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Ciara Horton on Vision, Purpose, Faith, and Building a Platform That Empowers Voices Worldwide

Women in Media

By Tammy ReesePublished 3 months ago • Updated 3 months ago • 4 min read

Vision and purpose often begin long before success becomes visible. For publisher, media entrepreneur, author, and women’s empowerment advocate Ciara Horton, the journey started with a simple conversation with God during one of the most challenging seasons of her life. What began as a moment of faith and uncertainty eventually became She Is E Magazine, a platform dedicated to amplifying the stories, accomplishments, and impact of women from all walks of life.

Since launching the publication in 2016, Horton has built a thriving media brand that has featured hundreds of women, entrepreneurs, authors, executives, public figures, and celebrities, while creating opportunities for others to gain visibility and confidence. Through She Is E Magazine, He Is E Magazine, and her growing collection of media initiatives, she continues to inspire people to embrace their voice, share their story, and step boldly into their God-given purpose.

In this Vision & Purpose Lifestyle Magazine feature, Horton shares how faith shaped her vision, what purpose means to her, the lessons she has learned as a publisher and entrepreneur, and the legacy she hopes to leave for future generations.

She Is E Magazine was founded with a clear mission to empower and elevate women. What vision did God place on your heart when you launched the publication, and how has that vision evolved over the years?

Ciara: When they say God laughs like us, that’s what comes to mind when I tell people this story. I was doing laundry at a really challenging time in my life. Things were not great but like women always do: I powered through. I remember saying to God that I knew there was more for me but I just didn’t know what. While folding clothes in my room, I seen the words SHE IS in lime green letters jump out at me. A little freaked out, I knew this was God telling me the name of the magazine. I begin to discuss this with God and he started giving me instructions and downloads of how to get started. I also did a lot of research. Not knowing what I was doing, I launched in 2016. A rookie!

This vision has evolved into something that I didn’t know it could ever evolve into. I’ve covered women from all over the world and some celebrities. It has been a great experience and I pray that the evolution continues to happen.

Purpose is a word that is often used but not always fully understood. How do you personally define purpose, and how has it guided your journey as a publisher, author, and entrepreneur?

Ciara: Purpose to me means doing everything that you were created to do. Purpose has guided me in the dark as a light that has shown when it was supposed to be dim. I say dim because entrepreneurship isn’t easy. You don’t make money everyday but with purpose, it doesn’t feel like it. As an author, I have realized that purpose has helped me help other women just like me. As a publisher, purpose has allowed me to walk a path that I know was created just for me to share the stories of amazing women and men who simply don’t have a voice. That my dear, is purpose. My PURPOSE.

Many women struggle with self-doubt and visibility. What advice would you give to someone who knows they have a purpose but is hesitant to step into it?

Ciara: First, start with removing the mask. People love authenticity. You don’t have to be perfect. You simply need to share your story. Will it be pretty? Maybe. Will it be ugly? Possibly. Will it help others? Absolutely. Step into your purpose knowing that you are helping others. Hold your head high and tell us your story and do it boldly.

Through She Is E Magazine and He Is E Magazine, you have helped amplify countless voices. What have you learned about the connection between sharing one’s story and fulfilling one’s purpose?

Ciara: I have learned that most of the time someone sharing their story actually fulfill’s their purpose and they become more aware of why they should share their stories. They both go hand in hand.

Faith is a cornerstone of your life and work. How has your faith influenced your vision for your media platforms and the impact you hope to make through them?

Ciara: My faith is something that can’t be described and with that, I envision these huge platforms that not only become safe spaces but plant tiny seeds of faith inside of the faithless. I have enough faith to know that what I am able to do WILL help others. There is no doubt in my mind that it will because my faith is that BIG!

As a publisher, media entrepreneur, mother, and creative visionary, how do you stay aligned with your purpose while balancing the many roles you carry?

Ciara: My relationship with God, my family and loved ones help provide balance. Let’s be real: What is balance? Sure there is a definition but how do you define that when life looks different for us all? The only thing that I can honestly say is that I do what I can. That looks diferent from day to day. Take it or leave it at this point. Ha!

When you feature individuals who are making a difference in their communities and industries, what qualities stand out to you as indicators that someone is truly walking in their purpose?

Ciara: A few qualities that stand out to me are how someone makes an impact when the cameras aren’t rolling. When social media doesn’t always have the proof. Also, when peoples voices aren’t loud but their actions are. Everyone their connected to can vouch for them and don’t have a problem. Humbleness as well.

Sometimes, angels have wings but they don’t always fly. They walk when they very well could fly.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of She Is E Magazine, and what legacy do you hope to leave for future generations through your work and platform?

Ciara: My vision to expand beyond the boundaries that have been set for me and other women in media. I pray that I leave a legacy that inspired and postively impacted who it needed to inspire and impact.

Get connected on Instagram @cicreatedsheis, @he_isemagazine, @sheisemagazine


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Tammy Reese

Tammy is best known for her legendary interviews with Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis, Morris Chestnut, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Laurence Fishburne, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, and more.

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Written by Tammy Reese