Behind KRNL: Allie Diggs, Editor-in-Chief

You may have read every issue of the KRNL magazine and all of the blog posts on the KRNL website; you may follow our Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts; you may have even purchased one or two pieces from our merch releases over the past couple of years... but do you know what goes on behind the scenes at KRNL? Behind every Instagram post, magazine story and photoshoot is a team of talented individuals who have worked so hard to create what we know now as KRNL and to produce the content you guys love, and so we've decided that it's time our readers and followers get to know who's leading this incredible organization. Our new blog column "Behind KRNL" will introduce you to each of our newest KRNL editors so that you get the chance to learn more about how they contribute to what we do, as well as who they are as a person. Our team is built of wildly different people who are incredibly talented and passionate about what they do, and so we'd like nothing more than for you all to get to know us better.

Our first post for the column will center around our brand new editor-in-chief Allie Diggs. The EIC runs the whole show; they are given the ultimate task of leading every team at KRNL and making sure everyone's on the right track so that we can produce quality content that everyone can enjoy. It's definitely an overwhelming and difficult position to have, but a strong, resilient and creative individual can turn what could be a tiring job into an opportunity for fun and creative output, and that's exactly the kind of person Diggs is.

Introduce yourself!

My name is Allie Diggs; I am an upcoming junior. My major is journalism with a focus on print, and I am minoring in WRD. I am currently KRNL’s L + F editor-in-chief.

How did you first get involved with KRNL?

I took JOU101 with Jen Smith, and the former EIC of the Kentucky Kernel came to speak with our class. He brought a few KRNL L + F magazines, and I sprinted to the front to grab one. I emailed May May Barton, one of KRNLs outstanding advisors, repeatedly to try to get involved. I got lost in Mcvey Hall (a common occurrence for newcomers). FINALLY, I found the tiny office, I was welcomed with open arms and I fell in love. The rest is history.

What's your favorite part about getting involved with KRNL?

I love the collaboration and creativeness that our staff has. It makes me so excited that everyone always has such unique ideas.

Do you have a favorite memory during your time with KRNL that stands out to you?

Every single shoot I have done with KRNL brings back unforgettable memories and a sense of great accomplishment. Our release party was surreal. I was so happy to meet everyone in person, and Vintage Therapy and Wilsons Grocery made our release party INSANE.

What other interests/hobbies do you have outside of KRNL?

KRNL embodies many of my interests, but I enjoy drawing, reading, hiking, stick-and-pokes and hanging out with my family and friends outside of the magazine.

What is your favorite place you've ever traveled to?

If I have to pick a top 4 places... I could narrow it down to New York, Joshua Tree, Honolulu and Key West. I love traveling, and I’m currently in Nantucket working a seasonal job, which I am sure will be another one of my favorite places by the end of summer.

Who are some of your fashion/lifestyle inspirations? In other words, who do you look up to?

Fran Lebowitz, Andy Warhol, Tavia Bonetti, Tyler the Creator, Pyper America, Amber Aslay, Dua Lipa and @gabrielamendezphotography are some of my favorite creatives to follow. There are many more; I have so much saved on my Instagram and Pinterest.

What are you looking forward to this year regarding KRNL as our newest EIC?

With hopes of returning to some normalcy in the fall, I hope to bring back the connection between our staff. Even though we have the technology to conduct Zoom calls and everyone is just a text away, it’s difficult not to meet in our office or limit people at photoshoots and other KRNL events. We have grown so much as a staff and publication, even with a pandemic. I am beyond excited to connect with the team, conduct events and produce another beautiful, glossy, 100-page KRNL L + F magazine.

Plug your socials!

@aldiggs7 on Instagram.