#MediaMonday – Dara Fowler
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Dara Fowler, the publisher of EastM Magazine, which launches today!
So, Dara, time to share!
Tell us how you got your start? Tell us your story!
I am actually a graphic designer. Been doing design and marketing for over 25 years! During those years many clients have been publishers — I have been the art director for, and designed, dozens of magazines.
Tell us how you came to start East M?
I have lived in East Mesa for 15 years, and I love it here! It is the perfect little corner of the Valley, right next to Tonto National Forest, filled with quiet, family communities, and it has that small-town feel, yet also has plenty of amenities. We are surrounded by natural beauty, have some great schools, great locally owned business, and so many active, fit people of all ages. I felt like we deserved a lifestyle magazine that reflects this, and we didn’t have one! So I took my years of design and marketing experience, my involvement with publications, and my network of editors, writers, and photographers, and decided I was going to do this.
What do readers need to know about EastM? What is the coverage area? Who is the audience?
The vision of EastM is to embrace everything that makes this area so special. Our aim is to build relationships and together expand our businesses, strengthen our communities, nourish our families and celebrate why we love it here!
The initial coverage area is the Northeast part of Mesa, primarily the zip codes of 85207, 85205, 85215 and 85213. This is where the communities receiving mailed copies are located. Distribution to businesses is a bit wider.
The demographic of this area, and therefore most the readers, are health conscious, dynamic families with middle to upper, to very high incomes, and who care about quality and about giving back. These are people that look out for their neighbors and actively support their communities. Most have pets and care about wildlife and the environment. Many are business owners and young professionals, and many are retirees. However, I believe that anyone living in East Mesa, who gets the uniqueness of the area and loves it here, will find something to enjoy in EastM!
What are your main bi-monthly sections?
- Start Here, which features:
- “We Love It Here”
- Charity Spotlight
- Fun Facts/By The Numbers
- Business Spotlight
- Adventure & Wildlife
- Business & Growth
- Community & Family
- Active & Strong
- Home: Inside & Out
- Food & Entertainment
- Looking Back
Where did you grow up?
I spent most of my life in Silver Spring, Md..(well, from 2nd grade to age 24).
Favorite type of music?
Used to be quite the “Headbanger,” but have mellowed in my old age. Now I like almost anything (except country), but I probably listen to Classic Rock the most.
Favorite color?
Purple!
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
What’s Crackin Café and D’Vines Bistro
Least favorite food?
I don’t do spicy!
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
- I love to paddleboard. I started about six years ago, and I compete as well as teach.
- I train with an MMA fighter — I box and grapple (submission wrestling), and can kick some ass.
- I have been self-employed for 16 year and am a single mom of an amazing 14-year-old son.
What is the lead time you need for content or pitches?
I welcome them anytime. If they need to be in a specific issue, then one month to 50 days prior to issue date.
What should (and shouldn’t) people be pitching to you?
I am looking for stories and articles that inform, entertain and inspire! I prefer a local East Mesa connection. I am covering subjects on the outdoors (adventure/wildlife), business and development, community and family, health and fitness, home (decor, DIY, landscape), food and entertainment.
What is the best way to reach you?
Call 480-200-5286 or email me: dara@eastmmag.com
