoice with you because you deserve every bit of it!

Anonymous said...

this brought tears to my eye linda. U such an inspiration. young, beautiful and talented. Congrats on the mag and hope U get a nomination at the FUTURE award.U deserve it girl

Moody Crab said...

Ah....the editor's letter brought tears to my eyes. I'm aiming for something big as well and all I keep getting is rejection letters and discouraging words. I'm gonna print out this letter and pin it on my wall!


Congrats girl and never give up.... BTW, any weblinks?

shola pacheco said...

hey linda congrats am proud of u.u deserve it.wrote 2 some of nigers newspapers with a column i had tried 2 set up called life in d city.d trials nd travails of living abroad.will send it 2 u.grt work.keep it up.determination is successes next door neighbour..u go girl. d sky is just d take of point

Anonymous said...

im so proud of you linda.You don't even know how much.i was once a hater, now I love u immensely.u give me hope that I can do it too

Anonymous said...

Linda...
Weldone!

NigeriaPolitricks.com said...

I am so proud of you and your determination and hardwork is just breathtaking...that editor's letter got me misty in da eyes. You are not only beautiful, but smart and an inspiration to many. I love you Linda and so are many of your fans!
I'm gonna give you my support by buying a copy and I hope everyone does...
Just keep believing in God & yourself and the sky will be your limit...Kudos to you! Rock on Linda!!!

LG said...

Wow congratulations Linda. This is sooo so inspiring you have no idea!

Anonymous said...

Am proud of u....without dreams u really dont have much and u have the dreams and what it takes to bring them to life...the heaven is ur starting point

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS GIRL.BUT WHAT ABOUT OTHER CITIES LIKE ABUJA,PORT HARCOURT ETC,AREN'T THE PEOPLE THERE GOING TO GET A FEEL OF THE MAGAZINE?YOU ONLY MENTIONED OUTLETS IN LAGOS AS PLACES TO GET THEM.NOT ALL OF US LIVE IN LAGOS U KNOW.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS GIRL.BUT YOU MENTIONED OUTLETS IN LAGOS ONLY AS THE PLACES TO GET THE MAGAZINE.ANY PLANS OF SENDING IT TO OTHER CITIES FOR SALE?NOT ALL OF US WORK OR STAY IN LAGOS.SOME OF US WORK OUTSIDE LAGOS.ABUJA,PORT HARCOURT ETC SHOULD ALSO GET A FEEL OF IT.

EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima said...

Congratulations 24/7!

That's why I am always proud of you and I will always love you 24/7.

As Bishop Ajayi Crowther said:
"Only the best is good enough for us."

We must not settle for less.

Now, your first book is next.

Cheers and God bless always.

Anonymous said...

I donot know you,and i donot even like you, bad belly..lol...but you have inspired me to try for me just when i was about to give up.
MAY ALL YOUR GOOD DREAMS COME TRUE...
i AM HAPPY FOR YOU....YESIDE

Bunmmy said...

Congrats! Am proud that your perseverance paid off. Congratulations. ain't no heavy weight but would like to help in editing/writing for your next edition.

Cheers.

Anonymous said...

Linda, well done. Even an idiot knows that what you've done is commendable BUT.....your publishers intro is full of typos. I'm hoping its just on ur blog and not in print

Secondly, I wouldn't say many copies you are printing-esp if the figure is as low as 1000! It deters prospective advertisers who are looking for maximum coverage

Well done!

Anonymous said...

Hey Linda,
I just want to say that I'm very proud of what you are doing. I hope that your sales will be much much much better this time, so that you'll continue to be a good role model to the younger ones. Anyway, keep it up!

Mimi said...

congratulations hunie!!!! awwwwwww well done!!!

may God bless the works of ur hands.

Anonymous said...

hello linda good you followed your heart and guts. i reside in US and would like to see if you have columns for medical advice. comment if you are interested and i can give you a contact info.

Cheetarah said...

Babe congrats! Here's wishing u all the best.If you want I can do you my style report but only if u get stuck for write aiight! Holla then

Bella Naija said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Congratulations!
I am not being cheesy when I say that you are an inspiration!
All the best with the new issue!!!!
For the commenter who said that Linda deserves a Future Award, I agree! so go and nominate her now!
http://www.thefuturenigeria.com/nominate.php

Anonymous said...

