Wogging, Zumba and The Miami Heat — Introducing Karen Schwartzkopf

By Terry Haycock, 1st Vice President for Membership

New member Karen Schwartzkopf hails from Wheeling, in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. She attended Wheeling Jesuit College. After studying a variety of writing styles and techniques (advertising, journalism, magazine, broadcast, and technical), she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in professional writing.

After graduation, she and her best friend from Wheeling relocated to Richmond where other members of her extended family also lived. Later, she moved to the Fan area.

Karen worked in retail advertising at Miller & Rhoads downtown back when print artists were still illustrating on drafting boards. Later, at Best Products, she learned about typesetting and using computers. At that time, “writers duties were tied to working on layouts and type using MACs.”

At Heilig-Myers she worked in retail advertising and moved into public relations, which changed her focus to communications.

In 1994, Karen married Scott Schwartzkopf, a graphic designer who had relocated from Oklahoma. They have been married for 28 years and love Richmond. Their children include Lindsey, 21, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in art education and painting; Robin, 23, a 2021 University of Virginia graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in media studies and English serving as an editor of RICtoday; and Samantha, 25, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from University of Richmond and works for the City of Richmond in policy, public information, and engagement.

When Karen was expecting Robin and Scott was working independently, Karen left the corporate world to work as a freelance writer. Says Karen, “I didn’t look back.” At first, she and Scott worked on newsletters, signage, advertising, and a variety of print products.

In 2007, a local publisher said her graphic designer was on maternity leave and she needed someone to work on design for a small magazine. Scott soon discovered the publication also needed an editor/writer. The couple “jumped into it,’ she says, working on All About Kids Magazine as a team for a year.

During the 2008 recession, they lost most of their clients, including the new magazine. Looking for new jobs and projects, Karen and Scott hawked their wares as a team. This is when they met Margaret Thompson who was working at a small direct mail agency. After talking to the Schwartzkopfs, she decided she wanted to start a parenting lifestyle publication. She hired the team to create and produce a brand-new publication; Richmond Family Magazine’s first issue was published in October 2009. Scott and Karen had three daughters at the time and producing a family lifestyle publication in the area seemed a natural choice. Karen was the first managing editor of RFM.

Although it launched with a distinct parenting direction, the publication is now branded as a family-lifestyle magazine. Karen remains RFM’s managing editor, and Scott is creative director.

Karen writes the “Editor’s Voice” column, edits freelance writers and area experts, and manages all editorial material for RFM in print and online at RFMonline.com.

Note that Karen is a resource for Richmond, Virginia-based freelance writers and is working to increase her pool of writers. “We look for a multicultural mix in content and photos throughout every issue and in RFM’s social media,” she says.

RFM is now bimonthly — the one substantial change in response to the pandemic. It always has been and will continue to be free for readers. Her current pool of writers includes VPC member Joan Tupponce, who writes about local people and places, securing her own interviews. A few of the new writers started in the Real Parent department where parents share information and real-life experiences to help other parents. A few have become feature writers for RFM and other publications. Karen wants “to make sure readers and creatives are represented in RFM.”

Karen and Scott have worked from home together since 1998. She says, “Sometimes I wake up in the A.M. and pinch myself to be sure it’s real.” She adds, “We were built for the pandemic. When other people were adjusting to the work-from-home model, I tried to offer strategies to help. It is a way of life we have enjoyed for more than 20 years.”

“I’ve learned a lot about privilege over the years — most notably that the work-from-home life I’ve lived with my creative partner while raising our family is unique. I am grateful and I treasure every minute of it.”

Karen likes working with writers, especially new ones, so, when Tupponce talked about VPC, and fellow members of the James River Writers talked about VPC, she joined and looks forward to connecting with our membership.

But Karen is not all about work. She loves the arts and musical theater in Richmond. She would like to write children’s books, and, like many writers, reading is also a favorite pastime. Says Karen, “Be a reader to be a writer. If you’re home with kids, let them see you reading.”

This spring, Karen will be working with Scott on a non-work project. The couple’s oldest daughter is getting married. Karen and Scott are renovating their outdoor space to entertain guests at a garden party.

Karen, who is 5 feet tall, is “a huge NBA fan.” Scott even gave her a League Pass subscription for their anniversary so she can watch all the Miami Heat’s games, her favorite team. She also works out with weights at home and enjoys “wogging” — a half-walking and half-running hybrid that’s easier on 56-year-old knees. Until the pandemic, Karen worked out in group classes (Zumba is her favorite) at her local YMCA and wants to resume that activity this summer.

Plan to meet Karen at VPC’s April 30 celebration luncheon; you will enjoy her enthusiasm and energy.