POSE Magazine 2015 Most Inspiring Women
By Cher Tushiah
Photos: Jay L.A. Bastien
Speaking to Brande Victorian on the phone is like having a chat with your bestie. It’s early in the morning. I’m sipping coffee and she’s making me giggle. She actually thinks it’s an “honor” to speak with me while I am sitting here secretly fan-girling over the opportunity to speak with her. Sure, we respect each other as colleagues; I’m an editor for a widely read publication as is she. However, her work has appeared in places that I can only dream of seeing my byline: The Huffington Post, Jezebel, Clutch and was featured in a German documentary which translates in English to “The Oprah Winfrey Effect”. Yes, Oprah. The Oprah. I know I can’t take too much of Ms. Victorian’s time. She’s the Editor at Large for Madame Noire Magazine and deadlines loom near (for both of us, actually). One of the most popular magazines that features African American women’s issues, everything from social and cultural controversies and concerns to what to wear and weaves, Madame Noire covers it all with Brande at the helm. I had no idea that when I said, “I only need about thirty minutes of your time”, I was being dishonest with her. As serious as she is about her work, she’s equally as playful and witty, with a laugh that is positively contagious. I admit it. I didn’t want to hang up. I totally wanted to braid each other’s hair, polish our nails and make friendship bracelets with her. And that’s the key to the success of Madame Noire and to Brande Victorian’s appeal. You’re not just getting run of the mill news. You’re getting to talk with your bestie about everything from celebrity to sex, politics to pop culture and women’s wear to women’s rights. Without further ado, meet the marvel that is Brande Victorian as POSE Magazine takes you behind the editor’s desk.
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