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Trix Magazine

Trix Magazine fuses the design of a glossy magazine with editorial that speaks to the curiosity, agency and grit of women around the world

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Project Description

          Cover of our first issue, Generations, coming June 2019

So many women today are making personal and professional strides: starting movements, breaking barriers, nurturing the next generation, exploring and shaping the world, caring deeply for their families and communities, and investing significant time and energy into improving the quality — not appearance — of their lives.

 Why aren’t their stories more widely represented in magazine publications for women? 

This very question inspired a collective of women, led by Jess Weiss, Carly Schwartz, and Angela Altus to co-found Trix magazine: for women who define success on their terms.

Unlike most women’s magazines, which tend to focus on improving their readers’ lives through beauty and fashion and self-help guides, Trix meets women where they're at. We are anti-perfectionist and pro-grit. Our stories spark curiosity, elevate female voices and role models and explore the range of complex issues facing women of our time. 

We need more magazines for women with strong role models and female voices.

The origin of Trix magazine, in Jess's words. I was on vacation last December looking for something to read by the pool. The hotel had two options: a well-known women’s fashion and beauty magazine, and a men’s lifestyle magazine. A catchy sounding article caught my eye in the women’s publication: “how to kill it in 2018 with your best year yet.” 

To my utter bemusement, I discovered around 250 words praising liquid eyeliner for its superpower ability to disguise your hangover. This was supposed to be a fast-track to up-leveling my life and the woman I aspired to be? It sounded more like a giant mess than a giant leap for womankind.

Struck by the contrast between the two publications, I posed a question to a private Facebook group of 500 mutual female friends: where are all the quality women’s magazines? Does anything exist out there for women who are interested in deeper learning about themselves and society, who are exploring and making their mark on the world? Nobody could come up with anything beyond a patchwork of general topic and niche feminist publications.

Carly chimed in with a suggestion: “Let’s make our own! Side hustle project?”

A few video conferences and a full competitive analysis later, we realized we might be onto something. We quickly assembled a network of advisers from the magazine industry to test our concept. Their reactions were all the same: a publication like this doesn’t yet exist—and the time is right for starting one. 

We've been hard at work to bring you a magazine you deserve. 

Since launching our concept a year ago, we’ve gone from research and development to a full blown production cycle for our debut issue, coming in June 2019. We put in hours and hours of collaboration over the past year to build out a sustainable business model, branding and production plan, focus groups in San Francisco and New York, a global team of contributors and advisors with deep backgrounds in journalism, photography, digital publishing, social media, magazine advertising and print media. Issue One brings together over 40 writers, photographers, illustrators, designers and editors from all over the world, with stories that span 

Your donations will help us build quality content for the inaugural issue, to be published in early 2019. Our features traverse the U.K., Syria, Guinea Bissau, Mexico, India, the South Pacific, and the U.S., showcasing the stories of women shaping food sustainability, climate change, combat discrimination and the future of cities. We delve into the science of endurance training, unravel the psychology of female competitiveness, and debunk common fertility myths. “He Said” takes us inside the rise of men’s circles, where emotions define modern masculinity. We cover travel, herstory, career and culture through a female lens, from the art of traveling solo to closing the investment gap.

 

Select stories from Issue One
 

Trix stories meet women where they're at, not where they're supposed to be.

 The first half of Trix magazine is designated for quality, bite-sized content. Literary, film, music and entertainment reviews featuring up-and-coming female creators. Practical life hacks beyond love and looks. An athlete’s personal tips for longevity, performance, and recovery. Op-eds from subject matter experts and thought leaders on our most pressing issues today. “Herstory,” an untold slice of female history, from high heels to birth control. “He Said,” a male-authored perspective on gendered topics we’re all grappling with. 

The second half is designated for long-form features and deep dives on global affairs, design, travel, health and wellness, and change makers across a variety of industries and causes. A glimpse into matriarchal societies on disappearing islands. How the #MeToo movement is impacting the developing world. DIY design projects. The recent rise in female alcoholism and its ties to mental health issues. The evolutionary biology behind toxic female competitiveness and how to turn it around.  Women leveling the playing field in the rise of cryptocurrency. Career retrospectives. Motherhood, including the perspective of alternative types of families. A choose-your-own-adventure road-tripping guide. Women solo sojourning to Antarctica to set athletic records and advance scientific research. 

Woven throughout our content will be strong female voices and role models, including entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, financiers, teachers, artists, academics, athletes, and explorers. And we’ll tell their whole stories, including all the things they learned from failure and the choices they made when things didn’t go as planned. 

It's more than a magazine -- it's a movement. By elevating the voices of strong women, we aim to advance a world where their stories are the norm, not the exception. 

