Supernova & Raine Magazine

Nova Lorraine: I think I’ve always been a natural leader. I’ve been an athlete all my life and I’ve always strived or naturally fell into that leadership role when the time came.

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Zeke: I like to welcome everyone to another episode of  Let’s Gather Podcast. I’m your host Zeke. And in this episode,I haveNova Lorraine to talk about podcasting and create her own digital magazine. You can find her podcast Unleash Your Supernova on all major platforms and find Raine Magazine, under rainemagazine.com. I hope you have a nice day and enjoy the show.  First, thank you for being on the podcast.

Nova Lorraine: Thanks for having me.

Zeke: And so the first question I always like to ask is what would your origin story be and what kind of medium would you choose to express it?

Nova Lorraine: I love that question. Okay, I’m a big sci fi fan. Origin Story, I would have to say that I must have been a book in a previous life, because I absolutely love collecting books. And I probably have enough books in my house to start a small bookstore like no joke. So I would have to say I’d be a book. And I love storytelling. So it’d be like a real life would be like a sci fi story. Oh, I think sci fi fantasy. Yeah. I love all sorts of superheroes. More so than the light superheroes as opposed to dark superheroes and I definitely into like alien stories like Avatar think that was an amazing production Yeah. I think I’d be sci fi fantasy, if not romantic comedy would be a good one too.

Zeke: So with that in mind, since you like to collect book, you started your own magazine.

Nova Lorraine: Yes, I started my own magazine in 2007. And it really, you know, is an epiphany that I had. I initially started my career pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology. And it was during grad school that I had a realization that my purpose was to help people through my love of fashion. And about five years after launching my fashion company and taking it was after I left grad school, I went to New York to study fashion design at FIT, spent a few years in corporate and then went back to New York to launch my design company. And about five years into that, in addition to consulting, I had that aha moment. which brought together that vision I had in design school with my love of helping people. And that was Raine. And so I decided to create a platform that was truly committed to helping inspire entrepreneurs, in particular creative entrepreneurs to grow. And yeah, that’s flattering.

Zeke: So you said that you had like an aha moment. So yeah, for a lot of people looking for that moment. How did you know that you felt it? Like what sparked it?

Nova Lorraine: You know, I was doing a project for a research no it actually was a New York publishing company. And a colleague of mine who lived in Texas, I was in New York at the time, who lived in Texas and reached out to me and said, hey, she was in marketing and she was brought in on a project for startup magazine and she reached out to me to assist in coming up with a name and logo and concept and, and I just loved it. I love that whole creative process and a couple months into it, and the company decided to not move forward with it. This was around. Let’s see, that was I think, oh six or so. And we were both just devastated. We’re like, oh, we were so looking forward to this project. And that’s what I was like, well, you know, why don’t I launch a magazine. And it was, I just thought it was the perfect medium, to share incredible stories to help entrepreneurs like myself, to give them a platform, give them a voice and then also to bring a community together of individuals that share that same passion and the desire to impact the larger community.

Zeke: So we made a switch from your original plan to now starting a magazine. Do you, was you scared or did you like take a leap of faith?

Nova Lorraine: You know, my life is a bunch of leaps. Ignorance is bliss. I am definitely motivated by the desire and goal over the uncertainty of the journey. But I think I was really fortunate and blessed to have been just surrounded by some incredibly talented and creative people. I was still doing my fashion designs. And I was in the process of opening a showroom in Westchester, just outside Manhattan. And so I had a network of just incredibly, you know, passionate and creative people. And I was like, hey, you know, why don’t we do this? And they’re like, yeah, let’s do it. None of us had a clue. Okay. And but we believed in the cause and the mission and I’m so grateful that I did not know what I was doing. And it was literally learning as I went, because if I did, I probably wouldn’t have one for it. So much work. And but I’m grateful that I’m grateful that I did take that leap of faith.

Zeke: So since starting a magazine was really the most enjoyable part of doing a magazine?

