Felicia Anzaldúa | Publisher + Editor-in-Chief, The Colorado Wedding Magazine
Felicia purchased The Colorado Wedding Magazine in June 2020, where she currently serves as publisher and editor-in-chief. From curating articles, developing social media campaigns and partnerships, to coordinating events and photoshoots, and so much more, she does everything with her goals—deepening relationships with soon-to-be-wed couples, and building community among vendors—at the forefront. In her “down time,” she can be found hanging out with her husband and daughter, tending to her garden, or exploring all that Colorado has to offer.
The Basics:
Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
Current city: Colorado Springs, CO
Alma mater: University of Missouri; Pace University
Degree: BSBA, Finance + Banking; MBA, Financial Management
Very first job: Cashier at McDonald’s
Hustle: Publisher + Editor in Chief, The Colorado Wedding Magazine
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
I’m obsessed with the resilience of the women in my family. It took two degrees for me to realize that the smartest people I’ve ever met had the least amount of formal education and resources. Experience is the best teacher and real-time challenges are where most people fold. The women in my family don’t fold.
What’s one thing that Colorado has that no other place can compete with?
The views and the sunshine!
If you could’ve added yourself to any guest list, who’s wedding would you have attended and why?
The wedding in “Crazy Rich Asians” — someone flood an aisle and give me a front-row seat, please. Also, the wedding from “Madea’s Family Reunion!” I won’t spoil it, but a poem was read by Dr. Maya Angelou and people were a part of the décor. That’s right, people!
Is there a book, article or interview that’s influenced your current work ethic + success?
Insert the usual suspects. The Alchemist, of course. But, I love Dr. Maya Angelou. Our childhoods have so many parallels and, as a teen, I was so inspired by how she used her creativity and talent to overcome her circumstances and inspire so many.
All-time favorite wedding flick?
“The Best Man”
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
I purchased The Colorado Wedding Magazine in June 2020. Serving as publisher and editor in chief is a tricky balance. As I write this, our latest issue has been on shelves mere weeks and I’m in a season of promoting the current issue while finalizing the editorial direction for our next issue. My goals include deepening relationships with soon-to-be-wed couples, and building community among vendors. Each day, I spend time on a number of initiatives to support those goals:
Curating articles on personal + professional development, healthy relationships, and useful wedding tips
Developing and overseeing social media campaigns
Reviewing submissions and assigning forward-thinking topics to freelance writers
Developing meaningful and strategic partnerships with other professionals and columnists
Negotiating wholesale and distribution agreements
Planning, supporting, and coordinating photo shoots and events
Attending networking and professional development events
Meeting with vendors, old and new
What’s your professional journey been like so far? How’d you find yourself at your current position?
After another business deal fell through in 2020, I discovered a 15-year-old wedding magazine for sale and never looked back. I was fascinated by the opportunity to grow an existing brand, as well as the prospect of joining and nourishing the Colorado wedding community.
My professional career started in banking, where I enjoyed great success until I got my dream job—and I hated it. Armed with two degrees in a field I may not be a good fit for (jury’s still out), I moved into property management in the most embittered manner, and fell in love with my work. There, I realized that my job and industry mattered far less than my general goals. As long as I could make a difference and feel a part of a supportive community, I could find joy in any industry.
As it goes, just as I was settling into a new career that I loved, my favorite Airman was reassigned to a new duty station—the first of four cross-country moves in our nine year marriage. I took that opportunity to start our family, and volunteered in various capacities in victim advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. When my daughter was born, I decided to take advantage of the privilege of staying home with her the first three years before pursuing business ownership, which led me to publishing.
For those who don’t know, what is The Colorado Wedding Magazine? What can readers expect to find in an issue, and what makes TCWM stand out against other wedding mags?
The Colorado Wedding Magazine is a community-informed publication dedicated to celebrating love in all its forms and the natural beauty of Colorado. Our print magazine is published twice a year, followed by an extended digital edition. We also publish a dynamic blog, curate a free online vendor directory, and host a variety of events. In each issue, readers can expect 50% of content from relatable couples who tie the knot in Colorado, 20% unpaid editorial content (including community features, fashion + wellness resources, and planning advice), 20% curated inspiration, and 10% of each issue is dedicated to our Sustainable Bride Guide department.
