Meet Misty Dockins | Owner and Publisher of Windsor City Lifestyle

We had the good fortune of connecting with Misty Dockins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Misty, how do you think about risk?
Risk is where growth begins. For me, taking risks isn’t necessarily being reckless—it means being brave enough to step into the unknown when I believe in something more than I fear it. Every major turning point in my life and career has come from choosing to leap: starting something new, walking away from something comfortable, or betting on a vision no one else could yet see. Risks have brought both challenges and rewards, but they’ve always led me closer to purpose, clarity, and confidence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Owning Windsor City Lifestyle is deeply personal to me because it’s rooted in connection, storytelling, and building community. Through Windsor City Lifestyle and everything I touch professionally, I aim to highlight the good —people doing good work, businesses making a difference, and stories that matter. What sets me apart is that I don’t just publish content—I live it. I show up, I listen, I care deeply, and I champion others with genuine enthusiasm.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the trust people have placed in me. I’m excited every day to help someone feel seen, to help a business grow, or to help connect someone with a story that inspires them.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. There were seasons of doubt, failure, and uncertainty. I’ve had to bet on myself more times than I can count—and that can be terrifying. But I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. I’ve also learned the power of mindset: that even on the hardest days, there’s something to be thankful for, and that gratitude can shift everything.

I want the world to know that my brand is about heart. It’s about lifting others up, believing in the magic of small businesses, and creating a ripple effect of good. I didn’t follow a traditional path, and I’m proud of that. I leaned into passion, intuition, and grit—and that’s what built this life and business I love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week full of sunshine, saltwater, adventure, and unforgettable food—because that’s how I recharge and connect. We’d start with beach mornings—barefoot walks, ocean dips, and strong coffee with a view. I’d take them where the locals go, not the tourist traps.

Day 1: We’d settle in and head straight to the beach—nothing fancy, just a quiet stretch of sand with room to breathe. Sunset cocktails at a local tiki bar, toes in the sand, followed by fresh seafood at a no-frills spot where the menu’s handwritten and the flavors are unforgettable.

Day 2: A little adventure—maybe paddleboarding at sunrise or a boat ride to a secret snorkeling cove. Lunch at a beachside taco shack. Then we’d check out a local market or artsy neighborhood, followed by live music and street food at night.

Day 3: Road trip day. We’d find a nearby hidden gem—maybe a rugged coastal hike or a lesser-known beach town with charm. Eat where the locals eat—food trucks, roadside seafood, and something sweet made by someone’s grandmother.

Day 4: Slow it down. Sleep in, hit a local café, and spend the day just lounging, reading, and talking by the ocean. Dinner would be somewhere special—open-air, candlelight, local wine, the works.

Day 5: A little adrenaline—ziplining through the jungle, ATV-ing on the beach, or exploring tide pools and caves. Then we’d celebrate with fish tacos, margaritas, and dancing somewhere off the beaten path.

Day 6: I’d take them to meet some locals I’ve come to love—maybe an artist, a chef, or someone with a story that sticks with you. We’d hit a hidden gem restaurant, maybe one that doesn’t even have a sign out front.

Day 7: Back to the beach for one last sunrise. A long brunch, a toast to the week, and a promise to do it all again.

For me, the best experiences are the ones that blend local soul, natural beauty, and spontaneous fun. That’s the kind of trip I’d want my best friend to remember forever.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A shoutout to my husband, Cory, for always believing in me and being the ultimate cheerleader.

No matter how big, wild, or spontaneous the idea—trying a new restaurant, booking a trip somewhere we’ve never been, or even buying a business—he’s always all in. His support is unwavering, his love is unconditional, and many of the leaps I’ve taken over the last five+ years have been possible because he’s right behind me, cheering me on every step of the way. I love you Cory Benson!

Website: https://citylifestyle.com/windsor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windsorcitylifestyle/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-dockins-92a019121/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windsorcitylifestyle

Image Credits
Simplicité Studio | Kayla Koons (@simplicite_studio)