As we celebrate the five-year anniversary of Gilbert City Lifestyle, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on this incredible journey. When we first started, our vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a magazine that would truly represent the spirit of Gilbert, a town we both love dearly. We wanted to tell the stories of the people who make this community so special, to capture the growth and changes, and to connect neighbors in a meaningful way.
Looking back, one of our favorite parts of running the magazine has been meeting the people in our community and sharing their stories. Gilbert has grown so much over the past five years, and it has been a privilege to document that growth. Whether it’s introducing newcomers to the town or reminding long-time residents of the rich history and culture that make Gilbert unique, we’ve cherished every moment of this journey. It’s personal for us—we’ve built relationships with business owners, artists, and everyday residents, each adding another layer to the tapestry that is Gilbert City Lifestyle.
The early days of the magazine were nothing short of crazy! We had this dream, but bringing it to life was a challenge. Several others had tried to start a publication in Gilbert before us, but none had managed to get the first issue out the door. We knew we had to build trust within the community, both with our readers and with the partners who would help make the magazine a reality. That meant being consistent and maintaining a high level of quality in every issue we produced. There were days when it felt like we were taking a leap of faith, but we were determined to make it work.
One of the moments that really stands out to us was when we found out that every issue of Gilbert City Lifestyle was being archived by HD South. This recognition was incredibly meaningful to us—it was a validation of our place in Gilbert’s ongoing story. Knowing that we are not just part of Gilbert’s present, but also its future, is something we are incredibly proud of.
Throughout these five years, we’ve seen how the magazine has helped bring the Gilbert community closer together. In a time when digital media often dominates, we’ve remained steadfast in our belief in the power of print. There’s something enduring about a printed magazine—it’s tangible, lasting, and offers a sense of connection that’s hard to replicate online. Through our stories, we’ve tried to introduce neighbors to one another, spotlight local successes, and celebrate the aspirations that drive the people of Gilbert. We believe that by telling these positive, authentic stories, we’re helping to foster a sense of unity and pride in our community.
As we look to the future, we’re more excited than ever about what’s to come for Gilbert City Lifestyle. This year, one of the most thrilling developments has been setting our roots down at Kiln, the work-share location in San Tan Village Mall. This new space will not only provide a physical hub for the magazine but also serve as a gathering place for the community—a spot where partners, readers, and contributors can come together to celebrate what makes Gilbert special. We see this as a significant step in expanding our ability to bring the community together, and we can’t wait to see how it will enhance our work.
Moving forward, we’re eager to grow our team and continue telling the great stories that have become the hallmark of Gilbert City Lifestyle. There’s so much happening in our town, and we want to capture it all. We’re committed to expanding our reach, deepening our connections within the community, and shining a light on the exciting things happening around town. With five years behind us and many more to come, we remain dedicated to our mission of bringing Gilbert closer together, one story at a time.
This five-year milestone isn’t just a celebration of the magazine; it’s a celebration of the community that has supported us and made this journey possible. We are so grateful to be a part of Gilbert’s story and to have the opportunity to share that story with all of you. Here’s to the next five years and beyond—may they be filled with even more stories, connections, and community spirit. Thank you for being part of our journey.