School is back in session. That means school supplies, waking up at 7 a.m. and new clothes! I always remember wearing my most fashionable outfit on my first day back to school, because showing off was required. There was always someone to impress, my crush, last year’s Homecoming Queen or my best friend. But, halfway into the first semester, I would roll out of bed, throw on a dirty pair of jeans, a t-shirt and pull my hair back in a pony tail, without even taking a shower. Why did I have such a change in perception every year? Over time I learned that making positive impressions was about establishing my character, not just about the way I looked.
So, now niNe. magazine has had it’s first impression phase, and we are currently into the middle of the semester phase. No, we’re not going to just throw on whatever’s nearby, but rather we desire to show you our enduring characteristics.
Plenty of magazines highlight gossip, sex and materialism, but few publications are willing to look at the deeper issues of character, personality and esteem. niNe. magazine’s content and title are based on the following nine characteristics: love, faithfulness, patience and peace, self-control, kindness, goodness, gentleness and joy. We’re especially passionate about these characteristics because our wish is for you to pursue these characteristics and live your fullest lives.
The capital “N” in the middle of our title is meant to direct your attention to the inner aspect of the word, symbolic of out hope to promote inner beauty and faith in one’s self. We’re committed to influencing the lives of teenage girls, and will go to great lengths to do so, not because we have to, but because we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We refuse to become “just another magazine.” We hope our pages will penetrate deep into the heart of everyone of you. Join us in out journey as we fill a void by providing a fresh new magazine with an innovative focus and a unique voice.

Yours truly,

Melinda Laging
Publisher/Editorial Director