THE PEOPLE I MEET

Everyone has a story!

Beginning this October, with the blessing of Laura Arnold, the magazine’s President and Publisher, I’m adding a little spice to my MOM2MOMS column. I’ve realized how fortunate I am to meet people of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and upbringings every day. Whether in person, by phone, or by email, or while teaching a cooking class, hosting a Dinner in the Dark, or hosting a networking event, I’m always hearing new stories, and I want to share them. We all have a story. We all have something to share.

A fun fact: I first heard about Northern Connection exactly nine years ago, just one year after opening my business, Izabella’s Gourmet Chow. Someone from the magazine contacted me for an interview, and I was beyond thrilled. When the issue came out, the article and recognition for my cooking school touched me deeply. The validation I got meant more than anyone knew.

Years passed. Then one hot summer day, Izabella and I were floating in the pool, and as moms do, I struck up a conversation with a wonderful young woman who also had one child. What are the chances? We clicked instantly.  Her attention to her daughter, the way she played like no one was watching, mirrored exactly how I was with mine. It melted my heart. “What a good mom she is, I thought.”

Little did I know that young woman was Laura Arnold. Later, I learned that to savor every moment of summer with her daughter, she woke up at the crack of dawn to get her work done. That dedication, that heart, it told me everything I needed to know about her.

And now, with her blessing, I’m opening the door to a new chapter, sharing the people who make me pause. For my first bit of spice, I chose Laura. After all, she is the one who granted me with the column and gives me a chance to connect with so many wonderful readers.  

Laura is not only the president of this magazine, but she is also the owner of Mixed Media by Laura, LLC. Her story in publishing really began with her mom, Marion Piotrowski.  Twenty-seven years ago, Marion was working in sales and saw a need in the northern Pittsburgh community for something different, a publication that focused on the positive things happening in our region. Marion’s vision was to create a magazine that would connect local businesses with the community while also sharing uplifting stories about the people, organizations, schools, and events that make our area special. That idea became Northern Connection Magazine.

Laura grew up watching her mom build the business from the ground up with help from her dad. 

“It truly became a family business, and over the years I had the opportunity to see firsthand how meaningful a community publication can be. Northern Connection wasn't simply about selling advertisements or publishing articles, it was about creating relationships, helping small businesses grow, recognizing people doing wonderful things in our community and giving local organizations a place to tell their stories.”

In 2011, the publishing company expanded and launched Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine, a quarterly publication created specifically for adults 55 and older and their families. 

Over the years, Laura became increasingly involved in the company, eventually taking on the role of president and publisher of Swanson Publishing. 

“One of the things I love most about what I do is meeting people. Publishing has given me the opportunity to sit down with business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, physicians, entrepreneurs and everyday people who have incredible stories to tell,” Laura said. “Everyone has an interesting story if you simply take the time to listen.”

“Community involvement is also very important to me,” Laura noted.  She is involved with organizations and events throughout the Pittsburgh area, including the Passavant Hospital Foundation and Glimmer of Hope. “I believe some of the strongest business relationships are created when people genuinely support one another rather than simply asking, “What can you do for me?” Laura said.

Outside of work, the most important part of Laura’s life is her family. “I’m married to my best friend, husband, Steve, and we have a daughter, Caroline. Being a mom and wife is by far my favorite role. Like so many working moms and business owners, I’m constantly balancing family, work, school activities, community commitments and everything else life brings, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

And there you have it, my first interview with someone who does wonders for the community, a person very special to my heart, my friend!

Don’t forget to send your ideas my way, and I’ll make sure to treat them with care. 

La Dolce Vita! Happy October! And remember, “Everyone has an interesting story if you simply take the time to listen.”

Until next month!