We recently connected with Rachel Cardenas and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
So since our last interview, I have been relatively busy doing whatever the Lord has for me. I started to network more and hosted an event in Dallas, Texas. I met a slew of people and even made some business connections in the media and movie industry. I am still modeling professionally, publishing magazines (You’re It Magazine, Life Photography Magazine, & What’s Up, Dallas! Magazine), and newly acting. I am so excited to have my first role in the Upcoming Movie “Under Protection” premiering February 9th, 2023 in Look Cinemas in Dallas, Texas.
I am asking that support for all these businesses because of the purpose they bring to others. I have been pretty successful building each brand up, but it does take a lot of time to post and connect with people. As a business owner, its been hard to get massive connections but nevertheless the right connections are what really matters!
Rachel , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started in the fashion and modeling industry in 2021 as sort of an outlet for social interaction and actually turned out to really enjoy the business. I started to learn how to model, pose, get published in photography magazines, and network professionally. After discussing being published with several photographers and their photography, I desired to make my own magazine to help others gain exposure for their work. I have had You’re It Magazine since January 2022, Life Photography Magazine since June 2022, and in support of networking connections and fellow business owners, I began What’s Up, Dallas! Magazine in September 2022.
Each has their own Facebook page: @youreitmagazine, @lifephotographymagazine, @Raejay.83official, and Whats Up Dallas Magazine.
I am asking for support and spreading the word of each page!
Have you ever had to pivot?
Pivoting is important especially in business because businesses tend to change in one way or another. I recently had the opportunity to pivot 180 in the business and take a whole new direction in life with the magazines. Overall, I met with some fellow creatives to brainstorm a new look for the magazines, but the others wanted to change everything about the magazine: the name, logo, website address, email, and layout of the magazine. I was not comfortable with this change because the logos, name, and purposes are all intertwined together. People were starting to recognize what the magazine is about.
I did however stick with the logo, the name, and the website of the magazines. I did upgrade the logo, the website, the layout, and the advertising options for my partners but not the integrity of the magazine. I believe sometimes you have a great product and people can see it, and they want for themselves to take it from you. Being a business owner, you have the ultimate decision in your business and I believe this was the right one for my business.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
For me, this is a personal objective in my business: Quality over Quantity. I am all about quality of product, with a magazine it is the same. What type of articles are going to spotlight what I am doing? What type of image does my magazine need to have? Since What’s Up, Dallas! magazine is about spotlighting local DFW small businesses, music talents, and events in the area. We are about encouragement, networking, connecting the dots, and bringing positivity to all business owners.
I never want to publish anything that would jeopardize a negative view of the magazine, so I am always about making positive and quality connections and decisions for my businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whatsupdallasmagazine.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatsupdallasmagazine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086342590734
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cardenas-482830255/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ5AYnu4FkJH5oT3xIEvOCQ
Image Credits
Photographers: Eric Brinkley, Sr, Snoopy Thompson, Gary Dillingham, Brian Goins, Tristan Johnson, Sr, and Joseph Jennings Apparel Business: The Bougie Bobbin Logo Business: AAS Graphics ORG
Irm Visuals