Kailon Magazine Celebrates Bold and Unconventional Art
Written by Daphne Bryant
Image courtesy of Nidia Álvarez-Nguyen
MEET KAILON MAGAZINE, AN INDIE LITERARY, ART, AND FASHION MAGAZINE BASED IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA. WITH FOUNDER Nidia Álvarez-Nguyen SERVING AS Editor-In-Chief, Lilli Eve SERVING AS Assistant Editor-In-Chief aND Executive Editor, and marketing lead Michelle Mesiano AT THE HELM OF THEIR WORK, KAILON AIMS TO celebrate and curate bold, unconventional PIECES that PUSH boundaries and SPARK conversation. READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH nidia of kailon BELOW!
Q1: Can we talk a little bit about the name Kailon: where did it come from and what does it signify in the context of your publication?
A: The idea of Kailon was born years ago, inspired by Plato’s philosophy of kalon, the fine, the beautiful, and the noble. In his teachings, kalon intertwines with agathon,“ the good,” reflecting a pursuit of excellence in character, virtue, and life itself. To live by kalon is to strive for a life where beauty and moral goodness merge, where actions align with principles, and where growth is embraced as an ongoing journey.
This philosophy is deeply personal to me. Kailon is named after my son, Kai, who is the heart of everything I do. His arrival shattered the fear and doubt that once held me back. He is my rainbow baby, the light after the storm, and my reason for courage. I want him to know that dreams are worth chasing, that falling and rising again are part of the process, and that the pursuit of excellence and virtue is always worthwhile. Kailon represents the principles I hope to instill in him: to live boldly, act with integrity, and approach life with both purpose and a touch of rebellion.
My hope is that Kailon also inspires [everyone, everywhere] to seek beauty in all its forms, to live with passion, and to add your own rebel twist to the journey of life.
Q2: How did your team meet? What’s the work dynamic like?
A: Our team came together very organically. Some of us met through Tallahassee’s queer art community, others through online connections and shared creative circles, as well as through our internship program. Lilli (she/her) who is our Executive Editor and Assistant Editor-In-Chief has been in my life for like 5 years at this point. [She] joined shortly [after] we launched and helps me raise my son while we conquer the world with the magazine. We’re a minority, women-owned and queer-led team of writers, editors, designers, and dreamers. The work dynamic is collaborative and passionate, everyone brings their unique strengths to the table. Michelle (she/her), who is our marketing lead is a true professional and genius in every way and she has shaped so much in so little time. We’re spread across different cities and countries, but the shared mission keeps us tightly connected and we have formed beautiful friendships.
Q3: What’s been the most fun and the hardest part about running an independent publication?
A: The most fun part is seeing an idea blossom into something tangible, whether it’s a digital feature that sparks conversation, someone saying‘ yes, they will believe in us’ or holding [the] print issue in our hands for the first time. The hardest part is definitely resources. Indie publishing means constantly balancing creative ambition with funding, time, and sustainability.At the moment we are completely volunteer-led and are actively pursuing to change that, because we truly have a great team that deserves it. But these challenges also push us to innovate and stay true to our roots.
Q4: Kailon puts out weekly articles; what have been some of your favorite ones to publish?
A: We’ve had so many favorites! I personally love to read and write art and culture pieces, as well as historical or investigative [ones]. We’ve also loved publishing essays that highlight global issues, intimate personal reflections, and unique voices from our contributors around the world. Our variety is our strength.
Q5: It’s awesome that you guys also work in print. What is the print production process like for your magazine?
A: Print is truly a labor of love. We treat every issue like an art object. It starts with curating the theme and lineup, then working with writers, editors, and artists to refine each piece. Our design and layout team ensures that the visual storytelling matches the power of the words. From there, we send them off to print a sample or two while [praying] to the print and publishing gods. If everything looks good, we then order in bulk and announce [the issue] to the world. It’s a slower, more meticulous process than digital, but the payoff of holding something physical, something that lasts, is incredible.
“[print] is a slower, more meticulous process than digital, but the payoff of holding something physical, something that lasts, is incredible.”
Q6: Who are some artists, magazines, creators that your team has looked up to as you’ve developed your identity as a brand and publication?
A: Truthfully, we admire everything Dreamgirlworld Zine has done, and the opportunities you have created for us and other small indie mags. [How] much you have grown while sticking to your indie roots is everything we hope to embody, and we truly admire and send each other your posts within our board team, and we’re your biggest fans. We’re also inspired by creators who blur lines between mediums, writers who are also visual artists, musicians who are also fashion designers, [that sort of thing]. Many we have met and come to know by them simply submitting their work to the magazine. [For example, there’s] a feature in our [most recent] issue‘ Queer Alchemy’: Nikola Djukic, a Siberian-born multimedia artist currently based in Vietnam. We’re drawn to visionaries who don’t fit into one box.
Q7: Aw thank you so much! I know our audience will be happy to know that Kailon is minority-owned and women-led; how have you navigated the indie publishing industry as a team with marginalized identities?
A: Being women and queer-owned means that representation and inclusivity aren’t just buzzwords for us, they’re lived experiences. We’ve navigated the industry by creating our own lane, rather than waiting for permission. It hasn’t always been easy, we cannot express that part enough, but our identities are also our strength. They shape the stories we tell, the voices we uplift, and the community we build.
Q8: I also noticed that you all are currently casting interns and models! That’s so exciting: what are you looking for from potential candidates?
A: We’re looking for curiosity, creativity, and passion. For interns, that can mean writers who are eager to learn, editors who care about craft, or designers who want to experiment. For models, we’re focused on inclusivity and diversity; we want people who reflect the wide range of identities and aesthetics in our community. More than anything, we want candidates who believe in Kailon’s mission and want to grow with us.
Q9: Finally, where are the primary places where people can find and engage with Kailon Magazine?
A: Most people discover us online—through our website, KailonMag.com, and our social platforms (@KailonMagazine) where we share weekly articles, essays, and updates as well as in Dreamgirlworld Zine’s comment section! And of course, the goal is for our print issues to have their own special audience—collectors, bookstores, and readers who cherish physical media.
