My City March 2023

MYCOMMUNITY

My City Magazine FOUNDED: 2013 | mycitymag.com

How did My City get its start? I’ve published several mag

What are your plans for 2023 and the future? I had planned to take my magazine model to other cities; however, the pandemic put that on hold. Similar publications are facing uncontrolla ble challenges, which is unfortunate in an industry with such potential to benefit both readers and advertisers. Many businesses are focused on social media marketing, and we plan to continue building our significant social media presence – over 40,000 monthly digital page views! We are noticing an increase in ad sales. Why? Our advertisers realize an ROI. I expect 2023 to be one of our best years yet, and an even better 2024. What obstacles have you overcome? When our Governor chose to shut down the state mid-pandemic, I owned four businesses – it was the biggest hurdle I have ever encoun tered. Recovery has been a struggle; however, we made it and will be even stronger going forward. What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs? If you don’t have a passion for what you do and are not willing to work 60-70 hours a week for several decades, don’t become a business owner. If you put in the work, there’s nothing better! Who would you like to thank for your success? This feels like an “Oscars” speech moment. Since the opportunity to start this magazine was born of my other business success, I would first thank my mother who always believed in me – which was key since I became an entrepreneur at age 19! She was present for all my setbacks and successes, cheering me on. There are many others to thank: the banker who gave me my first business loan back in 1978, the many employees who believed in my vision, and my talented family who has worked alongside and supported me through it all. The list is long and they all have my sincere gratitude. What is great about doing business in Greater Flint? It’s an honor and pleasure to have this platform for highlighting so many exceptional and inspiring people. Cheers to ten more years!

azines for nearly three decades, one being a nationally-circulat ed B2B title. Back in the ‘90s, one of my duties was traveling to visit our key advertisers or their ad agencies – I called it my

“handshake tour.” My travels took me to L.A., New York, Houston and Chicago, to name a few. I would thank them for their support and discuss their future marketing goals with my publication. Then, we would enjoy a nice “thank you” lunch or dinner. It never failed that during our meal, someone would ask me, “So Flint, Michigan, huh? Why do you live/work in Flint?” In those days, the city’s image was one of murder, corruption, etc. At the time, I held seats on the boards of the Flint Institute of Music, Flint Cultural Center Corporation and others. I saw a very different city than what was portrayed on the national news. I have lived in Greater Flint all my life and always knew how great the city really was, its resilience unmatched. So, I decided to start MCM with a single goal: telling the true stories of our great city and its people. Not a single page would be dedicated to negativity or politics. Ten years later, despite pandemic shutdowns and other obstacles, my staff and I still produce what I believe is one of the country’s best city magazines. “IT’S AN HONOR AND PLEASURE TO HAVE THIS PLATFORM FOR HIGHLIGHTING SO MANY GREAT AND INSPIRING PEOPLE.” What has contributed to your longevity? It’s crazy to be celebrating ten years! Our success is a product of my team’s talent, dedication and love for Flint. We’re all on the same page (pun intended).

Oleg / NikaMooni / stock.adobe.com

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