Teen editor aims high

Kenya Jordana James plans to expand her empire

At 13 years old Kenya Jordana James makes the rest of the world look like an underachiever.

Two years ago she founded a no-nonsense magazine called Blackgirl. Aimed at teenagers, it now reaches 4,000 subscribers in addition to news-stand sales, and the Atlanta teenager says this is just the beginning.

"I am starting my own clothing company in the spring of 2003," she told BBC World Service's Everywoman programme.

"I also strive to be the best role model for teens and younger children so that they can become the next kings, queens or presidents."

Enterprising

Kenya's idea for the 20-page magazine was born out of frustration. Whilst in third grade she became increasingly bored by magazines that she felt did not represent her peers.

Kenya pursued Lauryn Hill for six months before she agreed to appear in Blackgirl

"I read a lot of publications that all said the same thing," she explained.

"By seventh grade I wanted a magazine for teenagers that would not only have the entertainment aspects of our lives, but would also have the historical, cultural and entertainment aspects too."

Having earned $1,200 selling cakes to her neighbours, Kenya invested her finances and developed her magazine business plan.

"I also had to find other people who would sponsor and advertise within the magazine," she recalled.

"At first it was hard, but as you get older these things become easier."

Future hopes

Television appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show have helped to raise the budding media mogul's profile and she has since gone on to interview celebrities such as tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and musician Lauryn Hill.

Ultimately I would like to continue the magazine, run a multi-million clothes label and become an obstetrician and deliver babies

Kenya Jordana James

Persistence, she claims, has been the key to her success.

"Children can do anything that they set their mind to," she says.

With three adults and a teenage team behind her, she has firm ideas about her future.

"Ultimately I would like to continue the magazine, run a multi-million clothes label and become an obstetrician and deliver babies," she explained.

Until then she recognises that she must contain her enterprising spirit and continue to live with her mother and great-grandfather in Georgia.

"I am a child and my mum makes sure that I clean up my room and I go to school each day. Having a publication is just one thing that I do."

You can hear Everywoman on BBC World Service on Monday at 2030 GMT in Europe.