Nova Lorraine: I would say the most enjoyable part for me has been the people that I meet constantly, and the talents that are pitched to me, either from the publicity team for that individual or the founder or creator themselves. I absolutely love storytelling. I love incredible stories. I love hearing when people are doing what they love. I’m passionate about projects that are really helping anyone really, and when that comes together, and I can help someone take that to a larger audience. I mean, I am the biggest cheerleader, you know, for anything I believe in and so it just gives me the opportunity to be that cheerleader every single day for other people. And not just on the court but I was in college, you So I think it’s something that’s always naturally been, you know, a part of me, it’s just bringing the elements of a variety of things that I enjoy together.

Zeke: So with like storytelling and reading, when you read, do you visualize what you’re reading? Or is it more of like, like, what makes reading fun for you?

Nova Lorraine: Absolutely visualize when I’m reading it, the stories bring me to the places that they’re about. I visualize the characters. You know, and I love history. I mean, for example, I was reading to my kids the history of where a lot of the original African Jamaicans came from in Africa. I was born in Jamaica. And, you know, I heard over the years many times, oh, this part or that part, it’s like, you know what, I actually never did the research myself and, and it was just fascinating. And I decided to share that information with my children as if I was reading story. But I can imagine the people and I can imagine, you know, the voyages and as they were describing, you know, what took place. And I just love that the possibility of entering a new world and meeting these fictional characters and in our imagination is more powerful than anything, right. And so, when you’re able to tap into that, it’s, it’s amazing. So I do visualize when I’m reading, you know, probably better than any movie. I’m very critical. I watch TV shows and movies and like, Oh, they cast it, that person, I really see that and, oh, I saw that plot twist coming. You know, I love books. I love books for the entertainment value. I love them for what they can teach you. I’m reading an incredible story about the aborigines in Australia. It’s fascinating.

Zeke: And cool. So back to the magazine. So what’s like the least enjoryable part about doing a magazine?

Nova Lorraine: Yeah, so there’s a lot of moving parts to running a magazine, you know, you have the front end all the visuals that the reader is seeing the content, and then the team that’s bringing that together the team that’s editing that and being the editor in chief, I have to go through every minutia. And I think for me, the anxiety is right before each book is published, just making sure it’s perfect. And, you know, being as anal as I am about the details and, and, Oh, did I miss, you know, this comment not being there, this photo credit not being there. And we’re title being misspelled or so those little details I can do without I think, but the perfectionist in me wants to be the one that’s giving it the final look over but then afterwards if there was something that I missed is like, Ah, you know, you just beat yourself up for a little while now. Okay, well, next time, you know, but I think it’s, it’s just being so concerned about putting out the very best product out there. And, you know, having so many details and moving parts to keep track of all the time. I think it’s my least favorite part, but I absolutely love when it comes together and the story of towels. And the, you know, the comments that we get when people are really touched by what we put out there.

Zeke: And since you saw magazine 2007 How has it changed since of total now with like, the advancement of technology in like, this whole, like a push and pull between people want to be fully online, and people who still like the book fail?

Nova Lorraine: Yeah, no, that’s an excellent question. You know, when I launched in 2007, I had a sense of where the print publishing space was going and decided to To launch as exclusively as an online publication, but it was something that was very new then. And you know, time where magazines online were being called ezine if you’ve ever heard that term use before, I was very insulted by the way. It’s a magazine when you mean it’s a ezine. And, and I found this technology out of Eastern Europe that allowed us to present the magazine in a way that most online magazines weren’t being presented as if it as if it was a true flip book. So we are one of the first glossy, glossy flip books online and people assumed that it already existed in print and asking for the printed edition. And that was really surprising to me. Because you know, that time, social media was on the rise and print especially indie magazines, were seeing a sharp decrease in demand and we were being asked for the printed copy. And that led us to to do a print run and ended up in Barnes and Noble and then started doing events and came, you know, coming full circle to focusing on digital again and really putting our attention and how we can deliver a better digital experience. And now, that digital experience has moved us into podcasting. And so, last fall, we launched our first show Unleash Your Supernova, which repeats what we’re doing with the magazine curating talents and storytellers from around the world to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. Now you  mentioned podcasting. How is it podcasting on the creative side? Like the producers are and then versus I guess, Oh, it’s so much easier being a cast. like okay, I’m just gonna sit back and and then I jump off in a half hour to an hour. I’m done. You know, the I think the story Fun that I have and curating stories within the magazine is that same what I have in curating talents for the podcast and selecting those individuals that are right for our listeners and, you know, unique personalities and perspectives and experts, you know, from comedians, to TV producers and writers, to fitness professionals to quantum science experts, you know, it’s it’s really what we can learn to balance us in this crazy roller coaster, roller coaster journey of being a creative or being a creative entrepreneur.

