From Passion to Platform: How Paola Bapelle Created YEET Magazine
It was a rainy afternoon in Montreal when Paola Bapelle first sketched out the idea for YEET Magazine. Sitting in her favorite café, a cozy spot tucked away in Mile End, she was flipping through glossy magazines and scrolling on her phone when inspiration struck.
"I remember thinking, 'Why isn’t there a platform that speaks to people like me—curious, global-minded, and unafraid to challenge the status quo?'" Paola recalls with a laugh. That spark of an idea would grow into YEET Magazine, an online publication that now reaches thousands of readers across the world.
The Birth of a Vision
Paola, a marketing professional and editorial specialist with a background in public relations, had always been passionate about storytelling. Born in Canada and now based in Toulon, France, she was deeply influenced by her multicultural upbringing and global experiences.
“I wanted to create something that wasn’t just about trends but about meaningful stories—something that could connect cultures and ideas,” she says.
In 2018, after months of planning and late nights, YEET Magazine launched its first edition. The publication focused on lifestyle, travel, and culture, with a fresh, edgy voice that stood out in the crowded digital media space.
The name “YEET” was chosen deliberately. “It’s bold, it’s modern, and it’s got this energy that mirrors what we’re about: celebrating the now while looking ahead,” Paola explains.
Building the Brand
Like any startup, the early days were challenging. Paola poured her own savings into the project, juggling freelance gigs to fund the website, hire contributors, and promote the magazine.
“I didn’t have a big team or a huge budget,” she says. “But what I did have was a network of incredible people who believed in the vision.”
Her marketing background proved invaluable. Drawing on years of experience working with companies like Shopify and Salesforce, Paola used strategic content creation and digital campaigns to build YEET’s audience. Social media became a powerful tool, with Instagram and Twitter serving as the magazine’s primary platforms for engaging readers.
YEET's Unique Voice
What set YEET Magazine apart was its storytelling approach. Rather than sticking to conventional articles, Paola encouraged her writers to dive deep into human experiences.
One standout feature was the “Nomad Diaries” series, which chronicled the lives of digital nomads navigating the world post-pandemic. Another popular column explored how art, fashion, and technology intersect in unexpected ways.
Paola’s editorial philosophy was simple: “If it doesn’t make you think, laugh, or feel something, it doesn’t belong in YEET.”
A Global Reach
Within two years, YEET Magazine grew from a passion project into a respected platform. It gained recognition for its nuanced coverage of global issues, from sustainable travel to cultural innovation. Contributors came from cities as diverse as Lagos, Paris, and Tokyo, giving the magazine an authentically international perspective.
“People tell me all the time that YEET feels like a conversation with a friend who knows the world,” Paola says. “That’s the highest compliment I could ask for.”
The Challenges of Growth
Of course, success came with its own set of challenges. As readership grew, so did the demands on Paola and her small team. Balancing creativity with the pressures of running a business wasn’t always easy.
“There were moments when I thought about giving up,” she admits. “But every time I’d get an email from a reader saying how much an article meant to them, it reminded me why I started.”
Looking to the Future
Today, YEET Magazine is more than just a publication—it’s a community. Paola has plans to expand its offerings, including a podcast and curated travel experiences inspired by the magazine’s content.
But at its core, YEET remains true to its roots. “It’s still about the stories,” Paola says. “It’s about creating a space where people can explore, connect, and dream.”
When asked what advice she’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Paola doesn’t hesitate: “Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The world needs your voice.”
For readers eager to explore the world through a fresh lens, YEET Magazine is just a click away—a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Explore more at yeetmagazine.com.