In this episode of the Power Lunch Podcast, hosts Tracie Munce and Lisa Carmichael sit down with Amy Sousa, magazine owner, community connector, and publisher of Eagan City Lifestyle to talk about grit, community, and the courage to pivot when life forces you to pause.
Amy shares the real story behind her leap from a 21-year corporate career into entrepreneurship — a decision sparked by a medical leave and health scare that forced her to reassess what truly mattered. What followed was a bold pivot: purchasing a magazine franchise in April 2022 and launching her first issue just five months later.
This conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to build a print-first brand in a digital world, and why trust, consistency, and community still win.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
- Why Amy left corporate after 21 years and chose entrepreneurship
- The realities of cold calling, networking, and building relationships locally
- How a print magazine remains trusted, tangible, and impactful in today’s world
- What it’s like working alongside her husband Matthew as editor and behind-the-scenes partner
- Balancing marriage, motherhood, a full-time publication, and two hair salons
- Why her word of the year is grit — and what that really looks like in action
- Advice for women who feel the pull to leap but are afraid to start
Amy also shares how she uses the magazine as a platform to give back to the community and spotlight local businesses in meaningful ways.
About Our Guest
Amy Sousa is the Owner & Publisher of Eagan City Lifestyle, a luxury lifestyle magazine serving Eagan and surrounding Dakota County communities.
More than a magazine, Eagan City Lifestyle is a multi-platform brand that connects residents through print, digital content, social media, and curated events — reaching over 85,000 readers each month.
Business Tagline: Celebrating the Heart of Our Community
Community & Events Mentioned
- Eagan City Lifestyle Gala and Community Awards
- Upcoming golf tournament at Brackett’s Country Club on August 31, 2026
- Local partnerships with business owners, nonprofits, and civic organizations
- The power of genuine connection in strengthening small businesses
Notable Quotes
“I realized I was just a number drinking the corporate Kool-Aid for 21 years, so I left corporate and purchased the franchise.”
“Print is more trusted in our community. The magazine is digestible in about 30 minutes.”
“I truly use the magazine to give back to the community.”
“You might not need a dentist or a florist today, but when you see them consistently, you know exactly where to go when you do.”
“My advice is simple: jump in. Don’t overthink it. Surround yourself with like-minded people.”
“Everybody needs a Matthew in their life.”
Connect with Amy & Eagan City Lifestyle
Website: https://citylifestyle.com/eagan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eagancitylifestyle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EaganCityLifestyle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eagan-city-lifestyle
Digital Magazine Archive: https://citylifestyle.com/eagan/issues
Notable Mentions
This episode is a reminder that courage doesn’t always show up loudly. Sometimes it looks like grit, consistency, and choosing yourself — even when the path forward isn’t perfectly clear.
Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship, community-based marketing, or redefining success on your own terms, this conversation will leave you encouraged and grounded.
Call to Action:
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