Conversations with the Inspiring Chida Rebecca Warren-Darby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chida Rebecca Warren-Darby.

Chida, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am considered a second-generation publisher. My family owns San Diego’s oldest and largest African American newspaper called The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper, which is now in its 60th year. I joined on as Managing Editor/Co-Publisher after my mother passed in 2009. I served in this capacity until December 2017, which is when I decided to resign and start my own Black digital lifestyle magazine. I’ve always enjoyed magazines, saving copies from some of my favorite publications for as long as 10 years. I felt there was a void in our city telling the “lifestyle” stories of San Diego’s Black community.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been far from smooth. Getting a consistent team has been the hardest part in addition to having to change my business model. As a single parent, there was only so much money I could personally contribute toward the magazine’s start-up costs. I did a Kickstarter which was successful, but truly the hardest part has been stepping out completely on my own and being consistent with the work. There have been times when I was fully staffed and other times where I’ve had to do everything on my own. I didn’t get deterred by any of it. In times of hardship, you learn your true strengths.

People that have seen the magazine have been extremely supportive, and while digital is easy to spread, most still want something tangible they can hold in their hands. I’m working towards that. Printing costs are astronomical these days.

The idea to do the magazine came to me in 2014, so there were some years of prep that went into producing the publication. I had to make sure I was going to commit once I launched, and I didn’t rush the process. Some advice I’d offer to other women venturing into entrepreneurship is to: count your costs, understand that it may not turn out the way you had initially intended for it to, but don’t get discouraged; don’t be afraid to adjust how you do things; sometimes how you start isn’t always how you finish; study your craft – the industry and what your competitors are doing. It’s good to be in the know so that you aren’t blindsided.

What should we know about Black & Magazine? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My magazine is called Black &, signifying that as a people, we are more than our race. We are mothers, fathers, educators, professionals… and overall people that have the same cares and concerns as the next person. As Blacks, we represent one of the smallest demographics here in the city. This can be challenging because often times our stories are overlooked.

I tell stories. I love telling stories… the stories that empower and encourage. I’m known in the community for my previous work with the newspaper, my stance against domestic abuse (as a survivor of it) and my volunteerism. I serve on the Executive Leadership team of the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce as the VP of Community Development; the NAACP as the Economic Development Chair, the Blue Heart Foundation as a Board Member, and I’m a consultant. I’m also an actress and a published author of a children’s book titled My Prayers Have Power.

The thing I’m most proud of is the fact that I followed my heart. I was comfortable working the family business but knew it was time to step out on faith and pursue my dreams.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother Gerri Warren, has been the biggest inspiration. I didn’t fully realize until her passing how much she had impacted our community. I grew up watching her co-pastor a church, run three businesses, raise children and overall give of herself. Her belief in Christ and how she implemented her faith in all that she did has been the biggest motivator for me. When I dream big, I think about the fact that I serve an amazing God through which all things are possible. She achieved all that she did because of her faith and her desire to help others. When I look at her photo or read her notes in my bible, I’m encouraged to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackandmagazine.com
• Email: publisher@blackandmagzine.com
• Instagram: @blackandmagazine
• Facebook: @blackandmagazine

Image Credit:
Derrick Shytel and (Brandon Johnson – photo with braids)

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