Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Liebbe.
Hi camille, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Story: How the East Dallas Magazine Came to Life
About fifteen years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I had been working in real estate for several years, but when the market turned, I knew it was time for a change. I wasn’t sure where I’d end up — whether it would be a short-term shift or the start of something entirely new — but I was ready for the next chapter.
That’s when I landed in the publishing world. I joined a company with a franchise model that produced lifestyle magazines for neighborhoods, and immediately, I saw potential. I’d always lived and worked in East Dallas, and I knew this community had a story to tell. So I started Lakewood Life magazine from the ground up. It was a hit — neighbors loved seeing their community come to life in print.
But even as the magazine grew in popularity, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it could be so much more. Under the franchise model, I had little control over the design, style, and overall quality, and I wanted to create something that truly reflected the spirit and creativity of East Dallas.
After nearly ten years, I decided to take a leap of faith. I stepped away from Lakewood Life with a vision to evolve it into something bigger — a publication that celebrated not just lifestyle, but also the arts, culture, dining, and people that make East Dallas so unique. Unfortunately, a two-year non-compete kept me from going to print right away.
Those two years turned out to be a blessing in disguise. During that time, I partnered with Rich Harmer, and together we launched the East Dallas Podcast. It became a space to connect, share stories, and grow our audience while waiting for the moment we could bring our new magazine to life.
In January 2025, that moment finally came. We launched the first issue of East Dallas magazine — and I couldn’t be prouder. The feedback has been overwhelming. People love the quality, the style, and the authentic connection to our community.
Breaking away from the franchise and creating East Dallas independently was the best decision I could have made. This magazine is not just a publication — it’s a reflection of the creativity, culture, and heart that define East Dallas. And I’m so grateful to be telling its story, one issue at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Hard Parts: Building Something from Nothing
People often see the finished product — the glossy magazine, the beautiful photography, the stories that bring our community to life — but what they don’t see are the years of struggle it took to get here.
When I started Lakewood Life, there was no playbook, no funding, no safety net — just a lot of hard work, faith, and the belief that our community deserved something special. I built that magazine from ground zero, and for a long time, I wasn’t making any money. Every issue meant knocking on doors, selling ads, writing stories, and finding creative ways to make things work. I poured my time, energy, and heart into it because I believed in what it could become.
Years later, when I walked away from the franchise to create East Dallas magazine, I knew it wouldn’t be easy — but I also knew it would be worth it. Because of my non-compete, I couldn’t go straight into publishing again, so I took part-time work to keep things afloat while I waited. That period tested my patience and determination more than anything else. But during that time, I didn’t stop dreaming. The East Dallas Podcast became my outlet — a way to stay connected to the community and keep the vision alive until we could finally print again.
When East Dallas finally launched in January 2025, it felt like the culmination of years of struggle, sacrifice, and persistence. But even now, the work doesn’t stop. Since the magazine is quarterly, the growth is steady but slow — and that’s okay. I’m building something lasting, something rooted in quality and community.
The truth is, building from scratch isn’t glamorous. There are sleepless nights, financial stress, and moments of doubt. But there’s also pride — the kind that comes from knowing you stayed true to your vision, kept going when it was hard, and created something that truly matters. East Dallas isn’t just a magazine — it’s the result of every challenge I faced and every decision to keep moving forward, even when it would have been easier to give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Art Behind the Magazine
One of the things I love most about East Dallas magazine is that it’s not just something you read — it’s something you experience. From the beginning, I’ve wanted each issue to feel like a work of art. I take great pride in making the magazine not only informative and engaging, but also beautiful.
Every layout, every photo, every page is crafted with intention. I spend hours selecting images that stand out — ones that truly capture the color, texture, and life of East Dallas. It’s a creative process that requires patience, an eye for detail, and a deep appreciation for design. To me, putting the magazine together feels a lot like painting or composing — there’s rhythm, movement, and emotion in the way it all comes together.
I’ve always believed that art has the power to elevate storytelling, and that’s exactly what I try to do with East Dallas. The visuals and the stories work hand in hand — the photographs pull you in, and the words tell you why it matters. Whether it’s a feature on a local artist, a beloved restaurant, or a community event, every story is a piece of the larger mosaic that makes East Dallas such a special place.
At its heart, this magazine is a love letter to the community I’ve always called home. It’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the people who make this area so vibrant. Every issue is my way of saying: This is who we are. This is East Dallas.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A Personal Note: The Heart Behind It All
My favorite thing is meeting and being around people. I’ve always been a very social person. Connecting with others, hearing their stories, and discovering the incredible talent and heart within East Dallas fills me with joy. Every time I attend an event, I come away inspired — whether it’s meeting a new artist, a passionate business owner, or someone who’s quietly making a difference in the community. Those connections remind me why I started this journey in the first place: to celebrate the people who make East Dallas such a vibrant and special place to live.
Outside of publishing and events, I’m happiest when I’m staying active and outdoors. I love fitness — but for me, it doesn’t always have to mean a workout class or gym session. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a leisurely walk around White Rock Lake, soaking in the views and clearing my head. That time outside helps me recharge and stay creative. It’s often when my best ideas for the magazine come to me — out in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of East Dallas.
Family is also a huge part of my life. I love spending time with my husband and our adult children — they’re my biggest supporters and my favorite travel companions. We all share a passion for exploring new places and trying new foods, so whenever we can spend the holidays together somewhere other than home, we jump at the chance. Those moments — gathered around a table, sharing stories and laughter — mean more to me than anything. They’re a reminder of what truly matters: connection, love, and shared experiences.
At the end of the day, East Dallas magazine is more than just my work — it’s a reflection of who I am. I love people. I love art. I love this community. Every issue, every story, and every connection is part of this bigger journey — one that I feel so grateful to live every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://VisitEastDallas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visiteastdallas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitEastDallas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104456587/admin/dashboard/
