Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Iona Italia, Editor-in-Chief of Areo Magazine, located in London, United Kingdom.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the editor of Areo Magazine: a small, independent online publication offering sociopolitical commentary. Areo is a feisty little digital magazine with an international readership, providing commentary on politics, society, science, culture, and the arts. Our name is drawn from John Milton’s 1644 pamphlet, Areopagitica, a pioneering call for the freedom of the press.

Our contributors have included research scientists, award-winning writers, human rights campaigners, and prominent academics, but we also accept contributions from anyone who can write clearly and persuasively on a subject of interest to our readers.

Amid the current atmosphere of partisanship and hysteria, we provide a haven for calm, reasonable voices from both left and right. Our writers are unafraid to tackle controversial issues, go against status quo orthodoxy and toss sacred cows onto the barbecue and turn them into brisket. But they also refrain from inflammatory clickbait, personal vendettas, hyperbole, and scaremongering. Our aim is not to posture but to persuade. In that spirit, we also welcome responses to and rebuttals of arguments published within our own pages.

We are committed to an ethos of universal liberal humanism: each individual must be judged on their own merits and should be awarded the rights, respect, and compassion that are due to every human being—regardless of sex, gender, sexuality, skin colour, ethnicity, nationality, religion or any other fundamental aspect of identity. Ideas, however, do not intrinsically deserve respect or protection, and no idea should be off limits to scrutiny. In addition, we believe that anyone can hold an equally valid opinion on any topic, regardless of his or her identity.

To write for us, visit our submissions page for guidelines. Pitches and articles can be sent to submissions@areomagazine.com. We do not accept sponsored posts.

Tell us about yourself

I began as Areo Magazine's copyeditor and took over as editor-in-chief from Helen Pluckrose in May 2021. I am motivated by a commitment to free speech and liberal values.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Securing the support and contributions of a wide range of gifted writers and thinkers, including Steven Pinker and Richard Dawkins.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Obtaining ongoing funding is the hardest part of running a small business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make sure you have sufficient capital.
  2. Be aware that most businesses fail (have a backup plan).
  3. Do something that is meaningful to you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

In addition to my political writing for Areo, I have a Substack newsletter featuring weekly personal and philosophical essays. You can find it at The Second Swim.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://areomagazine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/areomagazine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/areomagazine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-iona-italia-420b7941/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/areomagazine
https://twitter.com/IonaItalia

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.