v Tell Us A Little Bit About yourself
v I am 21, born and now living in Paris. I am Central African and Senegalese.
v What made you start Ghubar?
v I started Ghubar because 2009 is the year of projects and accomplishments for me. I went through some hard times last year and I think what happened made me realize a few things about life that I didn’t want to waste such as time, and energy. I decided to do what matters to me and this has allowed me to spread a message to everybody.
v I’m sure a lot of work goes into putting the magazine together describe the process of making one issue.
v Meeting: First I try to gather the whole team for a one-hour meeting (at least!) We sum up the different ideas of shootings and articles we want to do for the issue so that everyone knows, who does what.
v Sceno: [Scenography] Every month I deal with the cover shoot, which is major. I have a little chat with Maxime, who helps me build a sceno with the inspirations I submit to him.
v Shopping: Then we get in touch with all the press offices we’re working with and build up the style.
v Shooting: Once we have the sceno & clothes, we can set up everything: Photographers, models,make up artist, hair stylist….and we shoot. While the post production is on, I have to do the layout of all the articles.
v Teasing: We always have backstage videos and pictures of our shoots so that we can post post backstage videos on our facebook page + ghubar tv, and get people excited for the next issue to come out.
v Layout : I usually close the issue the week before the publication; once it is done, I send all the pages to my wonderful and beloved webmaster, Carl, who puts the whole thing online on the announced date.
v Communication: As soon as it is online, we send the newsletter to all the subscribers to let them know their favorite online magazine’s new issue is out.
v Does GHUBAR stand for anything? What made you pick that name?
v Ghubar stands for difference. Because we live in more than ever in an era of being different. It is a magazine built around interbreeding and multiculturalism. Ghubar means dust in old Arabic, I didn’t really chose the name, but it actually came to me. I was looking for some light fonts on the web when I found it “name of a calligraphy known to be as fine as dust particles…” It is usually said that “words fly away but writings remain”, but dust doesn’t, and it was a paradox. Plus, I think the whole fashion industry sometimes takes things too seriously. Presence of black or asian models leads to polemic although…this is all vain. They don’t want to represent the world as it really is, but they tend to forget they won’t ever always be a part of it. “We all come to dust and go to dust” …so we should just try to have fun during our time here.
v What is your favorite city and why?
v Without any hesitation, New York. Because it is a real vibrant city, and I just love the atmosphere. I think NYC is a city where you never know what is going to happen. Really exciting.
v What are three websites you visit daily.
v If you could make up your own entourage of three celebs, who would they be.
v Solange Knowles, Kanye West, and Karl Lagerfield
v What do you like to do when you’re not busy with the magazine?
v What every 21 year old girl likes to do…hang out with my friends, shop, party (not in excess lol), movies, casual things and RESTING of course!
v Where do you prefer shopping and which do you think is better? Online or in person?
vI love both. But I do prefer shopping in person, trying clothes on can never be replaced. Online: asos.com In person: I love mixing styles and brands, I can shop at H&M, Zara, American Apparel, vintage shops and go for luxury pieces too when it comes to shoes and bags.
v What do you ultimately want to do what would be your definition of success for your life.
v Wow. That is a huge question, I’d have A dream, I have many. Life is so complex that we are never fully accomplished. I am just looking forward to being the best person I can for my family, friends and colleagues.
v What advice would you give people who are trying to do what you do?
v It a huge commitment and involves a lot of work so all I can say is fasten your self belt, there is no place for giving up once you start.
I appreciate Sarah doing this, in English even though it's not her first language. I hope you all enjoy the interview. I strongly recommend that you check out Ghubar magazine. It is brilliant. Published in both French and English so don't worry si vous ne parlez francais! You already know online magazines are the future, so go check it out. The summer issue was JUST released www.ghubar-magazine.com
