Lifestyle

She's a mom, she's smart, creative an amazing entrepreneur. Meet Becky Hoppmann, Founder of Smitten Magazine.

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Do you have a family-how do you juggle your family and your business effectively?

Yes! One really cute husband (who is also my web developer), 3 beautiful kiddos, 2 step sons, 2 cats, and a giant Weimaraner... whew! Success in juggling everything? I'll let ya know when! Really, I couldn't do it with out my husband Carl, we are a real team when it comes to family, home, and work. You gotta have a plan, and know who's doing what at ALL times.

How do you sleep at night with all those creative thoughts brewing in your head?

It's tough! But, I have thoughts and ideas in my head from the time my 1 year old wakes me at 6:00 am until I am back in bed at 12 am. I HAVE to write it down - if it doesn't get jotted down in my binder, it might very well be lost forever!

What gives you that kick in the morning to jump start your day?

3 words: Dunkin Doughnuts Coffee, (and well, my 3 little ones up and running around the house!)

When you are not working on your magazine what are you up to?

Brand design! At my company, Gracious Brands, I focus on Brand design, Marketing, and Web / Blog design for professionals in and around the wedding industry. And of coarse, my family! I have 3 little ones ages 6, 3, and 1 - so you can imagine that keeps me pretty busy. A few other randoms: I am an avid interior decorator wanna-be, and a lover of shoes + paper.

What is your must read book?

To Kill A Mockingbird.

Other than your own are there other magazines you love to read?

Oh boy, so many... Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Weddings, Real Simple, Print Magazine, Communication Arts, oh and Entertainment Weekly - seriously hooked on that one. :)

What's your favorite TV shows?

Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Game of Thrones! (admittedly: Housewives of Atlanta and Flipping Out on Bravo!)

Whats your favorite color?

Nope, can't possibly answer this one! I love every color for a million reasons, sorry to be so broad in my answer, but it's really true! Every color is perfection when use in the correct way.

Type of Business: Wedding Magazine / Location: Charleston, SC

Why the name Smitten Magazine?

Beyond the dresses and the décor, the bow-ties and bouquets, we believe that weddings represent happiness, hope and a sense of celebration. Page by page, we strive to energize our readers with beautiful details through photography and content, all while maintaining our fun, clean, and modern aesthetic. With keeping these elements in mind, 'Smitten' was a perfect fit to describe the experience of our magazine!

"I am no where near perfect, nor do I want to be. I work my butt of every day. I strive to work less, but I would probably hate it. I am always in awe of the talent around me. I am very lucky to be so loved. And my motto for 2013: Progress, not perfection!"

Here's a little more detail about Smitten Magazine:

Smitten Magazine is an editorial bridal publication, published four times a year on an innovative web-only platform. Touted “the look-book of wedding fancy,” our magazine is page after page of gorgeous photographs, inspiring stories, style, health, and beauty tips, and fresh, creative ideas, all tailored to the modern bride. In addition we have some exciting changes in the near future - we are launching our new website along with our Spring/Summer issue on April 8th. Two more exciting changes - Smitten Magazine will be available on Apple Newsstand, which is a huge step on this digital platform for our readers, contributors, and advertisers. And also available in print via MagCloud!

When was it founded?

04/01/2011

What inspired you to start this magazine?

In collaboration with a close colleague who is a wedding blogger, and myself a Graphic Designer who focuses on Brand Development in the wedding industry, we felt there was a need for a Magazine like Smitten One that focuses on beautiful photography and useful content that inspires brides and those in the industry. One that acts as a platform for the amazing talent we come across in Photographers, Event Planners, Floral Designers, the list goes on.

What do you feel makes your magazine unique from others in your category?

There are so many truly beautiful outlets (blogs + magazines) out there in the wedding industry, and I am so inspired by many of them. I feel Smitten offers, like many of these other outlets, amazing inspiration, ideas, and knowledge - but in a less 'fussy' atmosphere - and this appeals to many brides and industry professionals. We not only offer a beautiful publication for download and/or print - but our Blog is also a great resource!

What are some tips you have for others who would love to start their own magazine?

Be inspired. Work (really) hard. Respect others.

What are some of the new trends ?

Oh yes! In our upcoming issue, we are launching a NEW section that will be in EVERY issue - 'Trends to Try'. This is where I and my team (all professionals in the wedding industry) hand-select our top favorite trends we come across in the industry. We then acquire each item, photograph them in-house, AND offer them as giveaways to our readers. So, to finally answer your question, a few of our upcoming faves... Naked Cakes, Custom illustrated invitations, and Paper flowers!

What are the do's & don't when it comes to running a magazine?

DO involve as much talent around you as possible - (living in Charleston, SC which is in the Top 5 wedding cities in the world, I am surrounded by some of the top industry leaders.) - DO be respectful and grateful - (I am handling professionals work that they have poured their heart and souls into, it is my responsibility to feature that work in the best light possible.) - DO NOT expect instant success - (Like mentioned before, there are massive amounts of talent out there in the wedding industry - you have to work hard to stand among the best!)

What is the best advice for someone who wants to submit their work to you to be featured?

Select your best 50-75 images - you gotta have lot's of details, I mean, who doesn't love the details!? And make sure to have a very detailed contributor list - we want to give credit where credit is due!