The Women Behind the Pages
More Women. More Stories. More Connections.
St. Johns Woman was created with the belief that every woman has a story, and there is something powerful that happens when we make space to share them.
We are a locally created print and digital magazine celebrating the women who live, work, create, lead, dream and make a difference in St. Johns and beyond. Inside our pages, you'll meet entrepreneurs and artists, mothers and makers, community leaders and quiet changemakers, alongside the fashion, food, travel, interiors, culture and little luxuries that make life more interesting.
It's about connection. Bringing women into one another's worlds. Discovering a business you didn't know existed. Meeting a woman whose story stays with you. Gathering around a table. Showing up for one another. And occasionally putting on something fabulous and going somewhere worth talking about.
We believe there is room at the table for all kinds of women, all kinds of stories and all kinds of ways to build a beautiful, meaningful life.
Publisher
Debbie GaylordAfter launching her first magazine in 2005 while raising a young family, Debbie discovered a creative calling she’s never stepped away from. Publishing became the rare intersection where artistry, entrepreneurship, and the cultivation of fresh ideas could coexist.
In 2012, after falling in love with the St. Augustine area and moving to St. Johns from upstate NY, she founded St. Johns Magazine as a publication dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, and stories that shape life in St. Johns. More than a decade later, her work continues to reflect a deep appreciation for thoughtful storytelling rooted in place, creativity, and connection. Her latest endeavor is St. Johns Woman Magazine (est. 2026)
The idea for St. Johns Woman Magazine evolved in conversations and brainstorming sessions between Suzanne and me, and was inspired by the amazing women of St. Johns, Florida I had the pleasure of getting to know at social and cultural events over the past few years. I thought - wow - wouldn’t it be great to start a magazine focused on Women? I have a background in women’s history as well (a Master’s Degree), and I had always wanted to do something like this but did not have the time when my kids were growing up.
The challenge was that somehow, we would have to help women envision the magazine before it ever existed. But the idea took hold!
So - here we are a year later with three issues of our new, amazing, luxury magazine for the women of St. Johns Florida! I am so excited.
Community Ambassador & Account Executive
Suzanne KlingemannSuzanne was born in St. Louis, MO and made her way to Julington Creek in sunny St. Johns in 2020, where she now lives with her husband and three children (in their 20s) and dog Coco. She has a true passion for connecting with others and building relationships in the community. Whether it’s chatting with a small business owner or discovering a hidden local gem, Suzanne thrives on bringing people together and sharing stories that inspire.
We love collaborating with local businesses, telling stories about amazing women, and we have a lot of fun!
Collective Excellence
Lorie Allen
With an appetite for discovering the places worth talking about, Lori Allen explores the local dining scene for St. Johns Woman. From hidden gems to buzzy new restaurants, she brings a warm, discerning perspective to the food, flavors and experiences that deserve a spot on your must-try list. Loir is also the founder of My Wandering Fork (find her on instagram).
Food & Dining Editor & Writer
Safura Osmani
Events Editor & WriterA natural connector with a passion for people and community, Safura brings her energy and perspective to St. Johns Woman as Events Editor, writer and editorial consultant. From celebrating the women and happenings around St. Johns to contributing ideas and stories to our pages, Safura helps bring the spirit of the magazine to life — both on the page and beyond it. Safura is the founder of 904 With Us, and a wildly popular influencer in our community.
Sarah Rivera
Owner of Creative Content by Sarah and The Creative Content Studio, Sarah Rivera brings a fresh, editorial eye to visual storytelling. As a cover photographer for St. Johns Woman, she captures the personality, confidence and style of the women behind our stories.
Cover Photographer
Rebecca Scales
Beauty Editor & Cover Makeup ArtistRebecca Scales brings a polished, camera-ready touch to the women of St. Johns Woman. As our cover makeup artist, she has a talent for enhancing natural beauty while making each woman feel confident, comfortable and completely herself in front of the camera.
Feature PhotographerElizabeth Leitzke
Beth Leiztke of Elizabeth Ann Photography has a gift for capturing women in a way that feels both beautiful and authentic. As a feature photographer for St. Johns Woman, Beth brings an elegant, natural style to the people and stories that fill our pages..
HAVE SOMETHING TO BRING TO THE TABLE?
St. Johns Woman is always interested in meeting talented women with something meaningful to share. If you’re interested in becoming a regular contributor or part of our creative community, tell us what you can bring to our readers; an area of expertise, a fresh perspective, a great voice, beautiful photography, a knack for discovering what’s next, or something we haven't thought of yet.
We’re looking for contributors who want to inform, inspire, entertain or genuinely help the women of St. Johns not simply promote a business.
Think you might be a fit? Let’s have a conversation over a cappuccino.→