We know about the negative impact that typical fashion and beauty magazines can have on self-image: studies have shown it takes just 60 minutes for a woman to feel a decline in her self-worth after reading that kind of publication

Trix instead will lift women up by showcasing the humanity behind inspiring role models. By fostering a community of strong female readers around the globe. And by amplifying storytelling that pushes the boundaries on what it means to be a woman in today's world.

Video credits and recognition

Video production by www.chrislcone.wix.com/csquaredmedia (IG: @csquared_media)

Music and soundtrack by Jocelyn Mackenzie (www.jocelynmackenzie.com)

 

The Campaign FAQs

Why does a magazine like Trix need to exist now?

 

Studies have shown that it takes women an average of 60 minutes to feel a lowered sense of self-worth while reading traditional fashion and beauty magazines. Worse yet, viewing sex-related images in advertisements correlates directly to attitudes supportive of sexual aggression towards women and lower acceptance of feminism. On the other hand, research has found that the presence of strong female role models in communities and in the media influence girls and women to choose more ambitious career goals and set greater aspirations for themselves in the aspects of life most important to them. By amplifying the stories of strong women across the globe and offering nuanced explorations about what it means to be female today, our collection of storytelling will spark feelings of empowerment, inspiration and curiosity while fostering a community of like-minded readers.

 

Why is the magazine called Trix?

 

-Trix is a Latin suffix that turns masculine words ending in -tor into their feminine counterparts. Director becomes directrix, aviator becomes aviatrix, and, our personal favorite, editor becomes editrix. We want the title of our magazine to be a whimsical reference to this traditional construct as a reminder that women can assume their own agency in roles that might otherwise be unconsciously identified as male.

 

How will Trix be distributed?

 

One of our core values is well-being, and that extends to the digital space. For this reason, we’ve decided to distribute as a quarterly print magazine chock full of both long and short-form storytelling. Reading Trix will be a slow, mindful, pleasurable experience. (For readers who prefer consuming on a tablet or device, we’ll sell a downloadable version as well.) Trix will be available as an annual subscription or for individual purchase. We will sell copies via our website and in select bookstores.

 

How will you make money for future issues?

 

Our first issue will be funded by you, our earliest audience members! Once we have an inaugural edition off the ground, our business model includes a hybrid of advertising, subscriptions, sponsored content experiences with brands that align with Trix’s core values: inclusiveness, sustainability, collaboration, curiosity, self-acceptance and sense of adventure. We’ll also host regular ticketed and free events for members of the Trix community to connect, share storytelling, and mutually mentor one another.

 

Who are Trix readers?

 

Simply put, Trix is for anyone with an intellectual curiosity about what it means to be a woman today. We’re geared towards a female audience, but our stories often transcend gender boundaries and may be interesting to others who don’t necessarily identify as women. Our target Trix reader is open-minded, gritty, and eager to soak in storytelling. We aim to foster a community of strong inter-generational women around the world.

 

What are your plans for the future?

 

In our first year, we plan to distribute quarterly print editions and host a number of offline events for the Trix community. But we’re not stopping there! Trix Media LLC will ultimately transform into a multifaceted media company, with original print, audio and video content. We plan to expand our events program into a global series of meetups that encourage cross-pollination of ideas and mentorship. Our leadership training program will help groom the next generation of strong, empowered women. As we are committed to supporting burgeoning storytellers of all kinds, we’re also exploring the idea of hosting journalism trainings at specific destinations in various parts of the world. We’re proud to plant the seeds of what we aim to grow from a magazine into a full-fledged movement.

 

 

JL McInnis
06/20/2019
Limited edition of the first Trix issue
$55
06/18/2019
Limited edition of the first Trix issue
$55
Evan H
06/18/2019
Get a copy of our first issue!
$35
Trip Vest
06/15/2019
The 1st issue PLUS a Trix event or tote
$105
Jeanne Marie Martineau
06/08/2019
The 1st issue PLUS a Trix event or tote
$105
Rachel Beth
06/04/2019
Get a copy of our first issue!
$33
Rachel Lin
06/03/2019
Get a copy of our first issue!
$33
Gina Krigbaum
05/29/2019
Get a copy of our first issue!
$33
05/28/2019
The 1st issue PLUS a Trix event or tote
$105
05/27/2019
The 1st issue PLUS a Trix event or tote
$105
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

13 Supporters
Select this reward
1,005.00 USD
Signed limited edition + meet team Trix!

Get a special, signed limited edition of our first issue, unlimited entry to Trix events in 2019, and choice of dinner with the Trix co-founders or join us for a working session to catch us behind the scenes and collaborate on an article or photo shoot.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
2,008.00 USD
Official Sponsor of Trix and 1 reader

We'll list you as an official sponsor of the Trix launch issue, gift you a signed, limited edition of our first issue and grant you unlimited access to any Trix event in 2019, PLUS extend your sponsorship to either a woman of your choice or a lower-income reader from our community to cover his/her first issue and free entry to any Trix event in 2019.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
5,014.00 USD
Every other reward, bundled into 1

Really believe in Trix and can't imagine a future without it? With your generous gift of 5,000 USD, we'll reward you with:

- 2 signed, limited edition copies of our first issue 
- unlimited access to any Trix event through 2019 for you and a plus one (of your choosing or from our community of lower-income readers) 
- dinner or a working session with the Trix team 
- a Trix tote 
- listed as an official sponsor of our first issue

0 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
We'll feature your favorite -trix word!

