We recently connected with Grace E.g. and have shared our conversation below.
Grace, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Every great creation begins with a spark of inspiration, and for *FOREIGN LOOK Magazine*, that spark struck one quiet Saturday afternoon, as I walked home from church. Surrounded by the rhythm of my thoughts, I reflected on my deep admiration for creatives—designers, artists, photographers, and visionaries—who often go unnoticed despite their immense talent. I wanted to build a platform, a vibrant community, where these underrepresented voices could shine.
The idea for the name came naturally. It needed to encapsulate the magazine’s mission: celebrating diversity, talent, and creativity from every corner of the world. “FOREIGN LOOK” was born, a name that evokes curiosity, connection, and a reminder that beauty and innovation thrive in difference.
I envisioned *FOREIGN LOOK* as more than just a magazine; it would be a movement. A platform showcasing editorial fashion, groundbreaking art, and fresh design while diving deep into the heart of global culture. Yet, it wasn’t just about aesthetics. Sustainability and ethics were central pillars of this vision. I recognized the responsibility of creating without waste and wanted to show the world that publishing could be done differently.
Published biannually, *FOREIGN LOOK* operates on a print-on-demand model. This system minimizes waste, producing only what is -truly- needed, aligning perfectly with the magazine’s zero-waste philosophy. From its inception, every decision—from choosing sustainable materials to working with creatives who share this ethos—has been a deliberate step towards a greener future.
The magazine’s commitment doesn’t stop at sustainability. It actively fosters an inclusive environment for creatives from diverse backgrounds, amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Each issue is a curated celebration of boundary-pushing ideas, cultural narratives, and authentic storytelling, bridging worlds and sparking conversations.
At its core, *FOREIGN LOOK Magazine* is a testament to my dream—a dream where talent, sustainability, and diversity meet. It’s a reminder that creativity has no borders, and with intention, we can reimagine not only how we create but also how we care for the planet while doing so.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My story is one deeply rooted in creativity, tradition, and a love for the arts. From a young age, I demonstrated an innate passion for fashion, starting with sewing clothes for my Barbie dolls. This love for crafting garments was inspired by the generations before me—my grandmother, whom more often than not you would find sitting at her sewing machine in her living room, and my mother who would make garments for my sister and me, one of my favorite creations being a traditional Chinese qipao dress made in a pink satin fabric with black embellishments buttons, for my 15th birthday; [comical to say that was my favorite dress, as I never liked the color pink, but something about that dress will forever be my favorite]. Both skilled in sewing, passed down their knowledge, and nurtured my creative spirit. Naturally, this passion blossomed into a formal education, leading me to pursue a career in Fashion Design.
But my artistry wasn’t confined to fashion. Growing up in a musically rich household, I was surrounded by melodies and a lot of singing. My father, a business owner specializing in audio engineering and musical instruments, instilled in me an appreciation for music’s technical and emotional power. I learned to play the violin and often sang and played alongside my father, who played the guitar, and my siblings. This multifaceted exposure to the arts—fashion, music, and visual design—shaped my holistic approach to creativity.
At FOREIGN LOOK Magazine, I aim to channel my diverse artistic background into a platform that bridges the worlds of fashion, art, design, and culture. The magazine serves as a space for creatives to showcase their talents. FOREIGN LOOK provides high-quality editorial content: Fashion spreads, in-depth articles, and cultural features that highlight global talent, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Creative Services: Collaborate with artists, designers, and brands to create unique content, campaigns, and editorial projects. Sustainable Publishing: A commitment to zero-waste production, utilizing a print-on-demand model that ensures ethical practices throughout the publication process.
I understand that many readers are searching for meaningful, authentic narratives and fresh perspectives on fashion and culture. By spotlighting lesser-known creatives and emphasizing sustainability, FOREIGN LOOK fills a gap in the market for thoughtful, ethical, and inspiring content. The magazine also provides a space for global voices that might otherwise go unheard, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between art and culture. I strongly believe FOREIGN LOOK stands out because of its unwavering dedication to both creative excellence and ethical responsibility. Unlike many other independent magazines, it seamlessly combines high-quality content with sustainable practices, creating a product that is as kind to the planet as it is to the soul. The emphasis on featuring global diverse voices ensures every issue feels fresh, inclusive, and impactful.
I take pride in the community FOREIGN LOOK has built—a network of creatives, readers, and collaborators who share this vision for a more sustainable and inclusive creative industry. Watching talented individuals thrive because of the magazine’s platform it truly is my greatest reward.
I want potential readers, followers, and fans to know that FOREIGN LOOK Magazine is more than just a publication—it’s a movement. It’s about celebrating talent from every corner of the globe while prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices. My work is fueled first by God’s guidance, and then by so much passion, integrity, and a commitment to creating something that truly matters. For me, creativity has no boundaries, and through FOREIGN LOOK Magazine, I invite the world to see the beauty in the unfamiliar, the foreign, and the extraordinary.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
There is one particular moment that immediately comes to my mind, because I was deeply touched by the event unfolding, and it was in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, I found myself grappling with uncertainty and fear.
As the world endured unprecedented pain and upheaval, I questioned the relevance of publishing a magazine centered on art and fashion during such a challenging time. The thought weighed heavily on my mind, thinking—who would want to read about creativity when so many were struggling? Ultimately, the team and I made the difficult decision to skip the Spring-Summer season, prioritizing reflection over production.
I spent a lot of time reflecting and listening to others, and by the Autumn-Winter season [that same year], we decided to move forward and returned with renewed purpose, releasing Volume No. 4 under the poignant title of CURE. This issue served as a testament to art’s healing power, offering solace and inspiration to readers and proving that creativity could be a balm in even the darkest of times.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn while running *FOREIGN LOOK Magazine through the global pandemic was the belief that success in the creative world was synonymous with constant output and perfection.
Before 2020, I held myself to a relentless standard, driven by the idea that every season required a new issue, each one better and grander than the last. When the pandemic hit, this mindset was challenged in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The world came to a standstill, and so did many industries, including publishing. I was initially paralyzed by the thought that skipping a season might be seen as a failure, fearing it would disappoint readers or diminish the magazine’s momentum. But as I faced the stark realities of global suffering, I realized the importance of pausing and recalibrating.
I learned that perfection was not sustainable, and neither was pushing forward at all costs. Skipping the Spring-Summer 2020 season wasn’t an easy decision, but it became a turning point. It taught me that FOREIGN LOOK could still thrive without adhering to rigid timelines, as long as it stayed true to its purpose.
The break allowed me to reflect, innovate, and return with a deeply meaningful issue that resonated with the times. This experience unburdened me from the notion that relentless productivity defines value and reinforced that thoughtful, intentional work is far more impactful, especially during moments of collective struggle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foreignlookmagazine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreignlookmagazine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForeignLookMagazine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foreignlookmagazine
- Other: General/Press: [email protected]
Sales & Distribution: [email protected]
Submissions: https://kavyar.com/foreign-look-magazine | https://www.foreignlookmagazine.com/guidelines
Image Credits
Photographers: Alex @alkenz_, Johnathan Quinones @themoodphotography_
In pictures: Jennie Ma (NYC Real State Expert and Curator). Elaine Mitchell (Art Gallery Director)