Meet Aneya Raynor, a recent graduate from the University of Mobile with a B.F.A. in graphic design, specializing in Print Media. She has a huge passion for inspiring and empowering Black women through the arts, in this case, through Rise Magazine, which is currently in development. Read more about Aneya.
Aneya Raynor
How did you get started in your industry?
My journey feels like I started yesterday, as I am very young compared to the most familiar faces you see in marketing and advertising. Fortunately, I have had many insightful internships that have held my hand in a constantly changing industry. My magazine, my prize procession (still in the works), is driven by my current and childhood experiences. It’s something relatable because it’s my story, my mother’s story, and her mother’s story. It’s something for a lifetime, and all the jobs in the world cannot prepare you for how to be a black woman.
Growing up, did you imagine being an entrepreneur?
Oh, most definitely! I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew from early on that if I didn’t see what I wanted or expected, I would create it myself. And if I do not know how to do that, I will find a way to make it happen. I am huge on the concept of “reflecting who you represent.”
In the beginning stages of developing your brand/business, what was your biggest struggle and how did you overcome it?
Whew, honestly, the brand is still developing, and I’ve ran into many issues. One of the essential elements needed to establish a successful business is your brand’s voice. Who are you? And how do you want to be perceived to your attended and unattended audiences? What are your values, and what are you doing to uphold them. There are so much more, but brand identity is the real trickster of the entrepreneur game.
Do you feel like you are pursuing purpose? If so, how did you know this was your purpose?
Going back to that idea of “reflecting who you represent,” my purpose is to empower and inspire blank women first because that’s who I am. As a woman, we go through so much, but adding race makes things all more challenging. I love the struggles of being a black woman. Some people wish they had our problems which seems odd to say, but it’s true. I fulfilled my purpose if I can make one other woman think like I do without undermining another person’s race, ethnicity, or sex. I won.
Please tell us about Rise Magazine?
Rise Magazine is a developing magazine that uses design to reemphasize culture from the female perspective. To be a place that starts and engages a conversation on concepts such as current events, music, beauty, lifestyle, and health. Rise Magazine should challenge its viewers to see the world in the eyes of a woman who is striving to find who she is in society—learning its roots and foundation.
What is the best part of company? What keeps you motivated to keep going?
The desire to create something that does not exist. Something I want future generations to have because I did not have it.
As an entrepreneur myself, I understand that sometimes personal life can get in the way of business. Have you encountered any personal hurdles that could have or did result in a business pivot?
Yes, COVID. I think that might be the case for several entrepreneurs. Whether you were sick or not, COVID slowed things down financially. In my industry, print is less desirable, and digital is more acceptable. Set back like those make you re-strategize how to make numbers still. I also found it hard to be motivated when I worked a job outside of my industry to fund my personal living and try to graduate college and maintain a decent social life. Nobody talks about it, but being an entrepreneur drains you. You can unintentionally become socially distant from friends and loved ones because all you think about during your waking (and sometimes sleeping) hour is your business, finances, and what you need to do to get to the next level.
During these times, we’ve all had to adjust. How was this adjustment been for you and your brand?
The adjustment is different, but I always love a good challenge. Challenges help maintain a good relationship between you and what your brand stands for — thus making it more robust and more reliable.
How did starting your brand affect your mental health?
Many long nights of crying. PSA: Whoever said crying is unhealthy, they are wrong! Crying is healthy because, in my case, it allows me to work through my emotions. It prevents me from being totally irrational in terms of being insensitive or hypersensitive. The only side effects of crying are having horrible headaches and the need for comfort food. But on a serious note, having personal mental health days should be widely accepted in the community to take at least twice a month. Sometimes you need a hard reset after complex challenges.
What’s the difference between the woman (you) before starting the brand and the woman (you) right now?
Patience, and even then I still struggle.
What are some tips for Business/Brand Owners to avoid feeling burnt out and taking care of their mental health?
Take your Personal Mental Health Days! Think about it; your business cannot thrive when you’ve mentally checked out. Reserving 24 hours out of a roughly 700 hour month is not a sacrifice! Do not compromise your mental health time! Reserve it and stick by it!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I learned this from a very wise lady who did a guest appearance during one of my internships. I asked her, how do you know what you need to do to get to the next level in life? ” She said, “ The person you are today wouldn’t be here if the person you were didn’t lookup. We all have glass floors we come from and glass ceilings we strive to get to, and at one point, the floor you stand on today used to be your ceiling. You don’t realize how far (high) you’ve gone until you look back down and reflect. There’s no reason to go back now, especially when nobody’s room looks like yours.” Talk about a mic drop!
Lastly, what keeps you strutting?
Authenticity. I keep it 100% with everyone I meet and in return, they give me more knowledge than I can ever ask for. Pure knowledge keeps me struttin!
Connect with Aneya Raynor
Interested in learning more about Aneya Raynor? Follow her on social below and learn about her up and coming magazine:
- Website
- Instagram: @Aneya.Raynor
- Twitter: @AneyaRaynor