Our readers are upwardly mobile visionaries who make intentional, values-based choices and appreciate artistic expression. Our aim is to support them with content that nourishes them as a whole, guiding them through their wedding planning journey while reminding them that, now and forever, their marital status does not define them.
What’re some changes that you implemented early on + what was your reasoning behind those decisions?
I wanted to publish a magazine that reflected my personal values—and I saw an opportunity for accurate and abundant representation. In the beginning, I had to actively seek out LGBTQ+ content, plus-size brides, and BIPOC couples. I soon realized that I needed to redirect my energy into cultivating a culture and brand that made representation effortless and authentic. I also expanded our editorial content. If fashion magazines can talk about fashion and beauty while acknowledging the world around us as it relates to their readers, why can’t wedding publications do the same?
We’ve also moved from free distribution through the wedding expo circuit, to a strategy that includes retail and more targeted distribution. We want to ensure that our advertisers from across the wedding industry receive maximum exposure and have ample opportunity to build trusted relationships with soon-to-be-wed couples who need their services.
How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?
I’ve learned the importance of being true to myself; the comfort that comes with that has always paid off. This is the best job I’ve ever had and, thus, I was not prepared for the overwhelming joy that can be gained from taking risks to find fulfillment in our careers.
How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?
The obstacles that I’ve had to overcome as a woman have made me a stronger, more well-rounded professional. More specifically, I’ve been underestimated more times than I can count, and that necessitated a strong work ethic. As women, it’s important to have empathy for one another and realize that success among women is not a zero-sum game.
How would you describe yourself as a leader? What’re some of your strengths? What’re some things you could probably work on?
I’m an Enneagram Type One, meaning nothing is ever perfect or good enough. It’s my gift, and will most certainly be the bane of any creative endeavor I embark on. Oftentimes, I get analysis paralysis. It’s an ongoing opportunity for growth.
What goes into the decision making process behind the couples featured in your magazine? What’re some qualities + values you look for during the editorial process?
We look for quality photos that tell a story of a celebration that reflects the couple’s personality and touching stories. When I look through the gallery, I want to feel disappointed that I didn’t get an invite to that wedding; like I want to know this couple. Secondary to that is promoting a variety of photography styles, highlighting different regions of the state, and different color palettes. Our Real Wedding and Engagement features are selected independent of partnerships barring any other knowledge.
What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far?
The relationships that I’ve built with other business owners.
Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?
That list is far too long! One of the things I love the most about the wedding industry is that it is dominated by women-owned businesses. I am inspired at every turn to push myself creatively, and I’m always learning from them. From the start, I had the input and support of my editorial board: Michele Venter of Urban Events, Ashley McClanahan of Ashley Tiedgen Photography, and Rebecca Nolan of Once in a Lifetime Events and Photography. Wendie Bass of Weddings.Events.More is an industry vet who gave me the push I needed to keep going when I wasn’t sure of my editorial direction. Vanessa Oliver, CEO of Cannabis Wedding Expo, is a seasoned event pro who understands where the market is going and knows her niche.
Recently, I’ve joined the board for WINE Wednesdays, a bi-monthly networking event in Colorado Springs that helps cultivate connection and community among wedding professionals. There are seven other women on that board: Maréa Janae, founder of WINE Wednesday and owner of Dream Catcher Weddings, Sarah Gregor of The Planning Co., Sarah Sweatman of Everlasting Weddings by Sarah, Amy Abernathy of Flourish Event Co., Amber Martinez of Out West Events, Mandy Kobilan of 3 Cord Meadows, and Kirsti Logan of The Sleepy Turtle Coffee Company. I am in awe of all that they are, and honored to have their input.
What’s your favorite way to unplug and unwind?
Gardening and making my daughter laugh. Cuddling with my boo is fun, too. :-)
Career and/or life advice for other babes (both inside and outside of your industry?)
The rules aren’t real, and they’re damn sure aren’t set up in your favor. We get to define success or failure for ourselves, and it’s okay if a risk doesn’t pay off the way we hoped. Learn the lesson, and keep pushing.
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The Colorado Wedding Magazine is a community-informed publication committed to love, in all its forms. It believes in treating others with respect, acting ethically in all they do, and creating an environment of inclusion and representation. Learn more about The Colorado Wedding Magazine here, and follow along on Instagram for more updates.
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