We’ve just added another selection to your morning or late night online habits! SOLOMAG.COM is an online magazine geared towards single gals who don’t consider singlehood a situation that need be “fixed” with a fix up.

From the “Oh La La” section which showcases fun happenings and posts on friendship, finance, solo travel options and yes sometimes dating, the site is thoughtful, relevant and inspiring. No sad Friday nights here.

The site was co-founded by then single gal Jacqueline Parker who lives by this philosophy. We were curious about the magazine, yes, but also about the independent spirit behind this project. Yet another gal taking her entrepreneurial vision (founded over wine on a dock with girlfriends) and turning it into action. Love!

Jacqueline Parker is a Toronto based writer, editor and co-founder of Solomag.com

Solomag.com is such a fun and timely idea! How did it come about?

I was sitting on the dock at a fabulous cottage in northern Ontario for a 10 day getaway with 4 of my girlfriends. We spent many hours and bottles of wine extolling the upside of being single and it occurred to us that everyone in the media and Hollywood portray the downside so here was an opportunity to exploit the positive aspects of it. We were all enjoying our freedom and independence and so I started the magazine as a way to encourage women to enjoy it and thrive in their single status while it lasts and not to desperately run away from it. If you can’t be happy enjoying your own company –why would anyone else? My Mom used to always say to me.

What was your vision? How did it relate to your life? Was it a clear vision right from the start?

My vision was to create a community for single women to support and inspire each other. I have been a writer for the past 20 years and thought this was the perfect outlet for my passion and writing. I was working in advertising and had spent a decade stressed out and burnt out. I knew it was time to challenge myself and move out of my comfort zone by pursuing a career that really allowed me to combine my passion with my skills. Once I knew what it was I wanted to do, there was nothing that could stop me. My strategies have changed along the way but my vision never has. I was single for a very long time and while I always wanted to meet someone, I knew he’d have to be pretty special in order for me to change my lifestyle. I have since found him and 9 weeks ago we had our first baby girl. They were both worth the wait.

Favourite Saying?

“Leap and the net will appear.” When I was debating whether or not I should launch the magazine and go freelance full time or keep my stable, high-income job in advertising, someone sent me that quote and I pondered it. It felt right so I did it. I think it’s true of most things.

I know many women who have successful careers but are feeling stuck without passion or vision and don’t know where to start towards taking their careers to the next level, or, perhaps even starting over in a new realm.  If you could offer any advice or guidance to them to just ‘go for it’, what would it be?

I would say that you have to look at the skill set you think is the strongest and could provide you with flexibility when it comes to career options. As a writer – there are many paths I can take as a freelancer. It takes baby steps and some research but once you take those first few steps, you’ll find there’s no turning back. It can be scary but the feeling of accomplishments soon overcomes the fear and before you know it – you’re closer to your goal than you are to your past.

So, you were single for 20 years and are now partnered. How important were your friendships as a single gal and how have the friendships changed since partnering, if at all?

My friendships are critical to me. I have very close male and female friends. I had considered having a child on my own and we’ve covered this topic quite a bit. It takes a village they say – and that’s true not just with a child, but with all of my life. My friends have been a huge support through major decisions to major setbacks. My friendships are all still very much intact and we remain a ‘community’ even though our lives are all changes and even going on different paths. We may not be as close as we were but we still stay in close proximity.

How do you nurture your friendships?

I keep in touch all the time and make a real effort to see my friends for a monthly catch up. During the times in between, we are always in contact on email and I offer to help out whenever possible as do they. Our time becomes more and more in demand but we make sure that we take a breath and connect with each other even if it doesn’t always feel convenient.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself at the age of 20?

I would have told myself to listen to my intuition instead of to my peers and others. I think the older we get, the more we learn to ignore it. When I look back on some of the things I didn’t do because others told me it was too risky or not acceptable, I’m sorry I listened to them and not my gut. Their advice may have been good advice, but it wasn’t good for me. My instincts know what’s best for me and I’m learning to pay more attention to my intuition now. Listen to your gut.

Perfect night in? A fabulous home-cooked meal, fine wine, a few great friends, my husband and great music. If there was a fireplace that would be even better.

Ideal Night Out? A night with the girls, over cocktails with no distractions from strangers. Just us, dressed up for fun and catching up on all the things going on that we miss when we don’t see each other day to day.

Wind Up Beverage? First thing in the A.M. Coffee: double milk, double sugar – no cream

Wind Down Beverage? Cabernet Sauvignon – Wolf Blass Yellow Label