Behind the Business: Meet Sam Rohr, Founder of Local Life Magazine, Local Life Bride & The MEGA Markets
Sam is the founder of Local Life Magazine and Local Life Bride, serving the LKN and CLT area. She is also the founder of Hitched Charlotte (a free wedding giveaway), The Resource Guide (a local community app), the MEGA Markets, and the Masterminds Collective (a new exclusive networking group).
Hey Sam! As an introduction to readers who may be new to your business, could you provide a brief overview of your background and the inspiration behind launching your venture?
"I have always had a passion for helping others. I grew up with people struggling severely around me, from alcoholism and drug abuse to severe mental health issues and crime. I had manifested a goal in my life at a young age to help others.
I graduated with a masters degree in Criminal Justice and Behavior Analysis and worked as an adult probation officer for three years - the same system that my brothers were incarcerated in-- just on the other end. I then took a leap and became a high school Spanish teacher at a low income school riddled with poverty. After moving to North Carolina, I taught at Mooresville High School while opening a Home Decor Store in downtown Statesville. We were able to bring in 25+ local businesses who sold their products in our store and hosted events and workshops with us.
"This is where I found my passion for local business and collaboration".
As a small business owner myself, I desired to be in a magazine (more than once) but the cost was astronomical. This is when the idea of Local Life Magazine came to mind and not long after, I launched it in August 2023. It was a hit! I couldn’t keep up with both the storefront and the magazine and unfortunately had to make the tough decision to sell The Mercantile to continue growing Local Life. Now, I feel so blessed to provide a platform both digitally and in print that is significantly more affordable than any other local publication, and significantly more active on social media (this is huge today for the advertiser!) Although the exact focus of "help" changed, I found myself feeling fulfilled with helping others each step of the way in my various careers."
Wow! We love your heart for helping others and creating a support system. In a competitive market, what distinctive qualities or strategies have allowed your business to carve out its niche, stand out from others and thrive?
"There are several other local magazines in the area and at first, many people were concerned whether or not Local Life would be successful for this reason. However, we are the only publication that is locally owned and operated by local business owners. Our two executive account managers are local small business owners, as well as our photographers and editor! We all understand the struggles of local business and we have the desire to be the helping hand to lift others up. For that reason, our prices are significantly lower than others, while maintaining the same (actually better) readership and distribution. We also understand the importance of digital marketing and really work to engage our followers with our advertisers through a huge digital presence (and its free!)"
That's inspiring! It can be argued that most business owners know that resilience is forged through adversity. Describe a setback or failure that ultimately fueled growth and innovation within your business.
"When we first opened our storefront, we quickly cycled through 2 partners. It was truly embarrassing and heart-breaking how we couldn’t rely on these individuals to pull their weight and keep their word. This was one of the most difficult times in my career (and in my life) because I couldn’t afford a storefront on my own. We were SO close to closing our doors shortly after opening when an idea emerged - to collaborate and bring in other paying businesses to sell on our store floor.
Slowly but surely, we filled our store and after only 8 months of being open, we were voted #1 in Iredell County. What we thought was the biggest failure we had ever experienced turned into the biggest blessing by forcing us to begin networking with others, and we loved it! We all worked as a big team, supporting one another and lifting one another up. That same idea was the inspiration behind Local Life - just on a more grandiose scale. It’s really so cool!"
Thank goodness you stuck it out -- look how far you've come! Envisioning the future, what initiatives or opportunities excite you most about the continued growth and evolution of your business?
"Local Life has become so much more than a magazine. It has become a community of like-minded people that truly enjoy supporting one another. Through the connections we’ve made, we were able to launch Hitched Charlotte by teaming up with 30+ local businesses to bless one deserving couple with a free wedding valued at over $70,000! The wedding was in September 2024 and we have since launched Local Life Bride because of it. Local Life Bride bride will be an expansion of our current magazine but focus on all things LOVE!
In 2024, we hosted our first two MEGA Markets -- huge vendor markets to bring the community closer to the small businesses that serve them and they were successful! We are excited to continue these markets and expand on them.
In addition, we launched the Resource Guide, an e-directory that also encompasses a free App for the community to download to find new businesses and events! These extensions to Local Life is what makes the business so exciting. If there’s ever a chance for us to implement a means of helping local businesses or the community in some way, we’re going to give it a try! The opportunities for growth are truly endless with Local Life!"
IG: @locallifemagazine
IG: @locallifebride
IG: @megamarket_nc
IG: @hitched_charlotte
IG: @resource_guide
IG: @masterminds_collective
Email: info@thelocallifemag.com
Website: www.thelocallifemag.com
Website: www.resourceguide.us
Interested in a Behind the Business Interview? Reach out to info@thelocallifemag.com!