Community Highlights: Meet Megan De La Rosa of Centennial City Lifestyle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan De La Rosa.

Hi Megan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a connector. Before the magazine, I was a title rep , teaching realtors how to farm neighborhoods, build their brands, and market themselves. From the outside, it looked easy, but what I really loved was the relationship-building — getting to know people, bringing them together, and helping them grow.

That spark turned into something bigger when I decided to fully immerse myself in my own community. I joined the social committee, became a coach mom, started a book club, and eventually became VP of my HOA. I realized how much I loved creating experiences that brought people together and how powerful it was when local businesses stepped up to help make those moments happen.

Then life shifted. My son was diagnosed with autism, and I was handed a list of resources and told to “figure it out.” I dove in, discovering just how much communities can offer when you know where to look. At the same time, I was falling out of love with title and searching for what was next -dabbling in finance, non-profits, and insurance. Nothing felt right. The market was rough, and with three kids depending on me, I knew I couldn’t afford to stay stuck.

That’s when I stumbled across City Lifestyle. Something about the platform — the beauty, the potential, the way it could elevate local voices . It spoke to me. But how could I create something like this, could I be a “magazine owner” I had never owned a business before, but there wasn’t a Plan B. As a single mom with severance running out, I told myself: launch this magazine or lose the chance.

It wasn’t easy. I spent months knocking on doors, pitching the vision, and hearing “no” or “not right now” more times than I can count. There were nights I’d sit at my kitchen table after putting the kids to bed, exhausted, wondering if I was in over my head. But every setback pushed me to show up again the next day. Eventually, after what felt like a thousand meetings, I hit my revenue goal and launched. I’ll never forget the night before that first issue went out, thinking: This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done — and I’ve been through a lot.

The early days were pure grit. I ran the magazine solo for three months until I met my now-publication director, Danielle. From day one, she saw the vision, believed in it, and together we started building something bigger — not just a magazine, but a platform for connection. A place where businesses can brand themselves, tell their stories, and be recognized as some of Centennial’s best.

And then something incredible happened — the ripple effect. One story led to another. One business introduced me to five more. The happy hours that started as a way for partners to meet each other began growing month after month. In January 2025, we opened them to readers and 45 people showed up. By February, it was 65. And by our one-year anniversary in July, 211 people came together to celebrate. I don’t expect that many at every event, but what I’ve learned is this: people are craving connection just as much as they love a beautiful magazine.

What started as a way to share stories is now a movement — proof that when you show up, stand out, and stay true to your purpose, amazing things happen. And this is just the beginning.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth? Not even close. You’ll have days where you have to keep finding — and surrounding yourself with — people who get it. People who understand the power of connection and want to be part of something bigger. And then there are the ones who don’t. The ones who don’t see the vision or don’t believe in the magazine or in what you’re building.

In the beginning, there were missed deadlines, sleepless nights, and moments where I’d wake up cringing about things I said or didn’t say. There were more “learning moments” than I can count. But here’s the thing: when you find something that’s not working, you pivot, and you pivot fast.

I had to figure out every part of the business while still showing up for my kids and my community. There are days when people are rude, or they take without giving, without realizing the power in generosity. But that’s when you lean into your circle — the people who see your vision, who show up, and who want to celebrate your wins right alongside you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Centennial City Lifestyle isn’t just a magazine — it’s a movement. Every month, we deliver more than beautiful pages; we deliver connection, pride, and purpose to the heart of our city.

We reach 60,000 readers in the most affluent neighborhoods of Centennial, giving businesses the visibility and credibility they deserve. What sets us apart? We bring the magazine to life. We take stories off the pages and into the community — building real relationships and creating a ripple effect of connection and growth.

The response has been overwhelming. From Mayor Stephanie Piko sharing the praise she hears, to businesses telling me their features or Ads brought in new high paying opportunities this magazine has become a trusted voice and a bridge between local businesses and the people who want to support them.

I’m proud of this brand — proud of how we’ve turned a publication into a platform that truly connects our community. And the best part? We’re just getting started.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Find people who believe in you and your business — and then keep building from there. Some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten from my mentors still guides me every single day: stay curious, stay connected, and stay uncomfortable.

My good friend Phill Peto always says, “Cold calling is the punishment for not networking.” And he’s right. Go to every event. Say hi to everyone. Take every coffee meeting. Even when you think, “Maybe this isn’t the person I need to meet,” dig deeper — because they know someone you don’t, and that connection could change everything.

Networking isn’t just about exchanging cards; it’s about building real relationships. When I meet someone, my goal is to connect with them on a deeper level. I want to be their biggest cheerleader, to connect them with the people and opportunities that will help them grow — because when you celebrate others, it always comes back full circle.

Stay uncomfortable, stay intentional, and always, always lead with connection. That’s how you build not just a network, but a community that believes in you right back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://citylifestyle.com/centennial
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centennialcitylifestyle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centennialcitylifestyle
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandelarosa2/

Image Credits
@Noah Berg Photography @Castlerockheadshots.com