From corporate America to owning and operating his magazine, Johnny Elizalde, a Mexican immigrant and Editor-In-Chief of The Boss Mann Magazine shares his passion for innovating the publishing industry by capturing compelling narratives.
How would you describe The Boss Mann Magazine?
The Boss Mann Magazine is a publication that comes from a place of love. It is a publication that inspires people through the art of storytelling. Boss Mann is really about highlighting and bringing attention to stories that motivate people.
Do you think it was a prime motivation in getting you to work in publishing?
It has always been about helping and developing others. This blessing is about sharing stories, and it just fell into my lap. I came from corporate America, where I did marketing and operations at tech companies. I never thought I would be doing this full-time. This opportunity landed on my lap through a retired family member, and she wanted the Boss Mann legacy to continue. I did not want to isolate to one industry, so today, we welcome any story from all walks of life.
Inspiration within itself is a form of art, and I want the person behind the art, I want the person behind the fashion idea, the creative mind, to tell their story so we can plant the seed in others to help them break the chains.
Was there a sign to keep going?
After many long nights trying to decide which direction to take, I kept praying for my calling. My prayers were answered when I was invited to a non-profit event for those who suffered from brain injuries. After volunteering several times, I wanted to do more. I started thinking of ideas, and a fashion show is what came to mind. After brainstorming ideas, we ended up partnering with a local studio that volunteered its entire equipment for our event.
Seeing how the studio owner was willing to pick up his entire business and temporarily relocate it to another city 30 miles away to serve others was very humbling; I cried tears of joy. Bringing in makeup, hairstylists, a host, and other volunteers quickly followed. To have the ability to change someone's outlook in life for a few hours is compelling and rewarding; to have these ladies distracted from their daily struggles was well worth it.
This event changed my life for the better; I knew helping others was what I would be doing for the rest of my life.
Volunteering impacted your life; what would you suggest to others trying to break into this industry and find their purpose?
I would suggest finding your overall purpose in life, not just in this industry. Regardless of the industry, spend time soul-searching, spend some time trying to understand where you can make a difference, and go after it. Stay disciplined when the challenges come. Please do not run away and quit because things get complicated and challenging; see it through and fight through adversity.
Do you think your path was essential to finding a medium to help others? What challenges have you come across rebranding The Boss Mann Magazine?
My corporate experience was essential in getting me groomed and trained, but it became a routine with no substance. When I got laid off, I went through a period of depression and fear. I was not trusting the bigger picture, but in retrospect, that was God's way of having me pivot to head in a much different direction, my training was over, and I was thrown onto the next level. I did not understand it then, but now it is as clear as water today.
As far as challenges go, I struggled with not understanding why friends and family have never supported my movement. I learned the hard way to truly appreciate those in front of me and allow the process to take care of the rest.
How do you mesh your love for music and publishing?
Music, fashion, and media will always run concurrently. Music often expresses people's thoughts and feelings, just like fashion and media. It is a form of art, and I am here to showcase it all.
What is your ultimate goal with your music and the magazine?
One of my goals is to set up a non-profit or an academy, a place where creative minds can go and reset or heal from life trauma. I want to have a place where creative minds can have a safe place to bring up anything. To heal and have resources and be a hub to many other resources available. Just imagine art coming from a genuine place of love, a clear mind, and a peaceful soul. That is where I want everyone to be in life.
#LOVEALWAYSWINS
— Photographer: Kayla Ashay
