One year. It’s been one year since Westfield Lifestyle hit mailboxes in Westfield and Southwick. And what an amazing year it’s been!
Let's back up a bit, though. It's February 2019, and I am in a corporate career that requires too much travel and is, quite frankly, unfulfilling. I decide to be honest with myself. I am an entrepreneur, with a deep passion for family and roots. Searching for an opportunity, I stumbled across Lifestyle Publications, and I was instantly intrigued by the concept of launching a gorgeously packaged community magazine. Having grown up in Westfield, and now married and raising my three children here, I am deeply invested in the community. In recent years, it had been obvious that Westfield and Southwick were experiencing economic growth. Westfield was also on the precipice of its 350th anniversary, Southwick on their 250th, and I felt this rise of civic pride. An opportunity existed to promote this growth and civic pride, and bridge the gap between the residents and the businesses.
I was all-in with Westfield and Southwick. In May 2019, I purchased the Westfield Lifestyle Franchise and I began the task of funding the magazine. I hit the streets with my mockup magazine, my media kit and a passion for the mission. I am forever grateful to the early businesses that saw my vision of the positive impact this magazine could have on the community. They threw caution to the wind and they put their trust in me. Without their early support, we never would have gotten this off the ground. Thank you from the bottom of my heart - I am forever grateful!
And from there, it was time to assemble the team. Danielle Barton was first to join as Editor. An impressive hobbyist photographer, a whiz at tag-lines, a gorgeous cake decorator (just look at these photos!), and an amazing friend - I couldn’t have imagined the last year without Danielle! If not for her creativity and vision, Westfield Lifestyle wouldn’t be nearly as stunning and engaging! Kat Kattler has been our photographer from day one. The amazing images and colorful photography she provides set our publication apart. Hannah Sarat joined our photography team earlier this year, and she has added another dimension with her brilliant use of light and stunning imagery. We are so lucky to have them! And rounding out the team have been our contributing writers: Marie Crane-Yvon, Jennifer Giffune, and Rebecca Friedman. Different voices and perspectives are key to the authenticity of our product, and they did just that!
Over the past twelve months, you have joined us on a journey of all the monthly themes, all the seasons and all the holidays. You have seen a local area come together during a devastating pandemic, and we shared so many of these heroes and the ways in which community members stepped up in a time of need. You have read about the family stories behind the local businesses and you have been inspired by monthly recipes. You are kept up-to-date with relevant news and local events, as well as DIYs on how to decorate your home for the holidays! Looking for that special gift? We’ve shared just where to get that locally, too! Thank you for the graciousness and exuberance in which you accepted us into your homes. We are thrilled you’re on this journey with us, and we will continue to share the inspiring and uplifting news you look forward to receiving every month.
Quotes from each of us:
"My favorite part is when I get that call or email from someone, letting me know how much they look forward to receiving our magazine every month! I always smile from ear-to-ear." Candice Berube
"Each month is my favorite issue, it just keeps getting better and better! " Danielle Barton