Linda I am so happy and proud of u! I live in the US and often times I hear nothing but negativity happening in Naija but u absolutely disprove that! I read ur blog everyday and I think what ur doing is fabolous! I would love to contribute to ur magazine with a column or two. My name is Aramide and u can email me at fatygirl1@msn.com for further discussion. Good job again u r truly an inspiration to many!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations baby, I'm proud of you, just remember there is someone out here thinking about you.
"OLU LA"

Anonymous said...

guess what, u are even finer in this second one!!!
r u just going to b the only cover picture?...could be a good idea...just like oprah in her O magazine...i dont thin 'we' would get tired of ur face o....u just have to keep thinking of differnt styles on evry issue...
hear me, u cant go wrong ATALL...u ve got a unique style of writing that keep u glued to ur page...
alot of people dont comment on ur page...but alot of pple read it!...
its going to be a slippery road...but as u rightly said..u aint giving up....and thats a success bound spirit...

All d best..

Anonymous said...

Hey, i dont understand you o!Your picture looks stunning so I dont understand the weight you are loosing! Great Job and God Bless!

Aijay said...

Honestly, this brought tears to my eyes.
Well done babes. Extremely proud of u.

Unknown said...

CONGRATULATIONS...
i am so proud of u ...
i must say ..i dont agree with some of the topic on ur blog...but it has been an eye opener...lol

I LOVE UR BLOG... u are special..
u are an inspiration ...
it takes a lot for a young lady to be this BOLD...

GOD BLESS

Anonymous said...

Linda this is great!

I do agree that ur intro has typos so look out for that in ur mag please!

However you are very,very inspirational and i love your blog 'cos it seems you just write from the heart. I can't understand how anyone can say they don't like you or your blog. Especially as they appear not to know you in person. HMMMM!!!! That's scary.

Keep it up. And yes, people NOMINATE LINDA for a FUTURE award!!!

Chioma, Hertfordshire

Anonymous said...

i read your blog everyday but never make a comment, but b/c of todays topic i have to write something. i am so so proud of you, you give younger people like me hope to never give up on their dreams. i wish i had tried to meet you when i was in 9ja over the summer, maybe next time. good luck with everything and stay blessed.

In my head and around me said...

Congratuations. Nothing as fulfiling as seeing a dream/passion become reality. I have seen it in traffic a-plenty. For anyone that does not know any of the sales outlet or can't go to any, your Go-Slow vendor can hook you up.

Madam Linda, you don't have money to buy even...I was expecting you to say food but you said recharge card. That's the first thing people think about these days "innit"?

BOBBY said...

CONGRATULATIONS LINDA!!!!!

Meadows j. said...

Congrats Linda, isn't this why i like you?, hardworking and ambitious.Am sure u are going to be bigger than this in future.xxx

Anonymous said...

awwww....Linda baby, i'm so proud of u. U're making me all teary again with your 'editor's notes'. D first time is always d hardest. I know d second edition will do well, especially if people read d 'notes', they'll be moved most especially d youths who's lost hope.

I wish we diasporians could get a copy here.

EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima said...

Hi Linda,
See the report on you and your second edition on Nigerian Times International Forum.

Cheers and God bless.

Unknown said...

Linda, kudos to you. Your work will not go unrewarded, i'm glad you can keep your morale so high, you're inspiring many others to dare to dream

Anonymous said...

Big Congrats to you Linda and I pray that God continues to answer your heart desires. Amen.

Anonymous said...

linda i am inlove with ur personality.

congratulations mi dear. a whole lot more on the way..best 2 believe that!
i wish i cld get a copy of that mag tho. 2 bad im not it lag.

Anonymous said...

congrats girl,u know what iwas surprised that u had problems raising such an amount of money now i agree u dont judge a book by its cover i ld ve thot a pretty girl liike u ld 'use what she has to get what she wants'how wrong ,i m sure a million and one mind wld nt mind payin if u oet them have their way,thank God 4 ur life

Omodudu said...

Good job, now get yourself a proper website and push an online version.

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

Wow! This is inspiring! Congratulations on this wonderful achievement! Let us know how we can support your efforts!

lala said...

Congrats girl. Keep on keeping on :)

naijagal said...

congrats Linda! Can't wait to grab a copy!

Anonymous said...

Unlike everybody else, I want to say, good work, but you are not there yet. The road is still steep and i need you to remain steadfast and focused, your laurels are still very tender, so do not even attempt to rest on them.

