Behind the Brand

NOCTURNA ARCHIVE is a Tacoma-based magazine brand founded by Nilla Neptune.

PC: Brett Sayles

Origins:

From my years as a child, a teen, and now as an adult, the only thing I have been consistent in is writing. Everything else I have either forgotten about or just didn't resonate with me anymore, but somehow I still found my way back to writing. Journaling about my days, feelings, thoughts and just a bunch of random stuff that came to mind really helped me cope during a time where I felt completely misunderstood and alone. It was a way to express myself fully, without holding back or censoring myself.

Out of curiosity, I collected all my written entries that were scattered in various areas of my room and I ended up with multiple different stacks of books, journals, notebooks, and  loose leaf paper. 

Reading these entries back to back felt very surreal, because in a way I was experiencing everything all over again. Not just the nostalgic memories of being a kid, but also the traumatic moments that overshadowed a big portion of my life.

Instead of pushing it away like I did in the past, this time I invited it. When the negative emotions of my trauma began to rise again, I affirmed to myself that I was physically safe and okay to explore these uncomfortable feelings. As I began to question why a certain entry makes me feel this way, I was able to discover the deep-rooted fear I held onto. 

The magazine explores topics I experienced throughout my childhood, like insecurities, self-doubt, beauty standards, toxic relationships, disingenuous family members, loneliness, and how I was able to use those experiences as a way to grow rather than fall victim to it.

Behind the Name: 

I chose the word Nocturna, Latin for Nocturnal, because I am a night owl and work mainly in the night-time rather than the day. For me, it is easier to hear myself think and my creativity starts to hit me the strongest during that 2am-4am time-frame. 

Archive represents my love for history and things of the past, such as vintage movies, magazines, books, art, etc.

Mission:

This Brand represents so much more than me, it represents all the women who deeply feel uncomfortable being themselves, but want nothing more than to be accepted.

All you need is yourself and a deep desire for change. It starts here.