Our name Trix is inspired by the latin suffix -trix that creates a corresponding feminine noun to any word in the english language ending in -tor, i.e. editor becomes editrix. Send us your favorite -trix word that represents part of you -- are you a creatrix? A relatrix? A directrix, investigatrix, competitrix, procrastinatrix? We'll feature your -trix word in a special custom illustration we have planned for our launch issue, and we want you to be a part of it!

 

3 Supporters
Select this reward
33.00 USD
Get a copy of our first issue!

Be part of the first wave of readers with a copy of Trix in your hands, coming in spring of 2019. 
Built with the aesthetic integrity of major glossy publications and pages of quality storytelling, features of inspiring women, op-eds and essays by subject matter experts and thought leaders, male-authored perspectives on gendered topics, and cultural reviews, Trix brings you the full experience of a magazine you can learn from and relate to.

 

63 Supporters
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Holiday Gift Card to redeem our 1st issu

Gift the gift of Trix this holiday season with a gift card that your recipient can redeem in the spring for a free copy of our launch issue (targeted March2019). We'll send you a glossy digital gift card to print and wrap for under the tree, or send as a digital card. 

Built with the aesthetic integrity of major glossy publications and pages of quality storytelling, features of inspiring women, op-eds and essays by subject matter experts and thought leaders, male-authored perspectives on gendered topics, and cultural reviews, Trix brings you the full experience of a magazine you can learn from and relate to.

14 Supporters
Select this reward
55.00 USD
Limited edition of the first Trix issue

Get a special, limited edition copy of our first quarterly issue in print with special features found only in the first 1000 copies.

Built with the aesthetic integrity of major glossy publications and pages of quality storytelling, features of inspiring women, op-eds and essays by subject matter experts and thought leaders, male-authored perspectives on gendered topics, and cultural reviews, Trix brings you the full experience of a magazine you can learn from and relate to.

33 Supporters
Select this reward
105.00 USD
The 1st issue PLUS a Trix event or tote

Enjoy our inaugural issue AND pick your choice of free entry to a Trix event or tote!

1)Trix event: join us and your community of like-minded women for a Trix magazine launch party in the spring of 2019, held in major cities across the US, featuring live readings by Trix authors, inspiring speakers, and a chance to weigh in on a mini-focus group to help us build story ideas for our next issue!

2) Get an organic cotton tote to carry your Trix issue and favorite publications, featuring the -Trix logo 
and a custom illustration by cool female artists.

40 Supporters
Select this reward
260.00 USD
Gift Trix to a woman you believe in

"Enjoy our inaugural issue for yourself and another woman of your choosing AND pick your choice for yourself and another woman (or we're happy to manage your gift directly to a lower-income community of readers):"

1)Trix event: join us and your community of like-minded women for a Trix magazine launch party in the spring of 2019, held in major cities across the US, featuring live readings by Trix authors, inspiring speakers, and a chance to weigh in on a mini-focus group to help us build story ideas for our next issue!

2) Get an organic cotton tote to carry your Trix issue and favorite publications, featuring the -Trix logo and a custom illustration by cool female artists.

11 Supporters
Select this reward
510.00 USD
2 copies of Trix, unlimited 2019 events

Get your own copy of our launch issue and a Trix tote, plus gift one to a friend (or we'll manage your gift directly to our community of lower-income readers). Free entry for yourself and +1 to any Trix community or launch event scheduled through 2019 in major cities across the US.

Trix events: join us and your community of like-minded women for Trix events held in major cities across the US, featuring live readings by Trix authors, inspiring speakers, and a chance to weigh in on a mini-focus group to help us build story ideas for our next issue!

Totes: Get an organic cotton tote to carry your Trix issue and favorite publications, featuring the -Trix logo 
and a custom illustration by cool female artists.