Zeke: So from the jump to just a magazine into a podcast, was it easier than just when you first started the magazine?

Nova Lorraine: Oh, absolutely. I mean, I’ve been running right now for about 13 years. And the more I’m getting involved in the podcast space, the more I realized it’s just a mirror of what I’ve been doing online and when it’s just with some new tools, And it’s still storytelling. It’s still Digital Publishing. The tools are a little different, but the processes are pretty much the same.

Zeke:  And then with podcasting. How did you choose your format?

Nova Lorraine: Yeah, you know that? That’s an excellent question that took me a while because I’ve been thinking about podcasting for years. And I did a test one a few years ago, with one of the singers from was it the name of this group? The Pussycat Girls, I think, and I loved it. I loved the medium of digital radio was what it was called in. And I was like, Well, what would I how would I do it? And how would I want to, you know, watch my show be like where I would get excited every single time. I was turning on a mic to record. And I naturally love asking questions from a curious person. So that went to the interview format, and we just wrapped season one We did about 16 episodes, and we’re getting into season two. So I’m going to change it up a little bit. I’m going to do some narrative reflection and also continue with the interviews in my podcast as well.

Zeke: Who, so when you interview people? Um, what’s this person? Do they do that or they’re naturally open? Or do you have to like pull it out of them?

Nova Lorraine: Now they’re they’re really, really good about being interviewed and it’s a lot easier to interview an entertainer I’ll tell you felt like an actor and comedian is like, no problem whatsoever. But, you know, your traditional founder, it takes just take a little more effort and getting them comfortable enough to let their guard down to show their true personalities and but when you get there, it’s a lot of fun, you know, and it’s just being sincere with the question. You know, that you’re asking? And, you know, I think that if they realize that and and feel that sincerity in my questioning, then they’re going to be willing to share more.

Zeke: And we’re answering questions for entertainers and stuff like that. How do you find questions that they haven’t already they accidentally do a lot of interviews?

Nova Lorraine: You know, my questions are more about their journey as a creative and the process of what they’re doing. And the, I would say, the experiences and wisdom that they picked up that would apply to an entrepreneur. And typically they’re asked about their projects exclusively, or the character they’re playing. You know, how they break into Hollywood, those sorts of questions. And I’m more interested in Well, you know, tell me about your, your biggest failure and how you overcame that and, and if you could, you know, if you can go back five years in time, what would you tell yourself Then, you know, and, you know, fun questions like, you know, what would you say about fashion inspires you? You know, so things again that I’m just really curious about, you know, 10 questions? How does what you’re doing? Or how did how does technology affect what you’re doing now? Or what are your favorite gadgets you know, in your wallet, that your wallet in your bag, you know, something like that. So I think that it’s really getting to the core of the person and their life experiences to really deliver information to the listener that they can, you know, use right away to help their help them on their journey.

Zeke: And so when you’re building your team, how did you get home? How did you start that process?

