Paula James-Martinez- Hope, Culture & the Teen Magazine Revival

What happened to teen culture?

This week on She’s Smart, Maria sits down with media insider turned culture-builder Paula James-Martinez — former Fashion Director at Refinery29, founder of Purple Diary, documentary filmmaker, and now the visionary behind Cuqui, a new teen magazine designed to give kids their MTV back.

In a world where the algorithm shapes everything, Paula is building something tangible: a print magazine, club, and cultural home where teens can ask embarrassing questions, explore style, share essays, and connect without judgment.

They talk about motherhood in the digital age, growing up online, why nine-year-olds want retinol instead of glitter, and how community — real, imperfect, in-person community — might be the antidote.

It’s a conversation about nostalgia, hope, and what we’re building for the next generation.

Visit cuqui.club