CONTENTS
Long Live Lola-Her Next Adventure
A special section celebrating Lola Magazine’s beginnings, her newest chapter, and of course, her readers.
Zachary’s Story
Melissa Mainiero shares her family’s journey with Autism.
Mad About Mahjong
A new obsession sweeps north Louisiana!
Miss Louisiana
Olivia Grace George reflects on her year of service.
Hi there! If you’re new here, you’re in good company.
Sarah McKinney
This is my first letter to you, the reader, and to be honest, I’m more comfortable in your position than I am in this one.
Since 2016, I’ve been an avid reader and admirer of Lola Magazine. As a marketing and PR professional, I spent years working with business owners on advertising strategy, creative design, and media placement. I learned to enjoy my role behind the scenes—collaborating with creatives, digging into spreadsheets, and prepping presentation decks.
Last year, when I reached out to place a client’s ad in the holiday issue of Lola, I learned that the publication was on hiatus. At first, I wasn’t alarmed. I thought, They’ll be back soon. But as time passed, I began to wonder—and worry.
See, Lola Magazine meant something deeper to me. It was more than a publication I picked up while out to lunch. It was more than a pretty “book” I collected on my coffee table. Lola, was a beacon of pride in my community. It was a cherished tradition, a time capsule, a tangible celebration of what makes our little corner of the South so special.
For the better part of a decade, I gleefully picked up each fresh issue, knowing I would flip through the pages to see familiar faces, engaging articles, beautiful photography, design, and so much more. It was simply too special to let go.
So, I did what most curious, ambitious women do when they don’t know what’s next—I started asking questions. One conversation turned into a call, and a meeting turned into an offer: Purchase Lola Magazine and continue the beautiful tradition established by the original Lola Ladies—Bevin and Carie.
The answer was always yes. Not because I dreamed of publishing print media, and certainly not because I was prepared to do so (in this economy?!). The answer was yes because I believe in my soul our community deserves Lola Magazine. We need a space where women can share their stories, where generational wisdom can be passed down, and where exciting community events can be spotlighted.
So here we are! In our first issue as new publishers, my mom and business partner, Ellyn McKinney, and I are so excited to bring Lola back.
In this issue, we’ll share more about how we got here and what’s to come. Friends and contributors tell their stories—from raising a child with autism, to navigating loss, to legacy gardening. We celebrate motherhood, Mahjong, and Miss Louisiana as she prepares to crown her successor.
With spring comes a new adventure for Lola. We hope you’ll enjoy, celebrate and cherish her as we have for so many years.
– Sarah
Publishers
Ellyn T. McKinney
ellyn@readlola.com
(318) 518-9258
Sarah M. McKinney
sarah@readlola.com
(318) 286-4252
Distribution Manager
Sid McKinney
Graphic Artist & Advertising Design
Richard Creative
Lola@Richard-Creative.com
Contributing Writers
Bevin Hicks
Ellyn McKinney
Sarah McKinney
Melissa Mainiero
Dr. Skylar Souyoul
Dr. Lindsey Pennington
Donna Phillips
Brittany Strickland
Micahla Vaughn
Katherine Webb
Molly McInnis
Lauren Pettiette
Tina Kendrick
Olivia Grace George
Dr. M. Suzanne Tinsley
Dr. Marie Vazquez Morgan
Photography
Brittany Strickland
Mary-Kaitlyn Allen
Jeremy Hernandez
Micahla Vaughn
Steven Palowsky
For advertising information
sarah@readlola.com
*Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited
Lola Magazine is published 5x annually by MAD MEDIA, LLC. Lola Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any advertiser. Distribution of Lola Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products and/or services. Lola Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the publication’s content. Nonetheless, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absence of errors. No responsibility will be assumed. Visit us online at readlola.com to subscribe.
Lola Magazine is owned by MAD MEDIA, LLC.