I can relate to your story, when i arrived in the US and I wanted to chase the dream, I remember a lot of folks laughed off every of my "big ideas", 'who are you to think you can come from poxy nigeria and come do things that even nationals cannot attempt'. As i know you know, nothing is impossible with God, by Gods grace I have my products featured in Skymall (On every plane that flies in the US) I have an audience of 1.6 million everyday, my business runs itself now. Check Skymall out, see their model and that might be another avenue you may want to pursue with regards to the mag on airplane's. Basically, allow companies advertise their products on your mag, while you also take a cut of off every sale they make as a result. I may be interested in placing my ads in yours.
Cudos girl, but you have a few more hurdles to cross, tell me it's your 50th edition then I will give you all the approbation you deserve.

Pete

cally-waffybabe said...

Awwww babe, this is really touching. You deserve everything good girl. You are very hardworking and you know i'd always appreciate you and stand by you. Congratulations and may God continue to bless you and fulfill all your heart's desires in Jesus' name- AMEN!!!

@ bella naija: Thanks for the info. I'm going over there now to nominate Linda.

Ms. Catwalq said...

Congrats OOOOOOOOO
May The Blessings Be...
This is only the beginning, it only gets better.

Olu said...

CONGRATULATIONS LINDA..
THIS MAGAZINE IS A SUCCESS

Linda Ikeji said...

@Thank u so much everyone
@hopeful b, pls get in touch
@anon 9:07, I am interested, pls send me an email
@simbo, that's vain linda on the first cover lol, that aint me on the second one...her name is blessing effiom
@advice, the typos is me..u know how crazy I write
@in my head, I live with mummy so she takes care of my tommy
@wienna darling, thanks babe
@bella, future awards ke?..ha...that would be nice!
@anon 6:15 Im not one of dem girls...never never!
@pete, I know im not there yet...I feel like I havent even started
@omodudu and annegineeer, im working on the website thing..i'll let u know when its ready
@callywaffybabe...thanks babe

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS DEAR

Omo

♥♫♪nyemoni♫♪♥ said...

well done Linda..you have worked extremely hard and deserve to reap the fruits of your labour...I shall buy my copy as soon as I see it! Bless you!

Anonymous said...

SELECTIVE LINDA,
NA WA 4 U O. I MADE COMMENTS ABOUT YOU SENDING YOUR MAGAZINES TO OTHER CITIES FOR SALE LIKE PHC,ABUJA ETC AND YOU DID NOT EVEN REACT TO IT.INSTEAD YOU SELECTED YOUR FRIENDS AND RESPONDED TO THEIR POST.NA WA O.EVERYWHERE HAS POLITICS,LOL.AND FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 2 DAYS,CONGRATS SHA.

Anonymous said...

A very big congratulations to you, Linda. I can imagine that you will be an insiration to many people out there who need it. I must admit that I did not like you before I started reading your blog because I had read some stuff on nairaland forum by some character called Orikinla propping you up and insulting people who said they had not heard of you. I am sure he is your friend and means well for you but sometimes you have to tell people around you to allow you fight your own battles. I can only imagine the enemies you made unknowingly because a friend was supposedly trying to help you. I don't live in Naija but I would defintely be buying your mag and encouraging people I know to do so. You deserve very bit of success you get and I wish you the very best!!

Anonymous said...

congratulations,babe!.........this is the beginning of better things to come.
keep being urself,continue to pray and God will alway come thru for you.

LADYBRILLE.com said...

Linda congrats. It truly is not easy what you have done. I must also encourage you to seek others who can assist you in how the magazine business works. I know other publications are competitors but I do not see why somone like Betty Irabor of Genevieve Magazine cannot be a mentor to you. It is about sisters helping sisters and there is no need to reinvent the wheel, if it has already been done. If you have not already, ask her to be a mentor. If she declines ask someone else and if they decline reach out to othder publishers in Africa, USA & Europe to help you. These folks tend to be committed to seeing women, especially African women entrepreneurs progress. GREAT kudos on a placement on VN. Great job beautiful!

Unknown said...

Wow..........................Linda!!! I am not too proud to admit: You have reduced me to tears. Thank you!! This has come in handy (ESPECIALLY with current challenges).
Congrats on the magazine.

CBM
Unleashthe80s
Silverbird TV
G65 TV
SuperScreen TV

Admin UD said...

Wow, kudos to you, though as a graphic expert myself, i'd say whoever did the front cover lacked something. I suggest you talk it over with him/her or find someone else to do it :)

Anonymous said...

congrats.........

