As we dive into 2025, I can’t help but reflect on how this year began in the most incredible way. The launch of our newly redesigned magazine has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. From our readers to our writers and advertisers, everyone shares the same excitement we do. The new, elevated look has been received better than I could have imagined, and I’m so grateful for the support we’ve received as we took on this fresh direction.
We’ve also expanded our distribution, adding new locations throughout Volusia County, and we’re excited to continue growing that reach throughout the year. One of my favorite things about this business is how interconnected our success is. When we succeed, so do the people we work with. If I’m doing my job well, our writers, advertisers, and collaborators benefit just as much as I do. That’s such a beautiful way to run a business.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025 SO FAR
This year has already brought incredible opportunities to connect with talented people in our community. I had the pleasure of meeting a local singer named Faith and sharing coffee with her and her mother at one of my favorite spots in New Smyrna Beach, The Botanical House. I love discovering and sharing the stories of talented people in our area, and you can read Faith’s interview on page 19 of this issue. We’re also thrilled to welcome a new writer to our team. Captain Mark Kellum, also known as The Boat Coach, joins us as a columnist starting this month. Mark is a longtime reader of the magazine who brings a wealth of writing experience and a history of being published many times over the years. Each month, he’ll share his expertise on boating in our area, from tips on navigating the water to discovering the best destinations to explore. Don’t miss his first column on page 30.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN PRINT
This issue is especially meaningful to my business partner, Kelsey, and me as we celebrate 10 years in business. That’s 10 years of printing a local magazine every month – only taking a two-month pause during COVID. It’s been a decade of staying consistent, strong, and connected to our community.
This magazine is more than a job to me – it’s my life. It’s given me the opportunity to be a hands on mother and to show my kids the value of hard work. It allows us to share positive news about our incredible community, to think outside the box, and to support local businesses and organizations.
Kelsey and I have always stayed true to the original vision of this magazine: to highlight the positive things happening in our community. While I learned in college that “if it bleeds, it leads,” we’ve chosen a different path. Instead, we focus on stories of triumph, innovation, and the amazing work being done in Volusia County.
This month, we’ve included a special feature celebrating our 10-year journey. Take a trip down memory lane with us and relive some of the incredible moments we’ve shared along the way. Thank you for your continued support over the years. Here’s to another decade of doing what we love and making a positive impact in our community.
Tiffany Sudakis | Editor in Chief
