Caroline Jung
The market is dominated by either generic or highly niche magazines – but there isn’t one that truly caters to the specific interests and aesthetic tastes of trend-conscious women aged between 17 and 27 (Gen Z). At the same time, many traditional magazines on the mass market are hardly innovative anymore, which is why the use of print media has fallen sharply in recent years.
This is exactly where my magazine comes in: it combines fashion, beauty, trends, lifestyle, self-discovery and mental health within a cool, high-quality aesthetic, creating a platform that connects young women. In doing so, it offers a relaxing alternative to constant ‘doomscrolling’ and digital sensory overload, which are increasingly exhausting and isolating our generation.
What are your biggest challenges at the moment?
The biggest challenge lies in launching a print magazine that stands out radically from traditional formats whilst building a loyal community right from the start. In addition to perfect branding and the right mix of content, I handle the entire editorial design in InDesign myself, which requires a high level of technical and creative expertise. I am also looking for suitable editors who possess both the specialist know-how and the right instinct for the target audience.
I am also immersing myself in the printing process. As I have little experience in the print sector so far, it takes time to find the right printing techniques and partners who combine the highest quality with sustainability. Last but not least, I need to attract advertising partners and convince them that a new generation of readers is ready for a high-quality print product.
What is your goal for the duration of the EXIST-Women programme?
My goal is to develop the magazine into a unique, distinctive brand that builds a deep connection with the target audience through first-class content and a strong social media presence. The first print launch is intended to be the starting point for successfully positioning the magazine in the market.
In addition, I want to build strategic partnerships with brands, influencers and other media outlets to increase our reach and ensure the concept is financially sustainable in the long term. The overarching goal is to cleverly combine print and digital formats, thereby establishing a sustainable media brand that can stand the test of time in today’s fast-paced media landscape.