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An Interview with Sarah Dubbeldam of Darling Magazine
We love Darling Magazine because they promote healthy body image in women (no retouching—ever!) while celebrating beauty in a real, attainable way. We recently sat down with founder Sarah Dubbeldam to learn more about Darling’s mission and to discover what motivated her to start the magazine in the first place. Her insights into beauty, self-affirmation and leadership are so inspiring: read on to get the full story.
1. When did you decide that you wanted to launch Darling Magazine? What pushed you to go for it?
After college, my friend Kelli and I started talking about how there was a real lack of women’s magazines that promoted deeper conversation, healthy body image, and an attainable lifestyle. We were going through real-life problems and knew we weren’t the only women out there feeling the same thing, so it was from that first conversation back in 2006 that Darling was born. We felt pushed to go for it because it was something strong on our hearts and consciences—we knew that someone had to start the conversation and if we didn’t, it might not happen.
2. Why have you openly committed to not altering images of women in your magazine?
We feel that the skyrocketing negative stats on women and depression, anxiety and poor body image is due to seeing, over and over, “perfect” images that have been altered. It creates an unattainable standard for women and we feel that needs to change. So we have committed to never touching a woman’s body or skin at all digitally—leaving all those pesky pimples and wrinkles, hoping to redefine beauty as something that doesn’t always have to be perfect, but instead, just original and genuine.
3. Where do you get your inspiration? I’d love to know what brands you look up to and how you get your creative juices going.
I get my inspiration from a lot of European magazines—ones that are for women, or with an emphasis on design and photography. I also feel inspired by traveling and reading old books from classic authors such as Scott Fitzgerald. When I’m forced to imagine another time, space and reality, it gives me hope for creating a new reality within women’s media.
4. What do you think are qualities a good leader possesses? What’s your leadership style?
One, a strong vision and the ability to communicate it over and over in creative ways to inspire others to join you. Two, a humble confidence; there is nothing worse than an arrogant leader—when you look to serve and empower your team, it yields better results. Three, optimism no matter what’s happening—this is especially needed when you’re the leader of a start-up! My leadership style is focused on empowering others in their areas of strength and trying not to micromanage. I like to be friends with the people I work with, while still fostering a healthy respect for one another and a professional posture.
5. If women could take away one thing from reading Darling, what would that be?
That they have an original beauty, a unique personality and a special reason for being on this earth.
6. What’s your advice to women who are struggling with self-acceptance, low self-esteem, and/or body image issues?
My best advice is to really monitor the outside things you are taking in. When we fill our minds and hearts with images of perfection or messages of unattainable lifestyles (like Instagram) we can get discouraged. I also feel it’s important to read smart books and throw out trashy magazines—especially those glorifying the mistakes of others (celebrity mags)—these don’t edify our minds or give us interesting things to talk about, which is often a source of insecurity for women. And finally, learn to affirm your body (every detail of it) apart from comparison. There is a quote that says: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I couldn’t agree more!
7. Do you have a workout routine? If so, how do you fit exercise into your busy schedule?
I do! Sometimes I do barre3 Online and other days I go to a gym near my house in Glendale called AAY. It has excellent, well-rounded workouts with trainers that monitor you. I love it!
8. As an Oregonian myself, I was excited to hear that you’re an Oregonian too. Has the local culture impacted you and the way you run your company?
I love Oregon! Oregonians are so kind, humble and friendly. They are opinionated (especially about environmentalism) but somehow find a way to have a respectful voice. I feel that growing up in a small town (Sisters, OR) helped me create a very personable, “family” feel with our staff at Darling. I never take myself too seriously and believe that fun and laughter is a necessary part of business.
Check out Darling online at darlingmagazine.org.
We love Darling Magazine because they promote healthy body image in women (no retouching—ever!) while celebrating beauty in a real, attainable way. We recently sat down with founder Sarah Dubbeldam to learn more about Darling’s mission and to discover what motivated her to start the magazine in the first place. Her insights into beauty, self-affirmation and leadership are so inspiring: read on to get the full story.
1. When did you decide that you wanted to launch Darling Magazine? What pushed you to go for it?
After college, my friend Kelli and I started talking about how there was a real lack of women’s magazines that promoted deeper conversation, healthy body image, and an attainable lifestyle. We were going through real-life problems and knew we weren’t the only women out there feeling the same thing, so it was from that first conversation back in 2006 that Darling was born. We felt pushed to go for it because it was something strong on our hearts and consciences—we knew that someone had to start the conversation and if we didn’t, it might not happen.
2. Why have you openly committed to not altering images of women in your magazine?
We feel that the skyrocketing negative stats on women and depression, anxiety and poor body image is due to seeing, over and over, “perfect” images that have been altered. It creates an unattainable standard for women and we feel that needs to change. So we have committed to never touching a woman’s body or skin at all digitally—leaving all those pesky pimples and wrinkles, hoping to redefine beauty as something that doesn’t always have to be perfect, but instead, just original and genuine.
3. Where do you get your inspiration? I’d love to know what brands you look up to and how you get your creative juices going.
I get my inspiration from a lot of European magazines—ones that are for women, or with an emphasis on design and photography. I also feel inspired by traveling and reading old books from classic authors such as Scott Fitzgerald. When I’m forced to imagine another time, space and reality, it gives me hope for creating a new reality within women’s media.
4. What do you think are qualities a good leader possesses? What’s your leadership style?
One, a strong vision and the ability to communicate it over and over in creative ways to inspire others to join you. Two, a humble confidence; there is nothing worse than an arrogant leader—when you look to serve and empower your team, it yields better results. Three, optimism no matter what’s happening—this is especially needed when you’re the leader of a start-up! My leadership style is focused on empowering others in their areas of strength and trying not to micromanage. I like to be friends with the people I work with, while still fostering a healthy respect for one another and a professional posture.
5. If women could take away one thing from reading Darling, what would that be?
That they have an original beauty, a unique personality and a special reason for being on this earth.
6. What’s your advice to women who are struggling with self-acceptance, low self-esteem, and/or body image issues?
My best advice is to really monitor the outside things you are taking in. When we fill our minds and hearts with images of perfection or messages of unattainable lifestyles (like Instagram) we can get discouraged. I also feel it’s important to read smart books and throw out trashy magazines—especially those glorifying the mistakes of others (celebrity mags)—these don’t edify our minds or give us interesting things to talk about, which is often a source of insecurity for women. And finally, learn to affirm your body (every detail of it) apart from comparison. There is a quote that says: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I couldn’t agree more!
7. Do you have a workout routine? If so, how do you fit exercise into your busy schedule?
I do! Sometimes I do barre3 Online and other days I go to a gym near my house in Glendale called AAY. It has excellent, well-rounded workouts with trainers that monitor you. I love it!
8. As an Oregonian myself, I was excited to hear that you’re an Oregonian too. Has the local culture impacted you and the way you run your company?
I love Oregon! Oregonians are so kind, humble and friendly. They are opinionated (especially about environmentalism) but somehow find a way to have a respectful voice. I feel that growing up in a small town (Sisters, OR) helped me create a very personable, “family” feel with our staff at Darling. I never take myself too seriously and believe that fun and laughter is a necessary part of business.
Check out Darling online at darlingmagazine.org.
