Introducing Sarah Harrelson: The Innovative Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Cultured Magazine.

      Welcome to Second Life, a podcast that highlights individuals who have made significant career transitions and have boldly embraced change. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer of Who What Wear, every episode connects you with influential figures in various fields. Subscribe to Second Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts to keep updated.

      Sarah Harrelson, the founder and editor-in-chief of Cultured magazine, has forged a distinctive path in the realm of contemporary art, design, and architecture publishing. Her journey began outside the editorial sphere, with aspirations in politics. While studying political science at NYU, Harrelson interned for then-New York Governor Mario Cuomo. However, a transformative internship at Elle magazine redirected her career, igniting a passion for publishing and bookmaking that would shape her future.

      Eager to expand her experience, Harrelson relocated to Miami, where she rapidly climbed the ranks at a small magazine, becoming editor-in-chief in less than a year. Her storytelling abilities and editorial insights led her to notable positions in the 1990s at legendary fashion magazines like Women’s Wear Daily, W Magazine, and Seventeen. While these roles sharpened her expertise in fashion and entertainment, Harrelson’s aspirations went beyond these mainstream publications.

      In 2000, she returned to Miami and ventured into a different publishing territory. Acting as a one-woman operation for the Miami Herald’s Home and Design magazine, Harrelson was responsible for writing, editing, and photographing all the stories, producing 12 issues annually for seven years. This hands-on involvement demonstrated her unwavering work ethic and adaptability. Seeking new challenges, she later took charge at Ocean Drive before leading Art Basel Magazine, further reinforcing her knowledge in art and design.

      Despite her notable editorial background, Harrelson desired to establish something uniquely hers, independent of conventional publishing limitations. In 2012, without a formal business plan, experience in securing advertisers, or established distribution channels, she launched Cultured magazine. Her vision was daring: to highlight emerging artists across various disciplines, moving away from the industry’s focus on well-known names. This risk proved worthwhile. Over the past 13 years, Cultured has built a loyal audience and served as a platform for numerous emerging artists, amplifying new voices in art, design, and architecture.

      Tune in to the latest episode of Second Life to discover how Harrelson continues to reshape the concept of an arts magazine within the contemporary media landscape, promoting creativity and exploration in a manner that resonates profoundly with both readers and artists.

      Next: Meet Katlin Smith: The Founder and CEO of Simple Mills

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