Founder Spotlight: Maggie Ortlieb (VegOut Magazine)
Meet Maggie Ortlieb
Company:
VegOut Magazine is a US-based vegan media company. We publish a nationwide print magazine as well as daily content on our website, VegOutMag.com. We’re the go-to source for all things vegan, including restaurants, store-bought products, fashion, beauty, interviews, and more!
Startup Stage:
Bootstrapped
Location:
Los Angeles, California
When did you launch the business?
2016
What led you to where you are today?
Every experience I’ve had in my life has played a role in building my creativity, drive, and skill at leading—from my obsession with fashion and art magazines when I was a kid to the job I landed at the sushi restaurant when I first arrived in LA. When I moved to Los Angeles seven years ago, there was no vegan-specific city guide, so I created one. What began as a small blog and Instagram page evolved into a professional nationwide website and print magazine.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
Naivete is a blessing when starting a business—I wish I had known to be okay with not knowing everything. There are things I look back on now and think, “Wow, that was bold of me,” or “What was I doing?” Had I known then what I know now, I might have been too afraid to try many of the things I did.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
The decision to try new things and fail at them has been a process I’ve had to embrace over time. Trying and quitting helps better the business and allows me to hone in on what works and what doesn’t. In the early days, for example, VegOut offered a subscription box that—while fun—didn’t contribute to our bottom line.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
We highlight vegan businesses. If anyone in the community has a cool up-and-coming brand we should know about, definitely put it on my radar.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
Spread the word! VegOut is only sustainable through the support of our readers. Share one of our digital articles or Instagram posts, subscribe to the magazine (or pick up a copy in-store), or tell your favorite vegan business about our advertising opportunities.
Fun fact about you:
I’ve been to every state except Hawaii and Alaska!
Anything else you would like to share?
If you’re considering starting a business, be sure you’re ready to put in the hours. Sure, there are perks of working for yourself, but instead of working 40 hours a week, you’ll be working a lot more than that. Choose something you’re passionate about because you’re going to be doing it 24/7 for the next few years at a minimum.
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