She started designing, writing, and publishing at only 13. Now at just 19, she has created one of her biggest publications. Margarita Louise Gaines is a second-year student at the University. She has worked to redefine the beauty of women creating and constructing a voice for those underrepresented. Disregarded voices will be given a new channel that promotes strength, awareness, feminism, culture, entertainment, and style through an online magazine started right here at the University. Tint Magazine is a web-based multicultural magazine written and targeted for and by all women. “I want a very diverse publication, not something that only features one kind of girl that dominates the magazines today,” said Gaines, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tint. “It’s about issues we can really relate to.” The magazine is registered as a student organization at the University, but Gaines’ intentions are to expand the publication nationally. Gaines has been publishing online magazines and fanzines since she was 13 and has now begun a University publication with high expectations. “We want to feature the everyday woman on campus and as many prominent University figures possible,” Gaines said. “We just want to reach out to everyone.” The Tint staff believes they can reach a broader audience around the world as an electronic publication. All students can find the magazine linked to the BGSU sever on the main homepage, but it will create its own domain name.”I want to focus on women because that’s what I know. I think women need this to inspire them,” Gaines said. “I was tired of reading publications that I couldn’t relate to as an eccentric, multi-racial girl.” Valerie Okonieski is the Entertainment Editor for Tint Magazine and was inspired to help start the publication because it is a great step towards accomplishing her future goals. “After graduation, I want to write for a magazine and eventually start my own,” Okonieski said. “When I received emails about Tint, I knew what I wanted to do about it.” She hopes to show different aspects of the multi-cultural philosophy and create more interest on campus. “This is a great way to bring in people from all different areas and backgrounds with different ideas but one common goal,” Okonieski said. With no publication like it on campus, the staff of Tint Magazine believe they have a great chance to bond with other students. Culture and Style Editor for Tint, Ashley Schuster, believes in the importance of reaching all women. “No matter who they are or where they come from, all women need to feel as though they are understood. It’s easy to feel misplaced when living in an environment which caters to the lives of those who are unlike you,” Schuster said. “Tint will hopefully give those who read it a better sense of belonging.” Tint’s first meeting is on September 12, in 223 Olscamp at 8p.m. To join the staff or receive more information, email Margarita, [email protected], or check out the link through the University homepage or go to www.bgsu.edu/studentlife/organizations/tintmag. The first issue should be available in November for everyone to view.”Being a part of this start-up process has given me a terrific sense of accomplishment,” Schuster said. “Simply aiding in its birth has impacted me like I could never have imagined.” ,