Today we’d like to introduce you to Anika Baty Mills.
Hi Anika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Finding my way to publishing was definitely not a part of my plan. Yes, my degree is in Journalism/Mass Communication, but I was a radio and tv kinda girl. After I gave birth to my first child, I realized very quickly a career in the television and radio industry was not going to be easy for me to be with my family the way I wanted to be. So I became a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, which offered the perfect schedule to help me manage my family. I worked in the health and fitness industry for over a decade and loved every minute of it. Unfortunately medical issues required a short break from my career, and it was during this time that my husband had the “great idea” to bring a publication to our community we live in. Reluctantly, I agreed to be a part of the team as the editorial coordinator. Somehow within one year, I became the publisher, but trust me, I did it kicking and screaming. Publishing made its way into my life, and if I am being honest, I have been smitten ever since. I am grateful to my husband for seeing something in me, that I did not see. I have been blessed to find awesome women to work with, writers and editors to help bring my vision to life. Our first issue was published in print December of 2019, and during the pandemic we made the tough decision to become a completely digital publication and have been growing ever since.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have had our share of challenges and I appreciate each and every one of them. Challenges have a way of teaching us, helping to discover a new way to reach our goal or identify when it is time for us to move in another direction. In 2023, I made the decision to change the focus our content on health and wellness. I whole heartedly believe the content we produce should provide our readers with information they can implement into their daily lives. It is can be scary to change course, we often worry about what others may think. During this time I had to intentionally practice positive thinking, intentionally avoid negative self talk, manage my anxiety, and push forward. In my heart I knew it was exactly what I needed to do. If I was going to continue to work this hard as an entrepreneur, it had to be for something that truly spoke to me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Once we made the decision to specialize in health and wellness content, I realized we needed to define what that meant for us. Our content revolves around four different pillars of wellness: social, emotional (mental), physical, and financial. If we can help our readers improve any of those areas, I know it will help improve other aspects of their lives. Rising tides lifts all boats. Using this idea as our foundation, reaching out to the community beyond the stories is also very important to me. I am truly proud of our ability to create authentic connections with our community by hosting our very own local events. One example an example would be our annual Cover Girls Brunch. This event celebrates the amazing women we have featured on the cover of our annual Women’s Issue. It also enables us to hold space for women, allow them to connect with each other, and inspire them to invest in their health. Our aim is to remind our participants they are not alone on their journey; we are all in this together. The brunch has grown to host 80 to 100 women, and it’s still growing! I am excited to host our 4th Annual Cover Girl’s Brunch on Friday April 25, 2025.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It is hard to evolve, because evolution can feel like you are leaving something behind. The willingness to evolve has given me permission to change and to trust myself. My new super power is now my ability to change when it suits me and not worry about what others think. I now have the freedom to become whatever is next, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.columbiainspiredmagazine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbiainspired/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaInspired
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anika-baty-mills-8274b0179/
Image Credits
Imiivo Photo Studios