Today we’d like to introduce you to Trystanne Cunningham.
Trystanne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved from Haiti to California as a teenager and couldn’t speak much English which made it tough at first. Thankfully, I was able to enroll in English as a Second Language class before school started and did so well I managed to skip eighth grade and went straight to high school.
After high school, my family expected me to pursue a traditional career in law or medicine, instead, I briefly attended college and studied drama. It was then that I discovered my love for the arts. I explored several different career paths before getting a job that transformed my lifetime love for magazines into a burning desire to start my own.
I started taking graphic design courses and researching the publishing industry. I realized that there weren’t any magazines devoted to empowering emerging artists and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. This led me to create TrooRa Magazine, a lifestyle publication devoted to the “truly rare.”
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy, I’ve had to overcome a lot of hurdles. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face, however, is widespread among female founders: Funding. Did you know that in 2022 only 2% of all venture funding was given to women? Only a small portion of those funds was invested in Black or Latina-led businesses.
The problem goes beyond the VC space – Women of Color are also less likely to receive capital from traditional lenders. I bootstrapped TrooRa, which quickly taught me how to make the most out of limited resources, but not every founder has the ability to do that. The experience has made me more passionate than ever about forming new partnerships that will increase access to resources for female and diverse entrepreneurs.
As you know, we’re big fans of TrooRa Magazine. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
TrooRa Magazine is a lifestyle publication dedicated to showcasing diverse entrepreneurs and creatives who would otherwise go unnoticed. Our goal is to inspire and educate our readers while providing a way for these talented individuals to showcase their work and gain exposure. My team is committed to elevating unique voices and we do that through a meticulously curated mix of in-depth interviews, gorgeous visuals, and engaging articles.
Our biggest specialty is unearthing hidden gems in all corners of the world and telling their stories in a way that is authentic and visually stunning. Our content spans several categories because I wanted to create a really beautiful, comprehensive coffee table book that readers can enjoy and be inspired by over and over.
One thing that truly sets us apart is the genuine care we take in crafting each issue. Our team spends time getting to know the entrepreneurs we feature to truly capture the essence of their work. I think this level of personal connection is essential for adding the authentic human aspect that truly resonates with others.
We are also known for our commitment to sustainability. The publishing industry has a significant impact on the environment, and I wanted to minimize our contribution. TrooRa is printed with sustainable materials and we’ve partnered with Click a Tree to plant a tree for every subscription sold to help with reforestation efforts in Ghana, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Definitely, the impact we’ve had on the lives of those we feature. We’re not just about showcasing people’s work, we strive to create a nurturing environment where our featured talents can connect, collaborate, and grow professionally. As a result, TrooRa has evolved into something much bigger than a magazine – we’re building a global community that empowers others to succeed.
Through our TrooRa Founders Club, we bring entrepreneurs together with investors, corporate leaders, and mentors through VIP events, masterclasses, travel experiences, and retreats. I’ve also worked hard to form partnerships with organizations with similar missions. Earlier this year, we announced a partnership with the National Black Entrepreneurs Project to increase access to coaching, mentorship, and capital for diverse entrepreneurs.
At TrooRa, we are challenging the status quo by giving a platform to those who are often overlooked. We are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the world and aim to be seen as a driving force behind a more responsible and inclusive future. When you engage with our content and support the individuals and brands we feature, you’re helping create a more equitable and vibrant landscape for everyone.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting TrooRa was a huge risk in itself. I didn’t have a business background and because I was bootstrapped, I had to be extremely strategic and efficient. It takes a lot of discipline, creativity, and resourcefulness to make the most out of every dollar.
I was also playing multiple roles and juggling all of the different responsibilities while trying to grow, and when you’re in that situation, you’re at risk of burning out.
But I believe in my dream and I was determined to see it through. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to take risks to grow. By pushing myself out of my comfort zone and embracing the challenges that came with starting TrooRa, I learned a lot and became even more resilient, which has been instrumental in the continued growth of my magazine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://troora.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trooramagazine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrooRaMagazine/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trooramagazine/
