In honor of our second anniversary, I wanted to introduce you to our local staff. Since the inception of Manhattan City Lifestyle, there’s been a staff of just three people to work on this each month: Myself as publisher, Heather Hoffman as editor, and Tim Sigle as photographer. They’ve been with me since day one, and I’m blessed to have them. - Tyler Jackson.
Heather Hoffman, in her own words:
I have wanted to be a writer since I knew how to read. There was one major issue with this goal — I didn’t want anyone to read my writing. For this reason, I did not join my high school newspaper nor take a single college Creative Writing class. Ira Glass, the acclaimed radio host, has a quote that can explain my reluctance to share my work with the world — or even just a small writing circle:
“For the first couple years you make stuff, it's just not that good. It's trying to be good, it has potential, but it's not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you.”
So, for many years, I put my writing ambitions on the back burner.
After college, I completed a two year stint leading a new education program at a Washington, D.C. law firm, before heading north to graduate school at Harvard.
In graduate school, I wanted to take advantage of the immense resources available and jumped in head first to the icy waters of new experiences: coding, data analysis, public speaking. Finally, I decided to take my first creative writing course.
When the professor, Nancy Sommers, asked me to share a narrative essay for the whole class — sixty people! — to dissect, I sheepishly agreed. The feedback shared was generally kind and helpful, but the critical feedback didn’t kill me.
I learned many valuable lessons from this course, but perhaps the most valuable was that you have to give yourself permission to write poorly before you can write well. Great writing often comes to the surface after multiple revisions. This is a lesson that I share with all of my students, many of whom I help with their college admissions essays.
In August 2021, I was at Taco Lucha with my partner Ervin, and new friend Tyler. My ears perked up as he began discussing Manhattan City Lifestyle, the magazine franchise he had recently purchased. He was looking for an Editor and thought I could be a good fit based on our conversation.
It felt like kismet. Even though my schedule was already full between my full-time job at an education technology company and tutoring commitments, I knew it would be an incredible privilege to be part of a local publication representing my hometown. Interviewing local changemakers, artisans, and small business owners has been an honor, and curating the list of monthly events has encouraged me to explore more in the community.
Joining the magazine as the Editor became more than a role—it became an embodiment of reconciling my past fears to share my writing and embracing a newfound courage. My journey echoes the wisdom I share with my students, assuring them that the path to opportunities starts with embracing imperfection.
Tim Sigle, Staff Photographer
Tim Sigle is one of the most sought-after landscape photographers in the region. His interest in photography was first sparked when he took a class at Cowley County Community College. His passion soared further when he captured photos from a bird's eye view while flying over Manhattan Country Club, in a plane piloted by his father. The unique perspective in these images unexpectedly drew high demand from Country Club members, and Tim realized that he may have the chops to make it as a photographer.
This pivotal moment prompted Tim to shift gears, redirecting his academic focus from Business to pursuing photography at the Art Institute of Colorado. While some parents might feel apprehensive about their child pursuing an arts degree, Tim's parents were steadfast in their support. He says, “My parents were the ones pushing me to do what I wanted to do. They have supported me tremendously.”
After completing his degree, Tim was eager to return to Riley County, where the community embraced his business. He has developed a portfolio that includes portrait, wedding, real estate, and landscape photography.
Tim's foray into landscape photography stemmed from a pivotal moment when his friend Gordon Hibbard invited him to capture Rock Springs Ranch, which changed his trajectory as a photographer. Tim says, “I absolutely love the Flint Hills and how the hills stack and go on forever.”
Tim's photography graces numerous locales in Manhattan and across Kansas, adorning both businesses and homes. His artwork is showcased throughout the brand-new Stormont Vail Health Manhattan Campus.
Tim cherishes moments with wife Lana and their delightful trio—twin boys Cooper and Landon, aged five, and three-year-old Lucy. Beyond the lens, family joys extend to leisurely golf rounds at Colbert Hills and fun-filled outings at Goolsby's for bowling and swings on the golf simulator.
Behind Tim’s work resides a profound love for capturing God’s creation and bringing the beauty of the outside world into people’s daily lives.
Landscape shots & wildlife are my passion
