Sydney Sadick, Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Publisher of Spotlight Magazine has been a lifetime Hamptons goer who has created a platform centered around the community she knows and loves. Spotlight Magazine has strong roots with the East End and is a fresh product in an ever-changing landscape.
Sydney is a fashion and lifestyle expert who regularly appears on television. She is the author of the memoir and educational guide Aim High, which has received praise and recognition in the fashion space, encouraging individuals to find their unique style and achieve their goals.
Sydney discussed her background and why she decided to launch Spotlight, how the magazine has evolved and grown, and some upcoming projects she is excited to be involved in ahead of the 2025 summer season.
Can you discuss your background and when and why you decided to start Spotlight Magazine?
SS: I’ve worked in media for over a decade as a style and lifestyle journalist, with appearances on national broadcast platforms and bylines in luxury media publications like Hamptons Magazine and the Daily Front Row. I launched Spotlight because I wanted to create a modern platform that celebrates culture, style, and influential voices—particularly with a strong connection to the East End, where there’s such a unique blend of sophistication and creativity. It was the perfect time to bring something fresh and dynamic to the print and digital landscape. We’re now also in NYC, Miami, and Palm Beach!
What is Spotlight all about? What is the mission and how would you describe the content?
SS: Spotlight is a lifestyle publication that shines a light on the people, places, and trends shaping our world—especially through the lens of fashion, culture, entertainment, and the luxury markets of the Hamptons, NYC, Palm Beach, and Miami. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and elevate. We mix high-impact visuals with strong editorial voices, creating content that feels both aspirational and accessible.
What goes into the day-to-day operations of Spotlight Magazine?
SS: As Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, I’m involved in every aspect—from curating cover talent and working with contributors to overseeing design, layout, brand partnerships, and social strategy. No two days are the same, and that’s what I love about it. There’s a lot of creativity, but also a lot of coordination—it’s a true team effort to bring each issue to life. But the brand partnership aspect is really what I enjoy most. There’s nothing like the feeling of closing a deal!
How has the magazine evolved since you first started it?
SS: We went from printing 5 issues a year to now 8. Over 100 brands have worked with us over this time. We’ve grown significantly in both reach and scope. The visuals have also become more elevated, the content more diverse, and the voice stronger with each issue. We’ve expanded our distribution into the premiere magazine boxes along Madison Avenue in NYC and now include even more coverage of national trends while maintaining our local roots.
Do you have any favorite standout issues of the magazine or stories you’ve covered?
SS: Every issue is special in its own way, but certain covers stand out—like our summer cover featuring a major TV personality who truly embodies the Spotlight ethos. I’m really excited about our covers and issues this summer—we get better every year!
Can you discuss your book Aim High? What was the inspiration and the main message you hope readers take away?
SS: Aim High is part memoir, part guide for young people navigating career and personal growth. I wrote it to share my journey from a teenage fashion blogger to national media contributor, and to offer real advice about building confidence, navigating rejection, and defining success on your own terms.
Can you talk about some of your past media appearances and your areas of expertise that you like to share with readers and viewers?
SS: I’ve appeared on Today, Good Morning America, E! News, Access Hollywood, and more to discuss fashion, celebrity style, pop culture, and lifestyle trends. I’ve guest hosted segments for NBC Open House, Amazon Style Code Live, Good Morning Washington [D.C.], and more. I also hosted a daily Instagram live show on my IG for 2 years called “Lunchtime with Sydney”, which got picked up on the Today Show’s millennial platform, TMRWxTODAY. I was interviewing everyone from Drew Barrymore and Henry Goulding to Chrishell Stause and Madelyn Cline. It was a fun but strange time, hosting a show in your bedroom at home in the Hamptons and all. I love helping viewers feel more confident—whether that’s through affordable fashion finds or red carpet coverage. And it’s so fun to be able to show off our Spotlight covers on some of the shows I work with, too
Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to discuss?
SS: Spotlight Magazine x Jack’s Coffee! We’ve been working on this for nearly a year. Get your hands on the Spotlight Special all summer long! It’s our iced vanilla honey cappuccino. It’s SO good. Your drink will come with a custom chic Spotlight sleeve. The collab’s slogan is: sip in style, read with intention. The drink is available at all Jack’s locations in the Hamptons—Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and Southampton.
What do you love most about the East End? And is there anything you’re looking forward to for the summer season?
SS: I’ve been coming to the Hamptons since I was born. It’s home. Keith at the Golden Pear, Dan at the Fudge Company, Bianca at 27 Hampton Salon, Norah Lawlor the PR guru of the Hamptons. I’ve known all of these people since childhood. They’re my community and I love being able to create a product in a place that I love.
To learn more about Sydney Sadick and Spotlight Magazine, click here.
