Dear UBT readers, supporters, and advertisers:It's hard to believe that just eight years ago, I held the inaugural issue of urbanbaby & toddler magazine in my hands. And it's hard to believe that I am now moving on from this little-magazine-that-could (and did!).
But, I have chosen to move on to focus more on my children -- Benjamin and Lauren -- who inspired me to start the magazine in the first place. And to look for my next adventure.
urbanbaby & toddler magazine will carry on though in the highly capable hands of Lara Leontowich, founder of the fabulous Bellies to Babies Celebration event. I have every confidence that she will take the magazine in new and wonderful directions.
The decision to move on from the magazine was a difficult one. When I was first contemplating it, I found myself asking the same question over and over again: "Who am I without urbanbaby & toddler magazine?" My identity was so intertwined with the publication that I felt like I would be nobody without it. The magazine put me on the map. It was an achievement that I could be proud of -- building and growing a successful magazine is tough at the best of times, never mind during a recession. People wanted to meet me, have coffee with me. People knew the magazine and they even knew my name. It made me feel important. Without urbanbaby & toddler, would I just evaporate?
But after a few soul-searching talks with good friends, my answer to the question, "Who am I without urbanbaby & toddler magazine?" changed. Who am I? I am a mother. I am a wife. I am Emma. And these are all good and important things. They are not just enough, they are everything.
I can't articulate how grateful I am to all UBT supporters. The thousands of readers. The supportive businesses that became my advertisers, my distributors, and the champions of UBT. The nurses, midwives, doctors, doulas, and community workers who endorse the publication. I have loved meeting all these fantastic people along this journey. I have learned so much about myself, and got a hands-on education in business that I will take with me wherever I go next.
Thank you, everyone, for supporting UBT (and me) over the years. It is my hope that you will continue to support the magazine, and new owner Lara Leontowich as she leads UBT into the future.
Most sincerely,
Emma Lee
Founder, urbanbaby & toddler magazine
*****
If you have any questions about urbanbaby & toddler, contact Lara Leontowich:
Email - info@urbanbaby.ca
Phone - 604-420-8760 or 604-908-8835
Wondering who took that fab photo of me? Scott McAlpine of www.scottmcalpinephoto.com.
4 comments:
Good luck with your new adventures. I didn't start something and have been at home with my kids for these past 8 years, though I have picked up work here and there to stay connected. I too am facing a really hard decision this week that could affect my career options in the years to come, a shock after having spent the last few cultivating a relationship that should be leading to a new adventure.
But my children need me, and that is the first call I will answer.
At the end of this week we will embark on homeschooling (and I was never a homeschooling momma just like I was never a homebirthing momma until I had one at the hospital. Sometimes we just have to follow our feet, or the feet of those we've invited into our lives, eh?
Best wishes.
Awwwwwww. Sorry for me to lose your version of UBT but happy for you to move onward and upward in life. And that pix is indeed "fab" but only because the subject is so "fab" ;>)) Congrats kiddo.
Thanks, Karen! You hit the nail right on the head.
-Emma
Emma you are awesome! You'll never be without UBT it's something you created and made strong. That growth and success is always with you : )
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