 

1 Supporter
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

New york, NY
Created 2 Campaigns
Modern Media

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

13 Supporters
Select this reward
1,005.00 USD
Signed limited edition + meet team Trix!

Get a special, signed limited edition of our first issue, unlimited entry to Trix events in 2019, and choice of dinner with the Trix co-founders or join us for a working session to catch us behind the scenes and collaborate on an article or photo shoot.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
2,008.00 USD
Official Sponsor of Trix and 1 reader

We'll list you as an official sponsor of the Trix launch issue, gift you a signed, limited edition of our first issue and grant you unlimited access to any Trix event in 2019, PLUS extend your sponsorship to either a woman of your choice or a lower-income reader from our community to cover his/her first issue and free entry to any Trix event in 2019.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
5,014.00 USD
Every other reward, bundled into 1

Really believe in Trix and can't imagine a future without it? With your generous gift of 5,000 USD, we'll reward you with:

- 2 signed, limited edition copies of our first issue 
- unlimited access to any Trix event through 2019 for you and a plus one (of your choosing or from our community of lower-income readers) 
- dinner or a working session with the Trix team 
- a Trix tote 
- listed as an official sponsor of our first issue

0 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
We'll feature your favorite -trix word!

Our name Trix is inspired by the latin suffix -trix that creates a corresponding feminine noun to any word in the english language ending in -tor, i.e. editor becomes editrix. Send us your favorite -trix word that represents part of you -- are you a creatrix? A relatrix? A directrix, investigatrix, competitrix, procrastinatrix? We'll feature your -trix word in a special custom illustration we have planned for our launch issue, and we want you to be a part of it!

 

3 Supporters
Select this reward
33.00 USD
Get a copy of our first issue!

Be part of the first wave of readers with a copy of Trix in your hands, coming in spring of 2019. 
Built with the aesthetic integrity of major glossy publications and pages of quality storytelling, features of inspiring women, op-eds and essays by subject matter experts and thought leaders, male-authored perspectives on gendered topics, and cultural reviews, Trix brings you the full experience of a magazine you can learn from and relate to.

 

63 Supporters
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Holiday Gift Card to redeem our 1st issu

Gift the gift of Trix this holiday season with a gift card that your recipient can redeem in the spring for a free copy of our launch issue (targeted March2019). We'll send you a glossy digital gift card to print and wrap for under the tree, or send as a digital card. 

Built with the aesthetic integrity of major glossy publications and pages of quality storytelling, features of inspiring women, op-eds and essays by subject matter experts and thought leaders, male-authored perspectives on gendered topics, and cultural reviews, Trix brings you the full experience of a magazine you can learn from and relate to.

14 Supporters
Select this reward
55.00 USD
Limited edition of the first Trix issue

Get a special, limited edition copy of our first quarterly issue in print with special features found only in the first 1000 copies.

Built with the aesthetic integrity of major glossy publications and pages of quality storytelling, features of inspiring women, op-eds and essays by subject matter experts and thought leaders, male-authored perspectives on gendered topics, and cultural reviews, Trix brings you the full experience of a magazine you can learn from and relate to.

33 Supporters
Select this reward
105.00 USD
The 1st issue PLUS a Trix event or tote

Enjoy our inaugural issue AND pick your choice of free entry to a Trix event or tote!

1)Trix event: join us and your community of like-minded women for a Trix magazine launch party in the spring of 2019, held in major cities across the US, featuring live readings by Trix authors, inspiring speakers, and a chance to weigh in on a mini-focus group to help us build story ideas for our next issue!

2) Get an organic cotton tote to carry your Trix issue and favorite publications, featuring the -Trix logo 
and a custom illustration by cool female artists.

40 Supporters
Select this reward
260.00 USD
Gift Trix to a woman you believe in

"Enjoy our inaugural issue for yourself and another woman of your choosing AND pick your choice for yourself and another woman (or we're happy to manage your gift directly to a lower-income community of readers):"

1)Trix event: join us and your community of like-minded women for a Trix magazine launch party in the spring of 2019, held in major cities across the US, featuring live readings by Trix authors, inspiring speakers, and a chance to weigh in on a mini-focus group to help us build story ideas for our next issue!

2) Get an organic cotton tote to carry your Trix issue and favorite publications, featuring the -Trix logo and a custom illustration by cool female artists.

11 Supporters
Select this reward
510.00 USD
2 copies of Trix, unlimited 2019 events

Get your own copy of our launch issue and a Trix tote, plus gift one to a friend (or we'll manage your gift directly to our community of lower-income readers). Free entry for yourself and +1 to any Trix community or launch event scheduled through 2019 in major cities across the US.

Trix events: join us and your community of like-minded women for Trix events held in major cities across the US, featuring live readings by Trix authors, inspiring speakers, and a chance to weigh in on a mini-focus group to help us build story ideas for our next issue!

Totes: Get an organic cotton tote to carry your Trix issue and favorite publications, featuring the -Trix logo 
and a custom illustration by cool female artists.

 

1 Supporter
Select this reward