On February 16, we’re celebrating seven years since I started Oh Beloved One! I’ve celebrated this day almost every year since OBO’s inception because OBO is such a huge part of my life. Funny story . . . if I had stuck with the original day I wanted to send out the first issue, our birthday would’ve been February 14. Thank goodness I couldn’t figure out how to make a mailing list and had to stall a few days.
Here’s some random fun facts I discovered after perusing the innards of my computer. I’ve saved so many documents from our earlier years and most of them are quite hilarious.
- The first merchandise I ever sold were notebooks with our logo!
- I always wanted to have a get-together with all our writers.
- Our first issue ever was a mere 4 pages long.
- We used to have monthly contests. They were planned out to the utmost detail and had corresponding prizes.
- We also used to partner with companies to make review videos. Companies included large brands like Lipsmackers (available in every Walmart) and even Little MissMatched (they have stores in Disney World)!
- We were almost called Shmeegle or Pink Arrow. *shivers* (see below)
All right, now: prepare for a blast through time. Scroll below to see how our issues have evolved since 2012. When we first started, we were called South Kakalaki Girl so if you see that strange word and can’t pronounce it . . . feel free to disregard that. We also started out in more of a newsletter format, but my dream was always to have it look like a magazine eventually.
First ever issue: February 16, 2012
Second year: “Around the World” theme
Third year: School Smarts theme
Fourth year: Time Travel theme
Also, finally switched to a magazine layout!! This was our most important year.
Fifth year: Lit Love
Our amazing photographer came on board and changed the whole style. Bless!!
Sixth year: A Girl’s Guide to Life
Rebranded from South Kakalaki Girl or SKGfun to Oh Beloved One
Seventh year: UPLIFT
Switched to a real, industry standard layout program (InDesign for anyone who cares)
To celebrate, we’re hosting a giveaway on our Instagram page!! So hop on your phone, follow @oh.beloved.one, and start tagging for a chance to win our PURPOSE issue. <3
