We were lucky to catch up with Allison Rainey Isabelle Hancock recently and have shared our conversation below.
Allison Rainey , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Our purpose was found through our experiences growing up in the South. The lack of education relating to diversity and inclusivity, especially in our school systems, is a pivotal component of our mission. Being in an environment that not only ignores societal issues but fosters hate prompted us to use our privilege. While attending our university, we met fellow students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through our close relationships, we developed a deeper understanding of each other. We both graduated from the School of Communications and spent most of our academic time in creative courses. While we learned the basic set of skills, there needed to be more outlets for young creatives to express themselves. We were encouraged to “speak our minds,” however, that came with limitations. We both wanted to provide a platform for open-minded people who can say what they want and feel empowered doing so. With this core foundation, we wanted to create an idea that combined our passion for fashion and culture. Both of us saw an opportunity to merge the two components since fashion is a textile for communication and self-expression. This is when Snake Print was born. Neither one of us expected that creating a magazine at the ages of 19 and 20 would so concretely establish our lives’ purposes, but we are incredibly grateful that it did.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
From a young age, both of us knew that we were destined for creative endeavors. Luckily, our journeys brought us to the same university. Once our paths had crossed, we discovered our shared interest in fashion, music, art, and activism. Soon after, we became best friends, and even following graduation, we lead a team of creative minds as co-owners of Snake Print Magazine.
Snake Print is a business of young creatives, mainly college students and postgraduates. With the understanding of our staff’s needs, we provide an opportunity to build a strong resume through gaining professional experience. We hope that in the future, we can offer credited internships alongside our part-time/full-time positions. Extending this opportunity to people of different ages, backgrounds, and locations is something we have always dreamed of doing.
The most exciting part of our roles is fostering a safe and supportive community. Witnessing the continuous growth within our team and the impact it has is truly amazing. Over the past four years, the Snake Print team has released four publications. We have our full issues as well as a new micro issue series titled “Venom.” Each full issue takes roughly a year from concept to release. Our most recent issue, “Nebula,” is a testament to our team’s creativity and dedication highlighting the key points of the 60s. We have a layered explanation of the nuclear family with futuristic touches of the Great Space Race. Our next opportunity is a partnership that will help raise awareness for the lack of creative spaces in Central Florida. Our issues are free to read on Issu.com, and you can follow us on our socials to get updates on all things Snake Print.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Through our time building Snake Print, we learn more and more about what it takes to run a successful business. From the beginning, we knew it would be a collective growth experience. Many key factors have aided us in the process of growing and maintaining our company. We strive to establish open communication, balance, and adaptability. We truly believe that this is a necessary foundation to build upon.
At Snake Print, we’ve learned that open communication is taught through trial and error. Providing a safe space for staff to express opinions is beneficial to everyone in the long run. Since this is a creative platform, it is important to be open when giving and receiving constructive criticism.
Balance is important to help decrease the risk of burnout and procrastination. Setting expectations with consideration of workload and time schedules is a key to success.
Being adaptable to change is necessary for growth. There are moments when a pause and reset are necessary, and this is perfectly normal. During these pauses, finding the root of the problem is crucial. In our experience, deadlines, position change, and complete redirection have taught us the importance of adaptability.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We would love to partner with photographers, writers, fashion-focused individuals and just creative people in general! The best way to get in contact for more information is to message us on Instagram @snakeprintmagazine
Contact Info:
- Website: https://issuu.com/snakeprintmagazine
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snakeprintmagazine/
- Other: Linktree: linktr.ee/Snakeprintmagazine Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/snakeprintmagazine/
Image Credits
Lillie Schwier Morgan Shelton Jack Portune Caroline Bryant Sydney Silva
