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Monroe’s vibrant stories come to life every month in the glossy pages of BayouLife Magazine, a publication that blends art, community, and business into one cohesive narrative. On the latest episode of Small Business Stories, presented by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Louisiana Catalyst, publisher Cassie Livingston joined Roy Heatherly and Quentin Durr to share her inspiring journey in local media and the mission behind the magazine.
From Design Student to Publisher
Cassie Livingston began her journey in the creative world as a graphic design student at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Early experience at Delta Style magazine introduced her to publishing, where she worked under Mari Brennan, juggling college and production deadlines.
After a stint in Austin, Texas—working in marketing for the Austin American-Statesman and the Austin Business Journal—Cassie returned to Monroe when given the opportunity to lead Delta Style as its publisher. By 2012, after experiencing the limitations of corporate publishing, she took a bold step and launched BayouLife Magazine.
“I thought, ‘I can do this for myself,’” she said. “And I’m so thankful for how the community embraced us from the start.”
More Than Just a Magazine
BayouLife stands out in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world by offering something tangible and meaningful. Each edition captures the spirit of Northeast Louisiana—from local art and nonprofit events to in-depth features on inspiring residents.
“We’re not hard news,” said Livingston. “We’re the community’s good news. We spotlight people who make a difference, artists, musicians, and small businesses.”
This human-centered approach allows BayouLife to build genuine connections between readers and local businesses. Through editorial features and customized advertising, businesses don’t just sell—they tell their story.
The Secret to Print Success in a Digital Age
Despite being a print publication in an increasingly digital world, BayouLife thrives. Cassie attributes that success to a deep investment in visual quality, content authenticity, and community relationships.
“We print around 14,000 copies monthly, and we home-deliver about 12,000 of them,” said Livingston. “We’re intentional about putting the magazine directly in driveways and local businesses.”
Cassie’s design background still plays a hands-on role—she personally lays out all editorial content with help from a small, passionate team including photographer Kelly Moore and art director Taylor Bennett.
Behind the Scenes: Deadlines, Peppermint Patties, and Passion
While the magazine may appear effortless to readers, Cassie offered insight into the intensive production process. From coordinating photo shoots and editorial interviews to proofing advertisements and final layouts, production week often involves 16-hour days and a lot of teamwork.
“We do a lot of the marketing in-house, especially for small businesses,” said Cassie. “Sometimes I’m even out there delivering the magazines myself—if you see one that missed the driveway, it was probably me.”
Optimism for Monroe’s Future
Cassie’s passion for Monroe goes beyond the pages of BayouLife. She spoke with enthusiasm about the city’s growth, its active event calendar, and the strong sense of community she and her family enjoy.
“When people say there’s nothing to do in Monroe, I don’t get it,” she said. “We were at the zoo, then went out to eat, and ended the day at Skate Town. There’s so much happening if you just look.”
With new infrastructure projects like the rail system and a growing calendar of events, Cassie is optimistic about Monroe’s trajectory—and BayouLife remains committed to celebrating that progress, one story at a time.
Sources
- Monroe Chamber of Commerce: https://monroe.org
- BayouLife Magazine: https://bayoulifemag.com
- U.S. Department of Commerce E-Commerce Data: https://www.commerce.gov