Happiness + Wellbeing Magazine

Sometime last year I stumbled on this super-fly publication based in Australia called Happiness + Wellbeing Magazine. I was mesmerized by its beautifully designed hippie-chic look and content that spoke to the wellness woman, positivity seeker inside me.  It literally oozes with good vibes. It's a gigantic celebration compressed in an online package, joy filling every crevice, encouraging readers to live their best, healthiest, most authentic lives.  I really like it. So, when Editor-in-Chief, Cassandra Lane agreed to talk to me, I was buzzed. It was another opportunity to learn from someone doing awesome, heart-filled work.

How long have you been doing H+W Mag?

Cass: The concept for Happiness + Wellbeing Magazine popped into my head in early 2013 and we launched the first issue in August that year, so just over 15 months.


What prompted you to start the magazine?

Cass: I truly believe it was a matter of divine timing for H+W Magazine. In late 2012 my mum had two severe heart attacks (she recovered beautifully) and after a lifetime of ignoring our health, wellness and yep - holistic happiness, we discovered the silver lining in a very tough experience and feeling awakened, began to explore ways we could begin living our lives to the fullest. I remember I had been searching for some digital resources that really covered the topic of wellness thoroughly (that being that life isn't just about vibrant health, exciting adventures or great relationships, it is a combination of all these elements - and more!- that really lead to a fulfilled life), but I couldn't find anything that felt right. So, on a complete whim (and having the idea for h+w pop up fully formed in my head) I decided to launch an issue of the magazine and see how it went. It has been an absolute whirlwind of a ride and I haven't looked back since!

What's your mission for the magazine?

Cass: Our official philosophy is that we support earthlings across the globe to foster inner peace, adopt a more conscious lifestyle, master the art of meditation, nourish their body with balanced nutrition and find spiritual practices that enhance their life and wellness. Unofficially, we just want to help women feel good - about themselves, their lives and their personal journey, all while hopefully making a positive difference on this beautiful planet we call home.

What has been your greatest obstacle along your entrepreneurial journey, and how did you overcome it?

Cass: Self-doubt. There were (and still are occasionally!) times when I thought: Do people actually want this? Am I offering them something that will really transform their lives for the better? Or am I just living in dreamland?! But what I have learnt is that the most important thing is to simply try. It's the case of, if not now, when? If not us, who? As long as I am trying and feel good about what I am bringing into the world, I know I'm on the right path.

What are 3 tips you'd give someone who wants to embark on their own journey as a conscious entrepreneur?

Cass: #1. Listen to your intuition, even if it is telling you something completely different to what you expect. This goes for partnerships, packaging, branding, design - the whole kit and caboodle. Your intuition knows best! #2. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Even though you're divinely perfect, you're not going to be a whiz at everything. If marketing isn't your thing, that's okay! Bring someone into the business who has a passion and hunger for marketing and enlist their help. Which brings me to #3. Don't try to do it all. Seriously. I know you think you can and will do it better than anyone else, but it's okay to delegate and take a step back when the time is right. 

How do you balance your personal and professional lives - do you have any daily mind/body wellness practices that help to keep you balanced?

Cass: I try not to think about balance too much, instead I just run with how I'm feeling. If I don't have a driving need to create something new that day, I know it's time to recharge and spend some time building up my creativity again. If I'm chomping at the bit to write or design something (even if it's a weekend), I go with the flow and let it happen. Thankfully, this approach has allowed my natural rhythms to emerge and I don't struggle with feeling as overwhelmed as I used to. Definitely trial and error though! And as for wellness practices, my top three are: meditation (even if it's just a minute of deep breathing), journaling and spending time in nature.


Is there anything new coming up you'd like us to mention?

Cass: 2015 is going to be a huge year for us! We are coming up with some really exciting new products under the H+W brand that we can't wait to share with you all. Oh, and keep an eye out for our free Christmas edition of the magazine which is being released in mid to late November :-) You can grab it from our website atwww.happywellmag.com or from the Apple App Store when it is released.