A woman, mother, and entrepreneur, her vision and entrepreneurial spirit are rooted in a steadfast determination to do only the best, with the best! Fátima Magalhães, founder of the editorial project F Luxury, joins us for an intimate conversation about her journey over the past ten years, now that the magazine celebrates a decade of existence.
What has been the most significant moment in these ten years of F Luxury?
The materialisation of the first edition, without a doubt. Seeing the first issue in print was like holding a dream in my hands. It was the beginning of a journey that has brought us here, a decade later, with the same passion and even more ambition.
How was your journey to reaching the leadership of F Luxury? What do you consider to have been the main challenges that marked your path?
Everything was built with great dedication, commitment, and hard work. I began my career in the world of luxury with the goal of creating a publication that would reflect the sophistication and essence of major brands. It was a path of continuous learning, where I faced many challenges, from managing a team to adapting to changes in the digital market. The ability to withstand adversity and the strength and skill to reinvent myself whenever necessary were what allowed me to reach this point.
Which family values have most influenced your approach as a businesswoman and leader?
Ethics, respect, and honesty are pillars that have always guided me, and I strive to pass them on to my team and my children. My family is my foundation, and as a businesswoman, I try to keep these values alive in all my decisions, whether personal or professional. Currently, my daughter Melanie, who is studying Branding and is already part of the team, nurtures the dream of creating her own brand because, like me, she loves the world of luxury and, by my side, has been making this journey with F Luxury.
How do you balance the need to maintain the exclusivity of the luxury market with the desire to make it more accessible to the general public?
Maintaining exclusivity in the luxury market is, of course, a challenge, but I believe that true exclusivity is not just about price; it is about the experience and quality. The role of F Luxury is to present luxury in a distinctive way without losing its essence. I believe we can make luxury accessible to the general public by focusing on aspects such as education and the sharing of knowledge without compromising its exclusivity. Luxury can be aspirational and, in that sense, be accessible to all.
Over these ten years, what has been the most challenging project published by F Luxury? What did you learn from that experience?
The most challenging project was, undoubtedly, the creation of a special edition in collaboration with an international brand, which required meticulous attention to every detail. It was an intense process, but it taught me the importance of working with major brands, respecting their values, and, above all, always maintaining our identity. I learned that success comes from genuine collaboration but also from a clear vision of what we want to convey to our readers. I also recall the edition published during the pandemic, which showed me that we can find great meaning even in adversity. It was challenging having the entire team working from home, but it was an issue I am particularly proud of, as it was published and distributed across Portugal, showcasing how special this country is.
How would you describe your leadership style? What values do you consider indispensable in your team?
My leadership style is based on leading by example. I believe that leading by example is the best way to inspire and motivate the team. I value transparency, open communication, and teamwork. For me, the essential values in my team are integrity, professionalism, and passion for what we do. I have a group of collaborators who have been with me from the beginning, as well as special clients and partners who have walked this remarkable journey with me.
In such a competitive market, how is it possible to maintain F Luxury’s relevance?
F Luxury remains relevant by always staying one step ahead. Adapting to new trends, constant innovation, and the ability to deliver quality content are fundamental. In the competitive market in which we operate, it is crucial to continue investing in our identity and our commitment to excellence. We can evolve while maintaining our essence: being a unique luxury magazine in the Portuguese editorial landscape. Furthermore, we have been investing heavily in digital from an early stage. F Luxury has expanded its presence by offering a dynamic, bilingual website, updated daily and strongly complemented by its social media platforms, a way to share its concept with the digital world. F Luxury has remained relevant due to the high standards we apply to every detail. The curation of content, uncompromising quality, and the meticulous selection of those who grace our covers have ensured that F Luxury is more than just a magazine, it has become an icon of luxury.
What advice would you give to all women who aspire to leadership positions in traditionally male-dominated sectors?
Never give up on your dreams. Determination, confidence, and the ability to learn continuously are the keys to success. It is essential to remain courageous, face challenges with confidence, and, above all, believe in your potential. Women have immense strength, and the world of luxury, as well as other sectors, is increasingly open to them taking on leadership roles.
What would you say to Fátima at the beginning of her career?
Today, I would tell Fátima at the beginning of her career to trust her instincts more and not be afraid to take risks. In the early years, there were moments of uncertainty and challenges, but looking back, I see that decision-making, even in the most difficult moments, was fundamental to my growth. I would also say not to pay attention to negative comments or to people who did not believe in my potential. Those voices can be discouraging, but in reality, they should not divert us from our path. I always believed in my passion for fashion and luxury, and that is what guided me. If I could go back, I would tell myself to be even more resilient and to believe that every step, no matter how difficult, is an integral part of the process. I have learned that we must embrace every experience, both the good and the challenging ones, in order to grow and evolve.