Nova Lorraine: In terms of team building out you know, I I would say that, in turn interns have been a big part of growing my team in the beginning And when I initially started, I tapped into my creative network, you know, from my fashion journey. And so photographers and, you know, graphic designers and marketers, and I love education I love, you know, teaching others and passing the baton. And because I didn’t have that luxury of having a mentor, as I was going through my, you know, my initial initial phases of business, I enjoy working with students, I enjoy working with individuals that are hungry to learn. And so giving them that opportunity, and those that I feel are a great fit for the team in the long run are invited to stay on the team. And so we really grow from the inside. And a lot of it too is just intuitive, you know, using my intuition and if I meet someone and feel like they would be a good thing fit one way, one way or another, I try to find a way to bring them, bring them on board. And sometimes it’s by project sometimes it’s as an intern sometimes it’s as a freelancer, you know, if we don’t have a full time need, but I let the person and the talent drive me in deciding if they would be a good fit. And because you can’t teach passion, you can’t teach, you know, hunger for learning and a desire to to grow, you know, skills, you can teach skills. Yeah, you have the aptitude, you can learn anything. And for me, when I bring someone on, I said, The sky’s the limit. I never, you know, say this is where you’re starting, and this is who and I’ll say, this is where you’re starting, but you could end wherever you want to be, and it could be with us or it could be anywhere and we’ll support you on that journey. And as long as you are truly enjoying yourself and feeling like you’re getting value, then it’s a good fit, and we They will add value to us. So if it’s a mutual exchange for as long as that lives on, then I’m happy and a lot of my team members and interns have gone on to create their own businesses and incredibly amazing companies and, and it’s exciting to see them carry on that legacy as well.

Zeke: Nice. So when you, when you bring people to your team, how do you? I know for a lot of people, it’s kind of hard to give that little bit of control to somebody else. Because like something they built, so when you will, that’s my opinion is like, are they gonna do it to the best of what I think is the best all day. So how you deal with that?

Nova Lorraine: You let go and close your eyes and hope for the best. I find if I think about it for too long, I’ll never let go of the reins and it’s a process you know, I think as an artist as a creative, you know that dissolves To always, you know, put out the most perfect thing, and it’s never gonna be perfect. And I think as I’ve gone on, you know, through the years, learning to be just as positive about the imperfections in whatever it is you’re presenting, and knowing that you, you’ve done the best you could do at that moment, when it’s time to just let it go. And then if you trust someone, if you if you brought them on for reason, and allow them to prove themselves and be okay, with the mistakes that are made, then it’s okay. And, you know, there’s been some big mistakes made by some newbie and even some veterans on the team. And it’s, it’s knowing how to deal with those things, you know, and keeping a cool head and saying, you know what, at the end of the day, we’re not doing brain surgery. When you step back and look at the big picture and saying, you know what, no one’s life is on the line right now. It’s not that serious, we made a mistake, we’ll own up to it, we’ll figure out how to fix it. And we’ll move on, you know, when and not hold on to those things and just take what you can learn from it. And, you know, pass it on to the next person. And it also helps me as a leader, grow, you know, and become a better delegator, become a better manager. So I think the biggest lesson for me as I’ve worked with many incredible people throughout the years is learning to let go, learning to let go of control and trusting the talents that you know, you’ve been compelled to burn out to your team because you’ve brought them on for a reason. 

Zeke: And what does leadership, did you? Did you fall naturally into the role or did you have to build up the skills? 

 I think I’ve always been a natural leader. I’ve been an athlete all my life and I’ve always strived for And naturally fell into that leadership role. When the time came, you know, for every team I’ve been on if the name the captain or co captain, and I love having a vision and sharing that and inspiring others around a common goal around a common vision, I guess that’s the cheerleader in me. And that lent itself I think, you know, in business and now there’s different skill sets that you need. Absolutely. And you have to know the industry and know your business model to be able to best you know, recruit the right team members and express that to the team. And I guess, you know, in terms of storytelling and communication that, you know, helps my background and clinical psychology helps being one of six. And, you know, being an immigrant to this country and learning, you know, how to navigate Through an unfamiliar system, all of these things I think, have contributed to you the skill set that I think have been crucial and building a business and maintaining a business. So with that, all you have to manage different personalities and different learning styles. How did you learn to identify each person’s like their attributes and then hire? How do you tailor your leadership to each person?  Yeah, you know, I try to understand, well, what is it that they want out of the experience and what would they say their superpowers are and I look at the needs that I have, and I see if there’s a good fit, and I try to put those two together. I believe if someone is able to tap into their gifts, and blend that with something that they’re excited about, you get some relief. Amazing things that happen. And so I try to do that. And if the timing isn’t right, then I’ll stay in touch with that person. And but I look at someone who’s a team player, someone who does not have an ego that needs to be catered to, I think that you should, you know, be able to be humble, and also be able to step into a leadership role when necessary. When I launched Raine, I launched it as a virtual company many years ago. And it was, you know, a time where most people weren’t used to working, you know, solely through the computer before video, you know, communication and Zoom and FaceTime and, and so you really have to hone your communication skills, you know, via email, and over the phone to be able to deliver a visual product and where multiple people are collaborating on and so communication was a big part of my decision as well. You know, can this person also communicate you know, and express themselves and understand what’s being said to them and execute that efficiently. And so those are some of the things that I look for when recruiting team members and continue to do so.

