Meet Ladygunn Founder Koko Ntuen

If ever there were a metropolitan area more difficult to navigate on a budget than Los Angeles, it would be New York City.  Just ask LADYGUNN’s Editor-in-Chief, Koko Ntuen. After receiving a graduate degree from Manhattan’s The New School, Ntuen worked at Elle Magazine and Paper Magazine before making the leap to launch LADYGUNN.  Koko jokes, “I think the kind of person who reads and loves my magazine is someone that you would want to have an intelligent conversation with, and then make out with.”  I guess that describes us, then (thanks, Koko!). We so love the magazine that we could hardly contain ourselves when Koko consented to an interview. Because she understands our plight, she's also generously agreed to offer BGG readers 15% off anything in the LADYGUNN store using promo code "BKGRLSGUIDE."

BGG: Why did you decide to start your own magazine?

KN:  I wanted to see a different perspective in the media.  There was a need for diverse, real, raw, unpretentious features with amazing talent in the world of publishing.  We are like the .00001 percent of magazines that don't cover things like Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, or Angelia Jolie. We wanted to give the kids some options, ya know!  LADYGUNN has also been a platform for me and my cool friends to showcase our various talents.

BGG: What has been the biggest change in going from working for a big publication to starting your own?

KN: Petty cash. 

BGG: What are the biggest challenges you face as a young woman in the art world?

KN:  Just being a woman, for one. Not having a trust fund and a ton of advertising money to have all of our ideas and needs met immediately is also pretty frustrating at times.  Publishing is such an old-money boys' club that often times young, indie magazines run by woman can be ignored. Challenges are healthy, though, and I always find a way to overcome them! Advertise in LADYGUNN, people!

BGG: You live a life that many young girls dream about when they think of moving to the city. How have you made it work on a budget?

KN: Aw really? I guess on paper my life does look pretty fabulous! Behind the scenes, though, I am pretty low key.  My fabulous life consists of not that many fabulous expenditures. I'm actually into saving money!

BGG: What is your favorite part about living in the city?

KN: There is so much awesome free stuff to do if you look for it -- just taking a walk in the park is entertainment enough.  Also, my favorite part about living in the city is that I LIVE IN NYC! It's a pretty awesome place to be.

BGG: What are your go-to cheap spots in the city?

KN: Chinatown. Every bar in Brooklyn.

BGG: What is your favorite budget weekend getaway?

KN: Going to my parents' house in North Carolina is always amazing. Every time I see those $49 flights on JetBlue, I snatch them up!  It's only an hour and a half away by plane. I get to drive my parents' bougie cars, and they treat me so good.

BGG: What are your must-have splurge items?

KN: Nice dinners at nice places, boots, and bags. 

BGG: There's something romantic to us about being a broke girl in NYC. Can life be fabulous, regardless of salary?

KN: Life is what you make of it! I'd take a steady income, though.

written by Kelsey Herman