Meet Bonita Bennett | Publisher, Being Single Magazine Online and the author of 2 books, How To Catch & Keep The Man Of Your Dreams and The Coming Of Dawn.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonita Bennett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonita, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as a free spirit who shined a bright light for Christ into the lives of others through my body of work as a writer, publisher, and life coach. I also wish to be remembered as a vessel of kindness, love, and fearlessness as well as a devoted friend who cared deeply for others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Over 30 years ago, I saw a need to form an organization for black Singles that would offer unique entertainment and lifestyle activities. The draw was a social technique I developed that combined relationship workshops with artsy parties in unusual settings. In one year, it became the largest Singles group in the city of Chicago with over 700 members. During that time, I published a monthly newsletter which was mailed to the members. It became so popular that I decided to start a magazine geared toward single living.

Being Single Magazine originated on my kitchen table with an initial press run of 200 copies in black and white. None of the local newsstands would take it because it was not in color. Five years later, it was selling out on newsstands across the country because it was in full color and loaded with unique and enlightening content relating to the Singles lifestyle. With no publishing background or writing courses, I was told by many that my venture would fail. Lesson learned: Follow your gut and your talent and never listen to naysayers.

After 25 years in print …. Being Single Magazine is now online and more popular than ever.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Art Institute Of Chicago… An Architectural Boat Tour On The Chicago River,
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Pinstripe Bowling Alley For Outdoor Dining
Summer House Restaurant For Outdoor Dining
The Sophy Hotel in Hyde Park For Lunch
Home Run Inn for pizza
The Horseshoe Casino
The Dusable Museum Of African-American History & Art
The Peninsula Hotel For Lunch
The Spa at The Peninsula
Catch 35 Restaurant for seafood

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout begins with God…who has opened doors and pathways for me that I could have never found on my own. Then there’s my family. My grandmother (Mary) instilled in me the value of being confident in myself and my abilities. My father (William) was a devoted support beam whose strength carried me over the hills and valleys I encountered along the journey. My sister (Charlene) whose loving shadow in my life has helped me navigate the many dark corners I’ve faced and overcome. And last but least, a bevy of loyal and benevolent friends, too many to mention, whose support and commitment to the success of my creative pursuits have sustained me through the years.

Website: www.beingsinglemagonline.com