Zeke: Hmm since you have a background in psychology seems like you haven’t done what your major is, but you still use the skills that you’ve got from there.

Nova Lorraine: Yeah, and I feel like I’m using clinicals every day. You know, it’s funny when I started design school, and I remember one in the first week, we had to go around to one of our classes, and say a little bit about yourself and how you got into fashion and everyone was like, Oh, well, my father owns this manufacturing company, or my family’s been in the industry for, you know, decades. And I’m like, Hi, I just left grad school, you know, study psychology roles. What does that have to do with fashion? And for me, understanding the human behavior and how someone thinks and why they do what they do, and the impact that clothing has on us and as a means of communication was so clear, you know, and so, and then taking that into consulting in terms of what I do now, taking that into storytelling, you know, and something that I love to do. So I feel that yes, I’m not sitting across from someone on my couch, you know, giving them, you know, clinical advice in terms of disorders that they may be dealing with or, you know, conditions that they may be dealing with, but I’m consulting and advising, you know, businesses on on topics and areas that can help them grow. And, you know, through my podcast and and through a book that I’m working on, I am helping others grow personally as well. So it’s, it’s almost I want to say it’s, it’s the same thing, just different topics that we’re talking about in terms of advising and asking questions and interviewing. Analyzing. So I do feel that I’m using my psychology but in a very non traditional way.

Zeke: Mm hmm. And let’s get into the film festival. Yeah. So do you. So how did you get nominated for that award?

Nova Lorraine: Oh, you know what I, it was a bit of a surprise. I had launched my podcast in November and in December, I had gotten an inquiry if I’d consider submitting information and application initial application to be considered for a nomination for the new festival and it was, like, so surreal, like I just, yeah, I only had a few episodes, maybe five or six episodes, you know, at the time and it was it was, it was so grateful but kind of like okay, this must not be for you, you know. So anyway, I said information It just forgot about it. And then a few weeks later, I’ve gotten another email asking for more information and second round application of the application. I was like, Oh, I guess this was I guess I’m still in the mix. And then, you know, a few months ago, I had gotten the official word that I was selected as an official nomination for the lineup. For the best, I guess, the best podcast of the Year Award for the New Media Film Festival that’s taking place or for I think it originally was scheduled for gym in LA. So I’m sure that will be happening virtually. But I am so grateful because it was the last thing on my mind. And it just gave me more motivation to continue to do what I’m doing. And again, I absolutely love the medium. And I’m just I’m I’m excited to see what happens.

Zeke: Nice. So, with that, so how do you feel that people are consuming media today, compared to like when you first started?

Nova Lorraine: Oh, there’s so many more channels. I think the space is very noisy and sometimes overwhelming, you know, from Tik Tok to LinkedIn, to Twitter, to Instagram, to your emails, to blogs, to radio to podcasts. I mean, the great thing is there’s a lot more information out there from a variety of voices and places around the world that we can tap into almost instantaneously. On the negative side, there’s a lot of information that’s coming to us from every direction, and I’m contributing to that noise. I think the challenge for a Content Developer is, how do you stay relevant? How do you stand out? How do you stay top of mind? And I think, you know, the key is just being authentic, you know, being true to your message to what moves you to your purpose, and staying on that path and staying consistent, because people will eventually hear, they will, you know, get to that content. And once they do, they’re hooked. And so it’s being patient, especially if you’re new in the space and use the tools to your advantage that’s available, be innovative, you know, if it’s anything if it’s if it’s social media, you know, use that if it’s streaming, use that if it’s blogging, use that you know, whatever it is, and add that to your toolbox to attract your listeners, your readers, your followers, you know, whatever channel you’re using. So I’m grateful for all the options I have to get information that I need, and I I still go to the bookstore. And we forget about, you know, the one of the oldest ways for us to get information. I still love sitting around bookshelves and getting up and picking and picking out new books and holding it and feeling it. And I but again, as a content developers and media provider, I think it’s staying true to your purpose, being innovative, and being as consistent as you can be. 

