Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Zussman.
Hi Jenn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story really started about 13 years ago, when our family moved to the Kentlands in Gaithersburg. Our daughters were just 1 and 2 at the time, and we pretty quickly fell in love with the community.
Over the next few years, I somehow became known as the “mayor” of the neighborhood. Friends and neighbors were always asking me for recommendations… who to call, where to go, who they could trust. And I kept thinking, how great would it be if I could put all of these amazing people and businesses in one place so everyone could support each other?
That’s really how Kentlands & Lakelands Living was born.
Then in 2021, as we were coming out of Covid, I noticed two things happening at the same time. People were finally coming out of their homes and craving connection again. And local businesses that had made it through were looking for ways to reconnect with the community and rebuild.
The magazine became this really special way to bring both together. It helps neighbors feel more connected, and it gives businesses a genuine, welcoming way to share what they do and become part of the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So many lessons learned… honestly, where do I even begin?
I think the biggest thing I’ve realized is that every time I hit a wall or something didn’t go the way I planned, it somehow ended up working out exactly the way it was supposed to. Starting a magazine from scratch was definitely not the “safe” or predictable route, and there have been plenty of curveballs along the way.
I always joke that being a business owner is less about avoiding the waves and more about building a really strong surfboard so you can ride them. It’s never if challenges come up, it’s when.
I’ve also learned how important it is to protect your energy. When you’re building something new, everyone has opinions and unsolicited advice. At a certain point, you have to stay focused on your vision and tune out the noise. I always say, if you don’t have the guts to take the leap yourself, then I kindly ask for your support instead.
Building something meaningful takes a ton of energy, belief, and persistence. You really have to be intentional about where you pour your time and who you surround yourself with.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kentlands & Lakelands Living Magazine?
Kentlands & Lakelands Living is a free monthly magazine delivered to 3,300 homes throughout the Kentlands and Lakelands communities in Gaithersburg, Maryland. At its core, it’s all about connection. We share positive neighborhood stories, spotlight local families, kids, pets, events, and the amazing people who make this community feel so special.
The idea for the magazine actually came from living here myself. Over the years, neighbors constantly asked me for recommendations for businesses, services, and local resources. I kept thinking how nice it would be to create one place where neighbors could get to know each other and support great local businesses at the same time. That’s really how the magazine was born.
What makes us different is that it never feels like “just advertising.” The businesses in the magazine become familiar faces in the community. Readers genuinely look forward to receiving it because it feels personal, uplifting, and local. It’s a feel-good magazine people actually keep on their counters instead of tossing away.
Beyond the magazine, we also host networking and community events that bring neighbors and business owners together in person. Those relationships and connections have become one of my favorite parts of what we do.
What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built over the years. Businesses tell me all the time that they don’t just gain exposure from the magazine, they build real relationships and loyal customers through it. And as someone who truly loves this neighborhood, that means everything to me.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Honestly, Kentlands and Lakelands feels like something out of Pleasantville in the best possible way. There are white picket fences, beautiful lakes to walk around, kids riding bikes, neighbors waving hello, and people constantly showing up for each other. I truly feel like we struck gold raising our family here.
I never take it for granted. Even on simple walks with my dog or my family, I catch myself pausing and thinking, “Wow… this is really special.”
That’s really the heart behind the magazine. I wanted to create something that feels like a warm monthly hug for neighbors. Something that helps people feel connected, seen, and proud to call this place home.
Everyone who lives here understands there’s just something different about this community. It’s genuine, welcoming, and hard to put into words unless you’ve experienced it yourself. I feel incredibly lucky to be a small part of it.
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