What inspires you to continue innovating in the editorial market and the luxury industry?
The constant evolution of the market and the challenge of always offering something new and different to our readers. The pursuit of innovation and excellence is what drives me every day. Moreover, I see the luxury market as an opportunity to share inspiring stories and to showcase the best in terms of quality, sophistication, and authenticity.
Have you ever faced moments of doubt or disappointment throughout your career? How did you overcome them?
I believe facing moments of doubt is natural; it happens in any professional journey. It was no different for me. However, I believe that challenges are part of the growth process. I have always sought to learn from obstacles and turn them into opportunities. The key to overcoming these moments was never losing faith in the project, continuing to learn, and surrounding myself with people who inspire me, believe in me, and encourage me to be better.
In times of crisis, whether in the market or on a personal level, what principles or strategies do you prioritise?
In times of crisis, my priority is to remain calm, focused, and adaptable, qualities I consider essential to overcoming difficult moments. I always strive to identify opportunities amid adversity without losing sight of the values and goals that guide my career and F Luxury. A prime example of this was the umbrella project of F Luxury, the F Club.
How do you feel today when you look back at F Luxury’s journey?
More than a professional achievement, F Luxury is the realisation of a dream. Ten years on, I feel stronger, more fulfilled, and even more passionate about the world of luxury. We have built a brand that has become a benchmark, and that only reinforces my belief that every detail, every choice, and every challenge was worth it.
What do you hope F Luxury will represent for readers and the market in ten years?
I see a bright future! In the premium segment, print still holds an unparalleled value. In a world dominated by screens, there is an irreplaceable pleasure in flipping through a magazine like F Luxury. And we will continue to grow, always with the same elegance and exclusivity that define us. Ten years from now, I hope that F Luxury remains a solid reference in the luxury publishing market, continuing to be a source of inspiration, information, and innovation. I want readers to see the magazine as their trusted source of knowledge in the world of luxury and for it to remain an essential meeting point for those who appreciate sophistication and exclusivity. However, I recognise the challenges facing the sector, such as brands increasingly investing in influencers and digital platforms, often at the expense of traditional publications. Agencies have also contributed to this scenario, diverting budgets to digital campaigns, which negatively impacts magazines. I hope that the F Luxury project continues to evolve and that I have the energy and determination necessary to face market challenges and ensure that our unique approach continues to captivate readers and partners.
How has the relationship been with the brands and personalities featured on F Luxury’s covers over the past decade?
Very close and enriching. With the brands, we have built relationships of trust and mutual collaboration. As for the cover personalities, we have established special bonds, as they represent F Luxury and are part of our history.
How would you like your contribution to the premium and editorial market to be remembered?
I would like my contribution to be remembered for how, through F Luxury, we have inspired new generations to appreciate luxury in an authentic way, respecting the history and quality that define it. I want to leave a legacy of an innovative approach that honours tradition while remaining open to new possibilities and change. What inspires me to continue as director of F Luxury is the relentless pursuit of excellence. Each edition must surpass the previous one, and that is the philosophy that guides me. I want to keep surprising readers, innovating, and ensuring that this publication remains a symbol of refinement and sophistication.
What inspires you most to be better as a woman and entrepreneur?
I believe growth happens when we surround ourselves with the right people. I am fortunate to be surrounded by incredible professionals and a family that inspires me every day. My motivation comes from the constant desire to evolve, to do better, and to create a legacy that reflects my passion for what I do.
What are your greatest passions outside of work, and how do they complement your professional life?
I have a deep passion for spas and have always dreamed of creating a unique space that truly reflects another level of excellence, much like my own image. Additionally, I love interior design, fashion, travel, and gastronomy. These passions fuel my creativity and help me maintain a broader vision, which directly influences the work I do at F Luxury.
How did it feel to become the protagonist of a production with Dior makeup?
It was a unique experience, a way to celebrate femininity and the world of beauty, which we value so much at F Luxury. Although I am usually behind the scenes, accepting this challenge allowed me to see F Luxury from a new perspective. Taking part in this production with Dior Beauty was undoubtedly a special moment that will leave lasting memories.
Would you like to leave a special message for the readers and partners who have followed the magazine’s journey?
Gratitude is the word that immediately comes to mind to express how I feel! F Luxury has reached this point thanks to our loyal readers and visionary partners who have believed in our project. Every edition is created with the utmost dedication, and knowing that we have spent ten years inspiring and elevating luxury in Portugal is a privilege. Thank you for walking this path with us!
