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Mary Bowman, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
Mary has BS degrees in “Equine Marketing and Graphic Design” and “Equestrian Studies” from the University of Findlay. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. “Equine Marketing and Graphic Design” was developed to educate in the areas of communication, marketing, business and graphic design. It involved classes that taught concepts that can directly be applied to the development of the magazine, such as “Mass Media and the Law”, “Digital Typography”, and “Advertising and Public Relations”. Mary has been involved in business conferences and seminars since graduating from college in May 2004, has read a number of books about running a magazine, has interviewed editors and other publishing professionals and has attended a magazine convention. She has direct contact and an array of involvement in the church and Christian community, as well as involvement as a leader coaching an equestrian team of mostly teenage girls. Several freelance/author/writer newsletters and organizations have interviewed Mary about Relate’s publishing process and her advice for writers. Mary was featured as a successful entrepreneur in the University of Findlay’s “Be Something” entrepreneur recognition program and her story has been published in many alumni newsletters and papers.

 

Mary Bowman and familyMary Bowman, Publisher

Mary was raised in St. Louis, MO by her two incredible parents, with her older sister and younger brother. She graduated from the University of Findlay in 2004 with Summa Cum Laude honors.  She founded Relate in 2006 with the dream of creating a different kind of magazine that makes girls feel good about themselves. She was married in May 2007 to Jake Bowman, whom she met in college and they now live in Findlay, OH. Their beautiful daughter, Cora was born in April 2010 and they plan to expand their family over the next several years. Mary spends her free time riding and showing her reining horses, her other passion in life. She is thankful for her extremely supportive family and friends, but most of all God for leading her down such an amazing path in life.

A Note From Mary:

“Inspiring others. What a wonderful thing to get to do every day! And the group I become very passionate about inspiring? Teen girls.

I am always disgusted and ashamed of our media and culture and the message it gives to young people, especially girls. It makes my heart sad to see the constant struggles girls face as early as pre-adolescence and often times continuing through adulthood (an excellent book that defines it so well: “Reviving Ophelia”). With a culture so focused on looks, stick-thin bodies and sex, all without any moral standard, finding self-worth, self-esteem and true confidence in who you are can be extremely difficult.

I consider myself to be ridiculously blessed. I was able to slide right on through my teenage years not becoming a victim of society’s negative barrage. I was able to find and maintain confidence throughout those crazy years of self-discovery and through it I learned how to encourage others. I knew with such a blessing I had better do something to help girls that need extra inspiration and encouragement in their lives!

“Relate” has been an evolving mission of mine. What started as a quarterly print magazine, turned into an eZine and eventually a web site full of free articles for girls with the start of a collection of ebooks for teens AND parents of teens. As I started my business, God placed different roadblocks and opportunities in front of me that shaped the direction of where I went. Through it all I have been able to see lives touched and influenced by having a positive voice breaking through the negativity.”


melissaMelissa Flinn, Web Editor

Melissa is a St. Louis resident working for Relate Magazine.  She received her B.A in Vocal Music from Truman State University and is involved throughout the community in various musical theater performances.  Her favorite roles include Eve in The Apple Tree, Snow White in Snow White and Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.  While performing is like a “job”, it is not her primary work.  Melissa works as the Celebrity Interviewer, Music Reviewer, and Events Coordinator for Relate Magazine.  Here she gets the opportunity to work with teen girls and help them realize that they are beautiful exactly how they are.  Through the various events Melissa plans, she is able to reach out to the community and encourage girls to be themselves. Other credits include State Musical Festival Judge, Cheerleading Judge, Private Voice Teacher, K-12 Music Teacher, Cheerleading Coach, Children’s Ministry Leader, Fashion Show Coordinator, Miss U.S. Judge.