Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vicki Goldston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vicki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I publish Garden Spices Magazine, and our mission is to provide an online space to share our thoughts, stories, and experiences. We are every race, gender, age, spiritual tradition, and physical/mental ability, celebrating our differences, and we are one garden.

I live in Floence, AL. Ten years ago, photographers provided images for a tourism pamphlet highlighting the city of Florence. I noticed only two Black citizens in a cameo shot. I was one of them.

I know the skilled photographers, who are nice young folks with liberal views. However, in this effort, they were blind to the diversity of our community. At that time, we had citizens of every hue and an influx of international students – invisible to the photographers. I was inspired to produce a magazine that captured every aspect of diversity, every spice of a global garden.

Ten years later, Garden Spices reflects our global contributors. They digest each one-word, spirit-driven topic and express their creativity through words, art, and vision. They live the mission, and we are grateful.

Vicki, 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?

Seventy-four years young, I am affectionately called “Mama G.” by folks under 50 in my community. Although I only have three children, including my son-in-love, and three grandchildren, I support a broad community and believe in passing the torch.

Originally from Chicago, I left in 1972, started school at Stillman College, an HBCU in AL, and completed a BA at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. I have lived in St. Maarten, Virginia Beach, and, finally, Alabama. Each of my homes is entitled “Camp Goldston,” I have sheltered emotionally wounded children and women when called upon to do so—part of my ministry. My late husband’s dream was a metaphysical church, and in 2005, we opened the doors to Living Spirit Church (LS) in Florence, AL. As a New Thought minister, I became the pastor of our small but mighty church. As a minister and now an emeritus pastor, I believe in passing the torch while enjoying the ride of spiritual continuity.

Our church opened the door for spiritual expression in a North Alabama area rooted in traditional religious worship. We welcomed diverse interfaith communities, including people of all races and gender preferences. (When an Episcopal community was uncomfortable with her attendance, we welcomed a trans woman). We invited speakers from many spiritual practices, and, in turn, I have spoken in churches and spiritual centers throughout the South.

In 2007, during my tenure at LS, I started Camp Goldston Publishing, LLC, and published my book on meditation, Be S.A.F.E. (StillAwareFaithfulExcellent). My husband transitioned that year; inspired by his strength and courage during his trial with cancer, I punctuated my book with his daily spiritual journal, his gift to the world.

In 2008, I passed the torch of Living Spirit Church to my daughter, Camille Bennett. With life experience advocating for justice, I supported its transition into a harbor for social and racial justice. The birth of my daughter’s thriving non-profit org, Project Say Something (PSS), resulted from community meetings at LS to discuss the racial tension brewing in the country.

I serve as the elder board member for Project Say Something and encourage my Gen X daughter and millennials to teach me the new language of dissent and protest. Also, as a member and social media facilitator for Shoals Liberal Ladies, I do what I can to support candidates who mean good to the world. Inclusion is important to me, and I attract a diverse population, which influenced me to create Garden Spices Magazine.

I founded Garden Spices Magazine (GS) in 2014 and invited collaborators to create its magic. While advocating for inclusion, Garden Spices explores one-word topics and encourages many contributors who live with health challenges, mental and physical. We also offer global cuisine recipes, styles, and art. Interestingly, I had never met many of my contributors in person. Still, I watched them walk my mission on social media, and I solicited – authors/writers, artists, chefs, and designers. They continue to comply, lovingly submitting content bi-monthly. They are encouraged to republish their work, and we continue to reach a global audience through social media.

Upon reaching my senior age status, I needed to laugh at my quips and quirks, so I extended Garden Spices Magazine to include my blog, spicy…a garden spices blog by victorine. I explore travels, lament pain, and rant about politics. I end by finding “Joy Juice,” and I invite collaborators.

In 2022, I visited my home city, Chicago, and gifted my friends with my quirky, creative jewelry. My designs led to VBGold Creations. I serve on the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art board, and my one-of-a-kind jewelry sells in their marketplace. I also exhibit my creations on social media and sell them in local galleries.

Ancestor-inspired, all outlets of my creativity stem from my spiritual outlook. My intention remains to shine the light on inclusion and celebrate diverse perspectives. Branding? I once thought I should/would have an Oprah Winfrey presence, but my purpose is to serve and touch those who need me wherever they are.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During the George Floyod protests, I was front and center through Project Say Something, my daughter’s racial justice org. My magazine, Garden Spices, is digital. It was hijacked. Each page included racial epithets against white people and repulsive commentary, and each time I tried to browse, a new page would appear. I was devastated and posted about this treason on social media. I was preparing for a vacation and was at my wit’s end about how to publish my magazine.

Not to be deterred, I came up with a solution. I have an adjunct blog, spicy…a garden spices blog by victorine. I posted all of the content of the magazine’s upcoming issue on my blog, and Garden Spices met its deadline.

While I vacationed, my daughter worked on the recovery of my magazine. We were due for an overhaul, so I reframed my reaction to the aggression into my opportunity. to do the new site we enjoy today.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

My market consists of mostly senior Baby Boomers. With easy navigation on Facebook, I reach most of my readers on this platform. My images appear on both Pinterest and Instagram.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gardenspicesmagazine.com/
• Instagram: @gardenspicesmagazine
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenspices

Image Credits

Mikel Elam, Millicent Garland, Pratik Mamtora

I have been given permission to. use these images.