Zeke: Cool. And then when social media was on the rise and everything, did you, would you like a first adapter or did you have to see what we’ll do with the playing field was first and being adapted to it?

Nova Lorraine: I think I you know, I’m definitely a nerd and a geek at heart, so I’m probably part of the Geek Squad. And that could have been contributed to growing up with four brothers. I don’t know I have some techies in my family. And I love innovation. I’m not enough to be an engineer or a computer science major, but enough to be interested in new technology and how it affects our lives, how to better our lives, and our businesses and our products. And so I’m absolutely an early adopter. And Raine is about focusing on the rising and the new and the most No. And so that actually forces me to stay in the mix of what’s happening in technology as well. And so in terms of social media, I would say yes, I’d say once, you know, going back to email when you know, AOL was on top and hotmail was, you know, the email free email of choice. You know, I was one of the ones jumping on and I’m dating myself. And then you know, when Facebook opened up to everyone, I got a Facebook page and you know, when Instagram opened up, I jumped on that now I will be honest I have a snapchat I don’t use. I mean, there’s just so many things you can keep up with, you know? Yeah, I’m on the verge of getting a ticket. I haven’t quite committed to that yet. I have enough channels that I’m managing. So yes, I would say I am. I’m an early adopter. 

Zeke: Because I grew up in the tech age, like I was growing up with social media. And I wanted to see how somebody who was already like, adult right in how they adapted to it.

Nova Lorraine: You know, it helps that I have children, and they use these platforms all the time. But, you know, even before I had children, I was always interested in what tool can I use? That’s going to help my business and I would research and I would find out the data and what are the best practices? What are the hacks, and I would jump on it you know, when Instagram first started, and you know, I tried to learn as much as I could Learn to you know, be early on that platform and effectively use it for my business as well. And so it’s you know, Periscope when they first started even though they didn’t, you know, prove to stay on top as everyone thought that they would be. So yeah, I’m constantly looking out for new things. There’s a new platform launching this month called TSU T S U. And it’s the new Instagram except content creators get paid. So for those that want a link to be a content about Brian, this new platform that’s launching, feel free to reach out to us via Instagram at Raine Magazine, R A I N E magazine. Nice. And we go back to like um magazine, podcasting. So how do you choose your guests? I you know I look at I would say initially I was choosing guests that I had already interviewed with Raine or wood. Likely interview for a magazine. And when the health crisis hit, I was very interested in finding experts that can add some wisdom that was very relevant to what we were going through at this time. And I really enjoyed those new topics and interviews as well. And so I think that I’m going to continue to mix up not only my celebrity interviews, do those, and the Raine guest interviews, I’m going to continue to look for experts in areas that are, you know, not as readily accessible to most people. And, you know, giving them information that they just can’t easily Google or if they do Google, it’s hard to Google it. It’s hard to interpret it. And I love that stuff. I love finding out new things and you know, finding experts or thinking outside The box and giving us alternative ways just to better ourselves. Oh checking time. Okay, cool.

Zeke: So with that who’s like your favorite to interview so far?

