Honored to Be Recognized as a Microbusiness Excellence Finalist

Steph Mazanowski • December 13, 2025

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Mazter Mindz Media selected as a finalist: McLean County Chamber of Commerce

Woman peeking over the top of a magazine

I’m incredibly honored to share that Mazter Mindz Media was named a Microbusiness Excellence Award Finalist by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.


Being recognized alongside four other outstanding local businesses is both humbling and meaningful...especially because this award isn’t just about revenue or growth. It’s about impact, leadership, resilience, and contribution to the community.


What “Microbusiness Excellence” Really Means to Me

Being a microbusiness is about being connected and intentionally impactful. Every decision, every introduction, every client conversation and every charitable act comes directly from me. There is no chain of command, no layers, no committees, just my own heart, strategy and action.


My work is deeply personal. Every success that happens feels shared. When a client grows… I celebrate. When a nonprofit receives support… I beam. When someone loves their photos...I smile. When a client wins an award... I’m proud. When a new Chamber member gets connected… I cheer them on. My wins are tied directly to the wins of the people around me.


I often lose sleep...usually in a good way. My best ideas come at 3am when I’m processing all of the information I encountered in a day. Every story I publish, every marketing plan I create, every photo I take and every introduction I make is tied to someone’s dream, livelihood or mission. It is a role I do not take for granted.

It’s not about managing a bunch of marketing accounts, but rather building relationships that last years. I have marketing clients who have been with me for 8 years. I have photography clients who I have taken newborn photos for and 17 years later...their senior pictures.


Because I’m meeting businesses every day, listening to stories, understanding struggles and connecting strengths, I have a finger on the pulse of the community in a way larger companies simply can’t. I see things others miss.


It allows me to make a meaningful difference, one introduction, one relationship, one business, and one community partnership at a time.


It’s a reminder that you don’t need a big team to make a big impact, you just need big heart, big purpose, be a workhorse and have a commitment to lifting others along the way, trusting that in all that, you will rise too.


Built on Community, Not Just Campaigns

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of:

  • Teaching local businesses how to better leverage their Google Business Profiles
  • Partnering with brands across industries—from home services to bakeries to insurance
  • Supporting nonprofit initiatives through Professionals with a Purpose
  • Working closely with the McLean County Chamber and other community organizations

This finalist recognition reinforces something I deeply believe...Strong businesses help build strong communities.


I’m grateful to the McLean County Chamber of Commerce for spotlighting microbusinesses and recognizing the dedication it takes to grow, adapt, and lead at the local level. I’m also thankful for my clients, partners, and community connections who trust me with their brands and their stories.


Being named a finalist is not a finish line—it’s motivation to continue raising the bar.


Looking Ahead

As Mazter Mindz Media continues to grow, the mission remains the same:

  • Help local businesses improve visibility
  • Create marketing strategies that actually work together
  • Lead with integrity, education, and community impact
  • 

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. I’m excited for what’s ahead and proud to continue doing this work right here in Bloomington-Normal.




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