Meet Michaela Hetherington | Tech Sales Leadership & Owner/Publisher Mesa City Lifestyle

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

Hi Michaela, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
As a mom, I think the most important thing I’ve done for my kids is show them through my own actions that you don’t shy away from hard things and you don’t stop chasing what you’re passionate about. I work in tech sales and I also own and publish a community magazine in Mesa, so they’ve grown up watching me juggle work from just about anywhere. I’ve been fortunate to have careers that allow me to show them firsthand what it looks like to build something, stay committed, and still make room for the people you love most.
Whether it was trying ice hockey so my little player could see me step into something totally new, training for a fitness competition just to challenge myself, or starting a business, those moments were really about showing them that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to start something you might not be great at yet, and to lean into the hard things anyway. I want them to see that growth comes from taking chances, honoring the opportunities God puts in front of you, and trusting that you can become someone stronger on the other side.
At the end of the day, I want them to know their happiness, success, and impact on the world are in their own hands. If they’re willing to take the leap into the unknown, stay curious, and work hard, almost anything is possible. Darn near everything is “figureoutable.”

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Mesa City Lifestyle with my husband from the ground up at a time when no magazine like it existed in our area. Convincing other businesses to believe in our vision was one of the first big challenges, especially while I was also working a full-time job. But I’ve always believed that print has a lasting power, especially in a digital age. A magazine isn’t just pages and ads to me. It’s a network, a community, and a way to connect people who might never cross paths otherwise.
It definitely wasn’t easy, but we celebrated every small success and kept moving forward. Along the way, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, whether that’s about people, decisions, or opportunities. What I hope people know about our brand is that we genuinely care about elevating local businesses, telling meaningful stories, and creating something that brings value to the community. And what I hope they know about me is that I’m grateful. Grateful to build something from scratch, grateful for the people who believed in us early, and grateful for every connection this work has created.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I would make sure they got a little taste of everything I love about living here. We would definitely spend an evening at The Hitching Post in Apache Junction on a Thursday or Saturday night for live music, dancing, and the rodeo. Before that, we would catch a sunset at the Superstition Mountains because there is nothing quite like watching those colors move across the desert.
We would spend a full pool day at The Global Ambassador and then stay for dinner and drinks there. At some point we would fit in a coffee date at Hava Java, a relaxed float on paddle boards down the Salt River, and maybe even a round of golf. And while I love the luxury and energy of the Valley, I have always been grounded by nature, hiking, and the quieter parts of the desert. So the week would be a mix of both, with great food and fun nights out balanced with sunshine, scenery, and a little adventure.

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?
I’d absolutely give a shoutout to my husband and my parents, but as I’ve gotten a little older I’ve realized just how important true friendship is. I am incredibly grateful for my girlfriends who cheer for me and my kids in every season. They’re the ones who answer the phone at any hour, whether I’m calling to share a small win or I’m in tears from disappointment or heartbreak. They show up without judgment, they love me and my family, and we never see each other’s success as competition or each other’s setbacks as a reflection of our worth. The circle is smaller these days, but those women know exactly who they are if they’re reading this and I’m forever grateful for them. (H, K, M, S – xo)

Website: https://citylifestyle.com/mesaaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mesacitylifestyle/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-hetherington/

Other: Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaela.hetherington