From Newsstands Nationwide to Digital Evolution

A lot of people don’t know this about Size Overrated Magazine.

Within two years of launching, we were on newsstands nationwide.

From the East Coast to the West Coast.

From the North to the South.

And it all started because of a stranger.

Someone reached out wanting to be on the cover of my magazine. During our conversation, he asked if I knew someone he referred to as his “godfather.” I assumed he meant literally.

I didn’t realize he was talking about a legend.

That introduction led me to John Blassingame, known throughout the industry as the Godfather of Fashion and Media.

He is a true pioneer. A mentor. One of the most humble people I have ever met. And someone I’m proud to call my dear friend.

Through his guidance and industry knowledge, Size Overrated was positioned on newsstands across the country in record time for an independent magazine.

That moment was surreal.

I grew up seeing Essence, Ebony, and Jet on newsstands. To see my own publication sitting on shelves nationwide was something I never imagined happening so quickly.

But here’s the truth about evolution.

The media landscape changed.

Consumer behavior changed.

People are not walking into bookstores the way they used to. Most content is consumed digitally, directly, and intentionally.

So transitioning away from widespread newsstand distribution wasn’t failure.

It was strategy.

I would rather someone intentionally order a copy and have it delivered directly to their home than have magazines sitting on shelves unseen.

Size Overrated is still a nationwide brand, our reach simply looks different now.

The format evolved.

The mission did not.

And I will always be grateful to John Blassingame for opening doors and believing in an independent publication when many wouldn’t.

Evolution isn’t about losing relevance.

It’s about choosing alignment.

And we’re still aligned.