Sass Magazine is a lifestyle and professional women’s magazine with an in-print publication as well as an online media resource for women across the US. They are a resource for savvy and sassy women, of all ages, who are more than their careers, more than their families or children, more than their friends… a resource that focuses on THEM!
A conversation with Kim Dow, Owner & Publisher
Tell us your business origin story.
I’ve always had a dream of having my own magazine, even when I was little. Instead of playing with dolls, or video games, my sister and I (who now serves as our Copy Editor and Writer) used to create magazines and catalogs when we were younger. Then, when I started my own graphic design studio, Kalico Design, we had a lot of magazine clients where we handled the creative side for—branding, design, layout, and ad design. I still love the aspect of designing magazines, but I wanted more. I wanted to have a say in what went into the magazine, what stories, articles, and features were showcased, and who our audience would be. So, in late 2013, I decided it was time for me to start my own women’s lifestyle magazine – Sass Magazine.
And then I sat on the idea. For a year.
How could I possibly pull off my own magazine? Also, how could I possibly manage two different businesses? You know, that voice in the back of your mind screaming DOUBT! Luckily, I’m surrounded by a very supportive husband, family, friends, and colleagues whose encouragement spurred me on! I gathered a team of some pretty kick-ass ladies, and in January 2015 we had our kick-off meeting and have been working hard to put together Sass Magazine for you!
We now produce 6 issues a year, have a brand new subscription service, offer several events, and have an always growing online presence through social media and our blog sassmagazine.com
What do you like most about being a business owner in Frederick?
I love the supportive community in Frederick. There is so much collaboration that happens. There isn’t a competition between businesses, it is a collaboration which you don’t see in a lot of other cities.
There is also so much opportunity for small business in Frederick. There are several incredible organizations and businesses focused on creating space to network and meet other business owners, get education, fine resources, and more in this community.
What makes Sass unique?
Our print magazine is geared specifically towards women local to Frederick and the DMV. When Sass started, there was not a platform to showcase and celebrate women’s stories. There are a shit ton of amazing women in this area whose voices need to be heard. We strive to celebrate incredible women everyday
We are more than just a magazine. While we continue to produce 6 publication issues each year, we also host a lot of events, in person and virtual. We offer a VIP membership program from other female business owners that provides them with business consulting, networking opportunities, resources and community.
We are growing to become more of a national based resource for women through a website that houses articles and resources on topics from wellness and beauty to travel, relationships, business and everything in between.
Plus, we just rolled out a brand new subscription based membership that allows people to support Sass, subscribe to our magazine, and get all kinds of special perks as a Sass Insider.
What do you wish people knew about Sass?
I wish people realized we are more than just a magazine. We offer such a wide range of resources, content, coaching, events, etc. I also want people to know that while our core mission is to empower and support women, we are dedicated to working, collaborating, and partnering with everyone – No, you don’t have to be a woman owned business to advertise with us. No, you don’t have to identify as a woman to attend our events. No, you do not need to be a woman to work with us. Part of empowering women is empowering those that advocate for women.
What do your customers love best about Sass?
Sass is a community. Not only do we strive to create resources for our readers, we also try to make connections with our readers and connect them to one another. Sass is more than a magazine or an online resource, it is a place to meet other like minded women, find support and inspiration, and feel like a part of a community that lifts you up.
We also host our Sass Choice Awards annually. The Sass Choice awards to highlight business that women appreciate, enjoy, and feel comfortable in. We have special categories for women owned businesses but identifying and celebrating business that women want to and feel comfortable supporting is so important.
Have any exciting promotions or events you would like the Chamber membership to know about?
You can subscribe to Sass magazine for only $5 a month and get insider access, a mailed copy of every issue, early access to events, special offers, and tons more. https://www.patreon.com/sassmagazine/
We also have an event coming up! Our May Girls Nite Out and Boss Market is on May 11th at Musket Ridge Golf Course. You can grab tickets and more info here – https://sassmagazine.com/event/sass-may-girls-nite-out/
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.