We had the good fortune of connecting with Chrystal OJon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chrystal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was rooted in a gap I saw in our community. Maricopa is a rapidly growing city with incredible people, entrepreneurs, artists, and families — but there wasn’t a publication that truly *celebrated* that in a elevated, intentional way.

I’m deeply embedded in this community — through civic engagement, the arts, and just being a neighbor — and I kept seeing amazing stories that weren’t being told. I knew that if I wanted to see that change, I had to be the one to build it.

As a publisher, I also understood that local media is more than journalism — it’s economic infrastructure. When businesses can advertise locally, when residents see themselves reflected in a quality publication, it strengthens the entire community ecosystem.

The magazine became my vehicle to do three things at once: tell our stories with the quality they deserve, support local businesses with a premium platform, and contribute to Maricopa’s identity as it grows.

It wasn’t just a business decision — it was a community decision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Maricopa Lifestyle Magazine is the premier digital and print publication serving Maricopa, Arizona. We cover the people, culture, businesses, food, and events that make this community extraordinary — with the editorial quality and visual storytelling of a luxury magazine. We publish monthly digitally and quarterly in print.

What sets us apart is that we aren’t just a publication — we’re a community institution. We’re hyper-local but we operate with a standard that rivals regional and national lifestyle brands. That combination is rare, and it’s intentional.

What I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built. From our Director of Finance to our Marketing Director to our Social Media and Digital Content leads — every person on this team believes in the mission of elevating local storytelling. That culture doesn’t happen by accident.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. Building a media brand in a mid-sized growing city means you’re constantly educating the market on the *value* of local media while simultaneously running the business. Add to that the demands of being a caregiver and a civic leader — I’m also running for City Council — and there are real moments where bandwidth is stretched thin.

The way I’ve overcome those challenges is by staying anchored to the *why*. Maricopa deserves this. That clarity cuts through almost every obstacle.

Lessons learned:
– Build your team before you think you’re ready
– Your brand is only as strong as the community trust you earn
– Revenue follows relationships in local media

What I want the world to know is that local media still matters — maybe now more than ever. And Maricopa Lifestyle Magazine is proof that you don’t have to be in a major metro to tell world-class stories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Where would I take my best friend for a week in Maricopa?

Oh, I love this question — because people often underestimate how much this city has to offer. Here’s how I’d do it:

Night One — Welcome to Maricopa
We’re starting at **Mandy’s Wine Bar. It’s the perfect vibe to catch up, sip something beautiful, and ease into the week. Great atmosphere, great pours, and very much a local gem.

Day Two — Eat Local
Maricopa has a growing food scene and I’d hit our favorite local eateries — good food, real community, the kind of spots where the owner knows your name. We’d graze our way through town.

Mid-Week — Fun & Games
We’re knocking out **bowling** and catching a movie at our **local theater**. Sometimes the best times are the simplest ones, and Maricopa makes that easy without having to drive to the Valley.

A Day of Pure Relaxation
This is non-negotiable — we’re heading to the **spa at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino**. A full day of being pampered, maybe a little gaming, great dining on property. It’s a full reset and honestly one of Maricopa’s hidden luxury experiences.

Exploring the Community
I’d also take her to experience what makes Maricopa *Maricopa* — our local events, our arts scene, church on Sunday, maybe even a local community Orchestra performance if timing allows.

The Send-Off
Back to Mandy’s. Because every great trip deserves a bookend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is my City Council Campaign Manager. She is sharp, organized and cares about her community.

Janae Knox
Integrated Organizer
Owner, Knox Organizing
www.knoxorganizing.com
O: 310.896.8399
C: 520.757.3060

Website: https://www.maricopalifestylemagazine.com/

Instagram: maricopalifestylemagazine/

Facebook: maricopalifestylemagazine

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Q6nryeGKTrtL2tpv_Ddhg

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.