Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Toce.
Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve written for as long as I can remember – and I always had a timeline in mind. I grew up in Connecticut, about 90 minutes from Boston. College took me over to New York City where I studied Film & Television before relocating to Seattle, where I’ve lived now for 13 years.
I’d been writing nationally for a few years when I realized a distinct voice was missing in the Seattle newspapers – an LGBTQ+ voice with stories outside of bar and club life. I wanted to highlight entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, baristas, everyday people with news to share and lives to inspire. So, I created The Seattle Lesbian, LLC on October 13, 2010. We’re eight years strong this year.
Then in 2012, we began Seattle Women’s Pride – an event for women and our friends during LGBTQ+ Pride Month. On June 16, 2018, we’ll celebrate six years.
You can read more about awards, honors, recognition, press, etc. here: www.sarahtoce.com
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s always a struggle starting a business from scratch, but the takeaway is to remember that you’re never alone. Even if you start something on your own, offer room to encourage other emerging leaders to join you. Inspire by being inspiring. Advance your career by advancing other careers. Dollars and cents have to make sense, but it won’t all come at once. Don’t align yourself with business partners who want to make a quick buck because the payoff is in the tenure. Be strong, stand up for the people and products you believe in and invite others to do the same.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Seattle Lesbian, Seattle Women’s Pride, Freelance Journalist – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m most known for starting the following brands:
The Seattle Lesbian, LLC – The Seattle Lesbian is a daily online news magazine operating from offices in the Pacific Northwest, and reaching communities spanning continents around the world. The Seattle Lesbian has changed the landscape of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life by providing thought-provoking content with substantial relevancy on various angles of discussion and advocacy. The Seattle Lesbian is an award-winning publication for which I produce, edit and distribute. We are a NASDAQ partner. Began in 2010.
Seattle Women’s Pride – Seattle Women’s Pride is an annual celebration of women for women by women. Hosted the weekend before Pride, Seattle Women’s Pride promises to be a night full of friendship, music and fun. Everyone is welcome. Seattle Women’s Pride began in 2012.
Freelance Career – I have contributed throughout my career as a journalist for Windy City Times (Chicago based), HuffPost (national), Echo Magazine (Phoenix), GO Mag (New York), Curve (l.A.) and others.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
When I really need a work/life balance, my go-to is Words with Friends. It’s semi-mindless entertainment to help me unwind. And who doesn’t love binge-watching The Crown, Handmaid’s Tale, This Is Us or Grace and Frankie? I interviewed Lily Tomlin right as she was starting in that role… it’s a hoot to see her soar.
As far as apps that help with work, I’d suggest Slack, Venmo, Dropbox, Square, Facebook and Twitter to start.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahtoce.com, www.theseattlelesbian.com, www.seattlewomenspride.com
- Email: sarah.toce@theseattlelesbian.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seattlewomenspride, https://www.facebook.com/The-Seattle-Lesbian-131103320272032, https://www.facebook.com/RealSarahToce
- Twitter: @SarahToce @TheSeaLesbian @SeaWomensPride
Image Credit:
Erika Schultz, NOH8 Campaign (Adam Bouska)
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