Nova Lorraine: If I post or for Raine Magazine, one for each? Oh, that’s a hard one. I would say you know what? Huh? Priyanka Chopra, definitely one of my most memorable interviews for so many reasons. She’s such a hard worker and committed to her craft and her passion just came through an interview and when I learned how she you know how she goes about, you know, getting all the things done that she gets done and she’s so persistent and so ambitious and I just loved it. I just resonated with everything that she said and and she literally lives Our goals during that interview many years ago and accomplished every single one of them, and she said, I’m going to break into Hollywood. And I’m going to know that she was still in India at the time one of the top bollywood actresses. And when I interviewed her and she had just gotten her guests cover, guest added ad here in the US, and I said, Who is this person, I have to find her and reach out to her and, and she’s just beautiful, just a beautiful soul and spirit. But again, to see someone put out there, what they’re going to accomplish. And then years later, bring all those dreams to life. It’s just extremely inspiring for anyone. And again, she’s just a great person. And yeah, I just love that one of my favorite ones in terms of the podcast. Oh, gosh, I had some good ones. I really loved learning. from Dr. Berlin. You’re more about quantum science. And I actually had Bring him back because it was one of our popular interviews. And it was one of the interviews that got us nominated for the new media Film Festival. But learning how quantum science can help us in terms of health and in how we think about things, how we can bring our dreams to life, how we can, you know, protect our immune systems, you know, who would think that love can protect you from getting a virus? Who would think but there’s actually research behind the chemicals that our brain produces when we’re in love that makes you immune to getting sick when exposed to viruses. I mean, research like data, the coop, what he was talking about this stuff, and so I just love exploring rabbit hole conversations like that. So I would say my interviews with Dr. Bill injure probably some of my favorite ones. Time okay. So what do you see next? Well, like media, as I now almost have a foothold in the podcasting age. Yeah. What do you see next gonna happen? Wow, speaking of podcasting age and my love of podcasts, I am actually working on a new project that involves building a network and community of podcasters and launching a new platform for these incredible storytellers to bring their content, you know, to a larger platform, so stay tuned that’s going to be launching this summer. And I’ll definitely make sure to let you know about that. And we’ll be announcing it on our Raine channels, of course and on my Unleashes Supernova Podcast when that happens. Any questions for me, or anything, anyone find out? Well, let me ask you, what do you love most about podcasting?

Zeke: I think it’s more about connecting with people. That’s been the main reason why I started. Mm hmm. Because I like talking to people and it’s just I was busy with work and choppy all night. I was like be nice. Just contact with people, my friends, meeting new people.

Nova Lorraine: Awesome. Yeah. Well, I am so glad that you gave me the opportunity to share my little bit about my background story and origin story or backstory, stories with your listeners. I appreciate that. Yeah, so still growing still learning so yeah. Cool. So before we go to final segment, I just want to see if I can think of anything else. Talk about.

Zeke: So okay, so when you’re so you like me, tell me when you do the magazine podcast, you try to be very detail and how do you like balance the fact that nothing is perfect, but you still have to have that level of professionalism. So they take you seriously?

Nova Lorraine: How do I balance that? Well, for me, the relationship I think, goes above everything. And I’m more interested in the human connection than the profit or the, you know, the outcome or, you know, because at the end of the day, why are we here? You know what I’m saying? Yeah, bring money with you. And, and it’s about the human connection for me. So similarly to what you said about podcasting and why you love it. I love people. I’m curious about people I am compassionate. You know, when it comes to their lives and their stories, I empathize with them. And you know, that’s probably what led me to wanting to, you know, get into the area of medicine and psychology to truly understand them and to help guide them. And and so for me in terms of balancing Raine and my need to always deliver perfect product, I really try to keep in mind the relationships I have with my team, the relationships I have with, you know, all the individuals that are being featured in the magazine, and then of course relationship with those that are supporting us as readers. And if I can strike a balance with each of those individuals, and I’ve hit gold and sometimes you know, misfire, and I think, being ready and humble enough to just say, I’m sorry to say I made a mistake to say, let’s do that again. You know, let me What can I do for you? What can I offer you to just be able to put their feelings whoever it is you’re dealing with first and balanced that with the true outcome that you want. And that takes a lot of money. Emotional Intelligence I agree. And again, for me learning as you know, I developed in business as an entrepreneur, to prioritize what you choose to hold on to, you know what you choose to get fixated over, and what you choose to let go. And I can’t say I’ll ever compromise quality of what I put out there, I rather not put anything out there then put out a half product. But I always make towards a relationship with whoever I’m dealing with, on whatever level may be the printer to the intern, that cheat everyone wants the same level of mutual respect and admiration as I would want to be treated. Who just remember if you work for what you can, as an intern, think about how like the amount of work they put in for like the ads when it was testing out the pictures and then when the words how everything How to be placed in the Pacific way. Yes. It’d be fun like, yeah, you it’s a lot of detail. That’s a lot of detail and understanding what your supervisor manager, you know, whoever’s leading you what they want, and to be able to execute it as quickly as possible, ideally on the first try, but it doesn’t always work out like that and keeping it flat, and not taking it personal. And now, being open for constructive criticism and improvement, I think is important as well.

