Meet Destiny J. Thomas: CEO & Editor-In-Chief of Sage Magazine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Destiny J. Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Destiny J., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Prior to beginning my journey as a CEO & Editor-In-Chief of Sage Magazine, as a writer and creative I was working for other indie publishing companies. And although, I was selected to be a part of their team as an Editorial writer, I wasn’t truly feeling celebrated or valued as one. I continuously felt as though my voice was not being heard as a Black woman writer and self-expressionist. So, I had to make a compelling and vital decision to end my journey in working for other indie publishing companies as I once knew it. Upon making that decision, I met my business partner, Tori B. who is the Creative Director of Sage Magazine and an amazing illustrator based in the South of France. We met via Instagram and spoke briefly on plans to work together on curating an E-book from the perspective of us being in the creative arts field; with her being an illustrator, and me being a freelance writer + website designer. We had a few video chats and open discussions about how we would make the vision of this E-book come to life. Well, clearly God had other plans in mind because during our second meeting, with a pen and notebook in hand – I heard the Lord say to turn our collaborative project into a magazine company. A few moments later, I said to Tori, “How about we turn this project into a Magazine?” She excitingly replied “Sure, yes let’s do it!” With both of our excitement in the air, Tori then asked “Okay, this sounds great – but what do we call our magazine company?” Literally, seconds later I heard the Lord say again the name: “Sage”. So, I said to Tori, “Let’s call it Sage” . She goes, “Sage, hmm okay I like it!” “What is Sage going to be about?” In that moment, I knew that I wanted to create a platform where the worlds of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle could live comfortably and confidently together – So I told Tori, “I’m not sure yet – but I know it needs to be a mirage of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle made for women around the world.” And in that moment, is when the vision and birth of Sage was born. To be honest, we did not know where this journey of business and creativity would lead us but we knew the intention, purpose, and mission behind our work would be to positively inspire people. Fast forward, 2.5 years later, Sage Magazine Inc. is more than a magazine company, we are a black-owned inspirational global brand empowering the world of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle infused by the art of storytelling. Over the years, we’ve had the beautiful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share the stories, voices, and art of so many creative entrepreneurs and brands around the world who are a part of our community here at Sage. At Sage, we provide daily inspiration and a source of pure enjoyment in the form of our print publications, online blog, and daily devotional journals. We encourage our community of readers and audience to share their story, voice, and art to the world boldly and without apology. The community of Sage includes a very diverse, and inclusive group of creative entrepreneurs and brands from the USA, France, UK, Canada, Morocco, South Africa, The Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Japan, and beyond. And we are so excited to share that our work as an inspirational global inspirational brand and community has made its way to the streets of our home here in Atlanta, GA. Sage Magazine is exclusively available for purchase online and in-store at Citizen Supply (Ponce City Market) in Atlanta, GA. And Sage Magazine will also be exclusively available online and in-store at LD Shoppe created by world-renowned interior designers: Melissa & Sacha Leclair who are the husband + wife duo of Leclair Decor based in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) very soon! So, this is a message to anyone reading my story and the journey of of my brand, Sage Magazine to know the importance of never giving up on following your dreams, to be okay with saying no, and knowing your self-worth as a person, creative, and/or artist in every way. I want you to know that you can take that leap of faith even if you do not know which direction to move forward in, don’t worry – start where you are, and in the midst of your journey, never be afraid to share your story and truth with the world in whichever way that you feel is best!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Sage Magazine. We are a black-owned inspirational global brand empowering the world of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. We have been in business for 2.5 years and over the course of time, my team and I have learned so much about the world of entrepreneurship. This journey of ours has not been easy, it has been full of many days of prayer, we’ve endured many long-nights of planning, creating, execution, and repeat because we were embarking on a journey that was new to us! But, one thing’s for sure is that we did not give up and all of the valuable lessons that we’ve learned, understood, and came to terms with has strengthened our vision and helped to pave the way + direction of where we are at this given time as we’re continuing to walk through our journey together, 2.5 years later. I want the world to know that this journey of life is not easy but very much worthwhile! Nothing good comes easy but with much faith, sacrifice, dedication, patience, love, heart, and direction it is possible to journey through and navigate within your life’s calling and God-given purpose. I am a firm believer in Jesus and to be honest without His help, love, guidance and strength I nor my brand would not be here thriving and growing successfully. So, may you always remember that with Him all things are truly possible and that you were born to be an inspiration, a beacon of light, and a voice of hope + reason for people within your community and beyond! Also, never let anyone tell you that it is not possible to change the world and to help the people of your community in a powerful and positive way!

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?
The Sage Team definitely deserves the recognition! The Sage Team includes our Creative Director: Tori B, Editorial Writers: Madelyn Gee, Joia Williamson, Editorial Photographer: Mahynna, and Brand photographers: Youssef Alaouad, Coco Duciel, Nadia Meli, and Victoria Garcia. I also want to send so much love to our readership community and audience here at Sage! All of your love + support is sincerely appreciated and we are eternally grateful for you all! Sending so much love to our partnership team over at Citizen Supply and LD Shoppe! Thank you all so much for believing in us and for being an integral part of our growth as a global brand and community, we love you!

Website: https://www.thesagemag.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagemagco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagemagco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9aMdAkEpacRqW5l2-IJUg

Image Credits
Photography by Kaylin James + Stacey Simon.