Cara magazine

Here, we chat to Meinir and Efa, the mother and daughter team behind Cara magazine. 

The magazine was established in 2019, to provide a platform and a voice for the work of women in Wales.  

They have also published books, and their latest book, Man Draw, will be discussed at a special event during the Amdani festival, organised by the National Centre for Learning Welsh on 5 March. 

Come and find out more about Cara, and the process of creating the magazine… 

Where did the idea to set up Cara come from? 

We wanted to create a magazine for women, by women, discussing topics that are relevant to them.  There was a gap in the market for a Welsh-language magazine of this kind, so we decided to go for it! 

What’s the story behind the title? 

We were looking for a short name, that was easy to say.  Cara is a girl’s name, and it also means love.  In Spanish, it means face, which is fitting as there is usually a woman’s face on the cover. 

What is it like working together on the magazine? 

It’s a wonderful experience.  Meinir looks after the day-to-day work, but the two of us edit and proofread the magazine, before it goes to print.  We also write some of the articles and the editorial column. 

How is an issue produced? 

There are around 25 articles in each magazine, and we publish three magazines a year.  Thanks to regular contributors, the process is busy but enjoyable — reading, editing, sourcing images, and proofreading several times before going to print. 

How do you choose the themes and content for each issue? 

There are several regular features in the magazine, such as Cymraes Dramor (Welshwoman Abroad), Merched Crefftus (Crafty Women), Merched mewn Hanes (Women in History), Steilio Cartref (Home Styling) and Materion Cyfoes (Current Affairs).  In addition, topics such as travel, fashion, food and drink, health and wellbeing are central to Cara.  We also include articles that reflect the seasons. 

Which article or issue of Cara is most special to you, and why? 

Each one!  It’s always exciting when the articles arrive by email, and when we receive the printed copies from the press.  We have also published three books: Adref (2020), Cara dy hun drwy’r Newid Mawr (2023) and Man Draw (2025). 

Is there content suitable for learners? 

Yes.  Cymraes Newydd (New Welshwoman) highlights women who are learning Welsh. There isn’t too much text on each page, and English vocabulary is included where needed.  If you have a story about your language journey, get in touch — cylchgrawncara@gmail.com  

What advice would you give to learners who want to read more in Welsh? 

Go for it!  Cara is perfect for learners — you can read one or two articles at a time, with a dictionary to hand, if needed. 

What’s next for Cara? 

This year we are hosting a session at Llandeilo Lit Fest, and we will be organising the Cara May Fair in Aberystwyth, on Saturday 2 May.  There may also be a Cara stand at the National Eisteddfod, as well as at some Christmas fairs.