Zeke: Cool. So before we get to that segment, two more questions. So first, is what kind of challenges have you face as you try to enter and then continue in like the media space? And the last one, what you learned about yourself? Through your journey.

Nova Lorraine: Yeah, well, you know, I say when I first launched Raine, I’m launching a new product with you New technology, you know, in a industry that was in flux was a huge challenge. And doing that with no funding was incredibly. It tested me. They did. And you know, often I wouldn’t wake up so you want to join us again, you know, and put it what always drove me was the purpose and going back to what I said initially in earlier in our earlier part of our conversation was, you know, your purpose and your why you’re going to get back up, no matter how many times you’re knocked down, and you’re gonna get up in a year to figure it out. You can figure out a way and you know, funding was a challenge. Not having enough team members was a challenge. Working virtually was a challenge. You know, figuring out a business model to sustain the magazine was a challenge when the last people want people last thing people wanted to wanted to hear about was a you know, a an indie magazine, you know, When social media was all the craze, you know, and, and being persistent and staying true to the brand message and mission until time just catches up to you. And so that was definitely, I would say, challenging for me throughout this journey was it was there’s always an obstacle. But the key is when you’re faced with it, what are you going to do? Is it still serving you? Is this business is this project work on still serving you? And going back to my statement about letting go being okay with letting go? being okay with change being okay with evolving? And then one of the reasons why I believe that we’ve been able to sustain as long as we have is we’ve evolved, we’ve changed, we’ve modified we’ve let go, you know, and I think that’s what’s helped us.

Zeke: And last question what you about yourself so far towards your journey?

Nova Lorraine: What have I learned? Oh, I have learned That I love to create almost anything. I thought it would only be through fashion. And if I just have that blog, it can be an illustration. It can be a new podcast story could be a new fictional TV show. I love to create. I love storytelling. I am truly passionate about the human experience, and society and philosophy and, and so just digging deeper and diving deeper into, you know, learning more about myself peeling the onion layers and really understanding that I’m multi dimensional, and it’s okay to have multiple interests and it’s okay to explore new areas and the key really is just to continue to have fun along the way. Mm

Zeke: Hmm. The last segment, what would you name your origin story and any promotion that you have.

Nova Lorraine: I would have to say I would name my origin story Nova by the Sea. And I was born in a town called upon Alomar in Jamaica, which is Savannah by the sea. And it’s on the south coast of the island. And I absolutely loved the water. If you see the Raine logo, it’s a Caribbean blue. And it’s it’s just embodies peace and calm and serenity and flow and just all these wonderful characteristics. And I love being by the water. I love looking at Blue Water. I was born on a city on the water. And I think it says so much about me and I would say Nova by the sea, just based on my birthplace and based on you know what I love about myself. I am an easygoing person I absolutely kind of roll with the punches go with the flow see the glass half full. And that’s just who I am. And so because that’s where it all started in some on a levar by the sea that’s what I would say my origin story would be.

Zeke: Anything else you want to also find out those find you?

Nova Lorraine: Yes, definitely check out Unleash Your Supernova on all major podcast platforms, Apple, Google, Stitcher, Spotify, whatever, you know, suits your fancy look for that podcast. I’d love for you to listen and download. Definitely check out Raine Magazine on line on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, it’s our AI and he like ran from the sky with the e at the end. Definitely follow us support us and get inspired, be empowered, learn something new, and share that information with others.

Zeke: Thank you for being a guest. Yeah, 

Zeke: That brings another episode of the Let’s Gather Podcast to a close again you can find Unleash Your Supernova on all major platforms, and Raine Magazine under rainemagazine.com. For next weekend, my friend who goes by the name Water to talk about how he adjusted to the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope you continue to have a nice day and I hope to see you there.

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