Sarah Rizkalla is the founder and editor-in-chief of New York Minute Magazine (NYMM), an online publication working to empower, equip, and encourage women while also shedding light on the damaging effects of inequality around the world.
After joining the corporate world with a successful Wall Street career, Sarah boldly decided that was not how she wanted to spend the rest of her life. Her goal became to leave an everlasting legacy and empower the next generation of badass women and men to carry out the dream of equality.
In May of 2012, New York Minute Magazine began as a one-woman show. Motivated by her newly-realized purpose, and through hard work and dedication, Sarah grew NYMM into a successful publication with a team of passionate college students from around the world.
Today, NYMM promotes gender equality by sharing original articles and videos about instances of inequality around the world and helping women empower themselves and others in all aspects of their lives.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I was sitting at my desk one day and realized that I did not want to dedicate the next 30 years of my life helping rich people get richer. I wanted my legacy to be about helping people and building something great, and that’s how the idea of NYMM came along.
I stopped doing what I thought I should because of outside influence and opened my mind to do what was in my heart. I left my financially-full career on Wall Street and started an online magazine that eventually morphed into my purpose and passion of empowering women. God guided me through everything.
Tell us about your business.Â
New York Minute Magazine is an online publication that focuses on spreading awareness of gender inequality around the world, as well as highlighting women who are breaking barriers by making impactful contributions to and doing important work for our global community.
Our goal is to encourage women to excel and be empowered in all aspects of their lives, and prove that being a woman is always a strength, never a deficiency. We aim to shed light and bring awareness to injustices that occur to women all over the world.
For example, we cover topics such as FGM and gender violence, and we also highlight badass women who are making a difference in their communities and the world.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Our latest giveaway with Sunski just recently ended, but if you follow us on social media, you’ll be able to enter our next giveaway as soon as it goes live!Â
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I have had the honor of being a guest speaker at schools and groups including;
NYMM and I have also been interviewed and featured in publications such as;
Where is your business based?
NYMM is based out of New York City but our team is comprised of almost 20 remote interns from around the country.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I first found my passion. Passion is always key to starting a business but make sure you develop a business plan shortly after.
Be ready to sacrifice, work hard, and prepare yourself for the times that you’re not going to be super positive about what you’re doing.
Also, it’s important that you have an amazing support system of people who tell you the truth but also encourage and support you.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
The most effective way I have found to raise awareness is through the media. Social media is amazing because we are able to spread our message across many platforms and reach thousands.
NYMM has also been featured in publications such as INC magazine and Livingly, which really helped NYMM to get the exposure we hope for.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
It’s really easy to feel down or depressed when I read the news that emphasizes how far we still are from equality. Sometimes I have to stop reading, stop talking about it, and just take a break.
In my breaks, I enjoy a laugh at misogyny by watching shows that illustrate it in such a ridiculous way, like The Office. Being with people who love and support me helps a lot, and trying to take breaks. I’m getting better at that.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Find your purpose! Hopefully, you don’t have to dig down deep. It should be a fire within you, something powerful that you think about a lot and want to pursue. It’s probably not right at the surface, but you just have to sort through what your mind focuses on.
Look to the people around you for inspiration. My mother inspires me; she is always positive, always loving, and always looking for ways to encourage and uplift others. She lives out her purpose, carries those in her sphere of influence when they need help, and never complains. She is definitely my role model.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I take my faith very seriously, so I read the Bible as much as I can. I also enjoy reading uplifting spiritual books.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Website www.newyorkminutemag.com
Instagram @whatshesaidnymm
Facebook New York Minute Magazine (@whatshesaidnymm)
Twitter @NYMinuteMag
Email ilovenymm@newyorkminutemag.com
Hashtags #thatswhatshesaid #whatshesaidnymm #womensupportingwomen
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