MANIERASL VOL 1 ISSUE 4 HAPPILY EVER? | Page 10

STARTING A NEW CHAPTER EDITOR’S NOTE has been a long and eventful year, and we made it! One year ago today, we launched our official first edition of MANIERA. When I flip pages of our previous editions I see how we have grown so much. Grown not only by readers, which our readership is growing with each and every edition, but grown in as far as quality, content, design and having our own special and unique voice. Each edition we push a bit harder always striving to raise the bar higher with each new issue. I can’t help to think back on how a tight knit group of individuals who met in a virtual game as avatars came together based on our love of art, technology, fashion, innovation and.. and of, course, our fetish for robots. Our story is not the typical story you hear on how a business is formed. We have never met each in other in person but we have a strong respect for each other’s talents. I personally think this venture gave us each the creative outlet we needed. We each bring a special skill, talent and desire to the table. The last year has been a personal learning experience for me. I not only learned about the ins and outs and ups and downs about publishing, but I have also learned so much about myself. I have learned what it is to have an undying passion, It and that is what MANEIRA is for me. I have learned about not giving up, about listening to others and accepting feedback both positive and not so positive. I realize it is a part of growing and that is the ultimate goal: for us to grow as much as we can. I learned that I do not have the answer to everything, and because of this, I have also learned to trust. I know MANIERA would not have been a reality with another group of people. It is truly a collective venture. My name may be listed as owner and editor but MANIERA is built on the collective vision, goal and passion we each share. I want to personally say thank you to an amazing talent staff for their selflessness, personal and professional contributions, unwavering support, honesty and, above all else, their belief in the vision we have for MANIERA. I would also like to say thank you to our readers, sponsors, features and advertisers. Without your support we would not be where we are today. We have an interesting and unusual background story, but the next chapter is now just waiting to be told... Topaz 10 | MANIERA | mymaniera.com JULY/AUGUST 2013