Anonymous said...

Hey lady, congrats! yippie!! I'm super excited for you. Take care and remember to 'wash' it with your loved ones.lol

kelly O. said...

darling linda, congrats!!! ur an inspiration. good luck and hope this time it sell well. wish you could supply to the uk . would be happy to support you by buying. it.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Linda, you are such an inspiration!

Anonymous said...

i'm still hoping/believing that someday we'll see you on international media and we will have the pleasure of saying "ah thats our Linda now"

very proud of you, keep it up!

Anonymous said...

congratulations, Linda!
i hope the mag gets to abakaliki as soon as possible.
i can't wait to see it.

Linda Ikeji said...

@Nyemoni, ladybrille and everyone else...thanks a bunch
@ugo daniel. i will
@CBM...
@anon 4:51, selective linda?everyone here is my friend, If I didnt reply, it was oversight..sorry abeg.Soon, u'll find the mags in other parts of Naija.we are working on it.
@kelechi, hopefully one day FM&B will be found in the UK
@truth.I will
@Ekwi, international media? Amen!
@ann..one day, it will.

Linda Ikeji said...

@CBM,Thank u. That means a lot to me.
@Orikinla...saw the article.Thanks a bunch
@everyone else...ur words make me want to work harder because now I feel like I have people to impress and people looking up to me. You're my motivation now. Thank u so much Everyone of YOU!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! HE WHO HAS BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL BE FAITHFUL TO COMPLETE IT.
SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND THIS WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT. YOU MAKE IT SEEM SO EASY GIRL....GOD BLESS YOU PLENTY

Anonymous said...

Congrats luv!!! You re truly an inspiration to many out there. God Bless!!!!

NikkiSab said...

Congratulations Linda!!!! I'll buy and read faithfully. Just keep ur head high cos' it aint easy to follow one's dream. All d best!!!!

Anonymous said...

Linda am soo proud of you. May God continue to bless you. Addicted blogger

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! and a big well done. I've been a fan of your blog for a while now and have found it both inspiring and entertaining. Please keep up the good work, Lord knows young pple these days in our society need all the good role models they can get.
Keep up the good work and God Bless.
ps: would be great if we could get your magazine here in london as well, ( i know it's early days, but with God all things possible:)

Tyra!!! said...

Congratulations girl! I have sold four copies of ur mag. already. People are loving it. Weldone sis.

Tyra!!! said...

Oh i sold them for one thousand Naira.(N1000),intsead of the normal N800. Lol.

Belema said...

How inspiring !!!
You should really consider having a talk show I think you wioll excell too with a project like that :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!

The sky is the limit.... :-)

Anonymous said...

U go girl!

I stumbled across ur blog whilst trying to get a break from my research paper. And absolutely love it! Congrats on your maagazine. U deserve it.U always had it in u(d go getter spirit).Im so proud of u.
I remember 200L- Newest Hall days.1 of the amazing to me was how you could wear high heels 24/7:)
We really should hook up when Im in the country.

Anonymous said...

HEY BABY, YES I SAID BABY. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE U, AND I KNOW U MAY KNOW WHO THIS IS but i don't care , U KNOW HOW BOLD I AM , WHICH IS WHY I MUST SAY I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.I KNOW I HAVE BEEN TOUGH ON YOU, BUT I LOVE HOW STRONG U HAVE BECOME AND I LOVE U EVEN MORE. I GOT YOUR BACK. good job......i miss us baby....

The Beads Factor said...

Awwww babes, this piece is so inspiring. i feel so proud of you.
Thanx for dropping by at my blog.
I'll really like to be a part of fhm. Is the 2nd edition still on sale and where? Can I showcase my beads?
Thanx so much for dropping by @ my blog.

Linda Ikeji said...

@safarichic, morenike,belema, pamela, dara, beadfactor, thank u so much for the words.bea
@anon.I know..me too

Ukay said...

Great thing you are doing there! Was at the launch of your magazine, and I had loads of respect for you. Dont let anything or anyone stop your shine,okay?! By the way, I happen to be a good writer, so maybe we could do bizness?

Ukay said...

Great thing you are doing there! Was at the launch of your magazine, and I had loads of respect for you. Dont let anything or anyone stop your shine,okay?! By the way, I happen to be a good writer, so maybe we could do bizness?

Anonymous said...

Thanks alot 4 ur write up l do appreciate. God bless.
Sylva.

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