A Fond Farewell
An interview with the Founding Editor of Style Manitoba
by Megan Hollyoake
30 years ago, Style Manitoba launched its inaugural Fall edition.
Now, I’m no mathematician… but if you think about all the articles that encompass 30 years of a quarterly publication: that’s thousands of stories, supported by countless hours of dedicated work from all the writers, photographers, designers, advertisers and printers that supported each and every one.
And all the while, the woman behind the brand – who helped make Style Manitoba the success story that it is today – has her own story. In honour of Style’s 30-year anniversary, I am pleased to connect you with Style’s Founding Editor Rita van Leeuwen.
In 1994, Rita took a job with a publishing company that was in its first year of operation. At the time, she was a single mother in her mid-thirties, and saw an opportunity with her new role. She repeatedly came to the table with new, innovative ideas for different columns and feature articles to expand the scope of the publication; however, her employer had a ‘narrower focus’ and was reluctant to try new things.
Over time, Rita realized that she wanted to explore some of these ideas on her own and the concept for what would become Style Manitoba took flight.
“I wanted to include restaurant reviews, entertainment listings, artist and celebrity profiles, all of which were introduced into the plans for Style.”
In 1996, Rita launched Style Manitoba, initially with a couple of business partners; then eventually, she became the sole owner of the corporation. Thanks to previous ties in the creative community, she was connected to some of Manitoba’s most talented writers and photographers, and that network became the foundation of the publication.
“I credit the core group of writers and photographers for contributing to the success of Style: it was every bit about them, too. [Style] couldn’t have achieved its goals without that level of exceptional photography and editorial content. While the concept for the publication was mine, I would never take sole credit for Style’s achievements – it truly was a collaborative effort. That includes working with an excellent graphic designer. Strong support from the advertising community and readers alike also helped anchor Style Manitoba as one of our province’s premier publications.”
Adapting with Technology
Looking back over the past 30 years, the technology was very different. Rather than having direct access to high-speed Internet, the “cloud”, or a Smart phone, Rita recalls her team working with floppy discs, 35mm film, and, of course, dial-up Internet.
With each advance in technology, the team had to pivot. Then once the magazine went digital, there were new learning curves involved that led to evolved practices. Yet, Style’s team adapted to change while maintaining the quality of the book.
Monumental Moments
Throughout the course of 30 years, there are certain editions of Style that Rita is particularly proud of. For one, celebrating each milestone anniversary. Other favourites include the featured personality covers – including musicians Chantal Kreviazuk, Loreena McKennitt, and KD Lang; actors Adam Beach and Aleks Paunovic; and professional athletes Cindy Klassen and Cody Glass.
“Each one brought something different.”
Connecting as a Community
From adopting new technology to surviving a pandemic, one foundational element of Style never changed: the support of its advertisers. Rita notes that advertisers, including Kitchen Craft, have been a part of the magazine since the beginning. And over 30 years, she and her team got to know many of them personally.
“We really connected with the families (and talents) behind builders including K. Streu Homes, Maric Homes, Artista Homes, Irwin Homes and Pine Creek Homes, to name a few. And in some cases, we watched the next generation take over these exceptional family-based businesses. Being a part of Style Manitoba is being a part of a truly incredible community. At its 30-year milestone, my journey is complete.
