Embrace & Become is a new magazine developed by two Innisfil residents Cheryl Clark and Sonia DaSilva.
It launched last month to help promote local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The idea for the magazines is to “empower and build communities” by selling ad space at an affordable price to local businesses and organizations within the South Simcoe community.
In the first few pages, there is a written letter from Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard commending the women for their efforts in putting together a local publication to help promote partnerships within the community.
Inside the magazine are articles written by local residents on a variety of subject matters from mental health to business ownership. There is also a phone number directory for local MPs, hospitals, food banks and employment centres.
“The magazine is all about us trying to give local communities entrepreneurs and business owners a workable price-wise format for advertising and also about us building community,” explained Clark.
The women have been distributing the magazines to local establishments throughout the Simcoe area.
The 96-page compilation is free and can also be viewed online.
“They have the old Reader's Digest feel and linger in the homes and offices,” explained Clark.
Clark says this project was a first for the business partners.
“It was a labour of love, for sure.”
The women host a networking event every Wednesday at the Cove Cafe in Innisfil where they made a lot of their connections to help spread the word about the magazine project.
They are currently looking for any contributors for their next issue, set to be released in March.
The magazine is just one part of the business umbrella under Embrace & Become, which encompasses youth mentorship programs, business networking and community and team-building opportunities.
To learn more, check out their Facebook page here.
