​Long Live the Glossy Magazine: who is the young entrepreneur behind Scotland’s newest digital lifestyle magazine?

Fashion and lifestyle magazines are, to many young women, the epitome of girlhood and coming of age. However, the dominance of glossy magazine pages has come under threat in the ever-changing media landscape:

 

“As someone who grew up reading various glossy magazines and Sunday newspapers and being inspired by digital media offerings, I noticed that Scottish titles were falling behind in terms of digital presence, including social media, podcasts, and video content. This realisation sparked the idea for Quine, and I decided to establish it early on to fill this gap in the market.”

 

Gemma has spotted space in the market to rethink this traditional form of media for the digital age. Quine carves its place in the saturated market of Scottish journalism by knowing its audience and creating content which resonates with young women living in Scotland:

 

“The purpose of Quine is to provide a digital-first women's interest magazine in Scotland. We aim to fill the gap in the market and offer a platform where women can find engaging and relevant content across various topics including fashion, lifestyle, culture, and more.”

 

When asked why Gemma opted for a digital space to produce content she replied:

 

“In today's digital age, it's become increasingly rare to spot someone carrying a physical magazine. The convenience and accessibility of digital media have shifted the way we consume content. With just a few clicks on a smartphone, we can access a wealth of information, news, and entertainment from the comfort of our screens.

Gone are the days when commuters would flip through glossy pages on their way to work or when travellers would tuck a magazine into their carry-on for a long flight. Instead, we see a multitude of individuals engrossed in their digital devices, scrolling through online articles, tapping on captivating visuals, and engaging with virtual communities.”

 

Gemma hopes to capture the audience who grew up with glossy magazines by emulating their appeal in a new and accessible way. The inspiring entrepreneur discusses the advantages and challenges posed by the overwhelming shift to online content creation:

 

“The future of journalism is undoubtedly leaning towards online platforms, with a gradual shift away from print publications. However, it is important to note that magazines and newspapers will still have their place in the media landscape. While influencers play a significant role in shaping trends and consumer behaviour, they cannot entirely replace the credibility and depth of journalism. The need for reliable and trustworthy information will always exist.”

Despite being cautious of the potential pitfalls of our generations easy access to content, Gemma sees the opportunities which are presented by emerging digital platforms:

“As we look ahead, we can expect to see news outlets adapting and expanding their presence on emerging digital platforms. Increasingly, news reporting and storytelling will take place on platforms like TikTok, as news organizations seek to engage with younger audiences such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These platforms offer unique opportunities to reach and connect with diverse audiences, using short-form video content that resonates with their preferences.”