For as long as she can remember, Madison Siewert has had a passion for fashion journalism. Siewert was unable to find an outlet to express her stylistic creativity through Oakland University’s journalism department, so she decided to develop her own project. BeGolden, OU’s first-ever fashion magazine, is Siewert’s breakout contribution to fashion journalism.
Siewert has long dreamed of paving her way in the fashion industry. This is in part due to the unique experiences her part-time job has provided her.
Aside from her collegiate studies, the OU junior nannies for the children of a co-owner of SEEN Magazine. This connection has allowed her the opportunity of shadowing at a couple of the magazine’s photoshoots. These experiences confirmed Siewert’s aspiration to pursue a career in the fashion journalism industry.
Siewert’s experiences with SEEN inspired her to bring her love for fashion to OU’s campus. While Siewert was not able to find a cohesive group that emulated her vision, she came across many journalism and public relations majors with similar fashion interests, including Olivia Chiappelli and Chloe Dyke.
Siewert worked alongside Chiappelli, Dyke and Kelsey Rife to conceptualize BeGolden, a fashion magazine created entirely by OU students.
“I spent the beginning of the semester recruiting people to write, design and model for the magazine by reaching out via social media and tabling at GrizzFest,” Siewert said.
It was clear by BeGolden’s first general body meeting that Siewert’s recruitment efforts had paid off. There were so many eager contributors in attendance at the first meeting that chairs needed to be borrowed from the classroom next door to seat everyone.
“To be honest, I was so worried about the first meeting. I was nervous that no one would show up,” Siewert said. “It was rewarding to see so many people who were excited to get involved with the magazine.”
Siewert’s time working on BeGolden has been tantamount to a roller coaster ride, with many ups and downs carrying her through the semester.
To lead such a big project is stressful for Siewert since she is in charge of delegating tasks, managing editing and figuring out the printing process. Despite the pressure that comes with being the editor-in-chief of a magazine, Siewert enjoys every minute of the process.
“Running the magazine is a sort-of ‘fun stress,’” Siewert said. “While I carry so many responsibilities in managing the magazine, it has been so great to see the visions of so many contributors coming to life.”
Throughout the several months of planning BeGolden’s first issue, some of Siewert’s favorite moments have been her involvement in photoshoots for the magazine. Siewert especially enjoyed a shoot in a local restaurant in Downtown Rochester.
Siewert is most proud of the diverse array of styles found on the magazine’s pages. The conglomerate of different ideas and designs makes BeGolden a truly unique project.
While Siewert has made considerable efforts to see BeGolden come to life, she would not trade the experience for the world. Siewert is already making plans to produce BeGolden’s second issue in the spring.
“I definitely want to see this magazine continue onto next semester and even further in the future,” Siewert said. “After I graduate, I would love to pass the operation of the magazine down to the next generation of students.”
To receive timely updates about BeGolden, follow the magazine’s Instagram @begoldenou. If you would like to participate in the creation of BeGolden’s second issue in the winter 2024 semester, contact Siewert via email at [email protected].
