A New Chapter
I never imagined, when I created a simple fashion newsletter for my clothing store, Lydia’s, 42 years ago, that I was beginning the journey of a lifetime. What started as a small idea grew into Lydia’s Style magazine, which became my passion, my purpose and truly one of the greatest joys of my life. Fort Collins was a much smaller town back then, and I will always be grateful that the business community believed in me, supported me and embraced my dream of creating a magazine that celebrated the people and heartbeat of this community.
Those early years taught me so much. I stretched my abilities, built a loyal, hardworking team and earned the trust of advertisers and readers who helped make it all possible. As we grew and expanded our reach, we added a dedicated medical issue and eventually published 15 magazines a year. It felt like we were doing something truly meaningful for Northern Colorado. It was exciting, demanding and deeply fulfilling, and each issue filled me with pride.
Fast forward to today, and the world feels both bigger and faster. Technology has transformed everything, and younger readers are looking for new ways to connect. I am so grateful that Tonja Randolph—who became the owner of this publication in 2017—and her incredible team stepped in with fresh energy, vision and digital expertise. They have carried this magazine forward with such grace and creativity. NOCO Style, with its digital reach, vibrant design and community-centered events, is everything today’s readers want and more. My heart is full watching them build upon what we started.
Passing along this legacy in the city I love feels both bittersweet and beautiful. Fort Collins has given me so much: friendship, purpose, opportunity and a lifetime of stories. To have had the privilege of interviewing, photographing and writing about the remarkable people who make up Northern Colorado is an incredible honor. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have supported, encouraged, inspired and trusted me over the years.
This moment is an emotional one. I am retiring from NOCO Style as an account executive. I am turning 80. And I am celebrating 25 years with Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center. The nonprofit, which I founded in 2001, will now be my focus, and I carry that responsibility with deep love and commitment. We’ve provided thousands of local women with free services during their breast cancer journey, and the need only continues to grow. I warmly invite you to our 25th Anniversary Hearts for Hope Gala on Feb. 28 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton so that you can help us continue this important work.
Through this journey—every late deadline, photoshoot, gala and challenge—my daughters, Meredith and Ali, have been the steady light in my life. That joy is now multiplied by my grandchildren, Logan, age 5, and Amelia, almost 1. Fridays spent adventuring and sharing lunch with Logan are among my happiest moments, and sweet Amelia, well, she truly is the cutest baby in the world (don’t all Nanas say that?).
To everyone who has been a part of the Style journey with me, thank you. You have blessed my life in more ways than you will ever know.
With love,
Lydia Dody
