Mike & Layna Netek: Owners of the Forest Image Magazine

In a world where everything seems to move faster, louder, and more online, there’s something refreshingly warm about a couple who’s chosen to slow down, plant deep roots, and focus on the people around them. For Mike and Layna Netek, life has always been about faith, family, and community.

The Neteks have been married for 38 years and have lived nearly all of that time devoted to their family and their adopted hometown. Together, they’ve raised three boys, welcomed four grandchildren (ranging from 20 months to 7 years old), and built a life centered around hard work, relationships, and laughter. Today, they’re the heart and soul behind The Forest Image Magazine, a glossy, full-color lifestyle publication that celebrates the people, places, and small businesses that make the Lake Houston and East Montgomery County area so special.

Nearly 25 years ago, Layna was a stay-at-home mom when an unexpected opportunity came knocking, literally. She was offered a job in advertising at The Observer Newspaper, a local publication that was part of a 31-paper network across the city. At the time, Layna had zero experience in print, zero in advertising, and zero idea how this new adventure would shape

her life.

What she did have was a passion for people and a natural ability to connect. Trained in and around Kingwood, Atascocita, Humble, Porter, and Lake Houston, Layna quickly became a familiar face

around town. She joined the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and the Humble Chamber of Commerce (now Partnership Lake Houston), showing up not just as a sales rep but as a neighbor, a listener, and a friend. She built bridges between businesses and the community, becoming a go-to resource for local advertising and grassroots networking.

In the early 2000s, she launched a monthly networking event at Carrabba’s, which often drew 80–100 local business owners and nonprofit leaders. Her events weren’t just about exchanging business cards, they were about building community over pasta, laughter, and shared goals.

It wasn’t long before Layna became known as someone who knew everyone and more importantly, someone who everyone trusted.

Layna remained with The Observer for 16 years, helping hundreds of businesses reach local customers. But something was stirring in her heart. When she later took a position with a magazine group out of Rockwall, Texas, she discovered her love for long-form, high-quality print.

The Forest Image Magazine started shortly after as a newsprint product serving the Lake Houston area. Over time, it evolved into the glossy lifestyle magazine it is today, delivered monthly to almost 30,000 targeted local homes and proudly earning its place as a coffee table staple in households across the region.

“I just fell in love with the idea of what a glossy magazine could do,” Layna recalls. “They’re beautiful, lasting, and they tell stories in a way that newspapers can’t. I knew this community deserved something like that. We also wanted to give it a rich and alluring look so that our readers would display it in their homes to read and absorb the rich content”.

So, in September 2017, she along with dear friends, launched The Forest Image Magazine, combining her passion for people, storytelling, and support for local business. But this time, she wasn’t doing it alone. As of the last few years Mike and Layna are solely running every aspect of the magazine.

Mike, whose background is in industrial equipment sales and marketing management and was employed by two of the largest companies in the world, GE General Electric and ABB, joined her in bringing the vision to life. The couple poured their shared love for community and local entrepreneurship on every page. From selling ad space to writing business features, hosting events, and brainstorming over coffee, The Forest Image Magazine became a family effort that has grown into a household name.

Mike and Layna’s dedication to the Lake Houston area communities doesn’t end at the magazine’s pages. Their home has always been a gathering place for friends, neighbors, and strangers who didn’t stay strangers for long. From crawfish boils to block parties, their backyard has seen it all, usually with themed decorations and, yes, Mike in costume (because Layna said so!).

“Whether it’s a luau, a football party, or a random Tuesday, we just love being surrounded by people,” Mike says with a grin. “Layna’s got the ideas, and I’m the guy in the matching shirt.”

Their warmth is authentic and contagious—and it shows in the magazine. The Forest Image Magazine isn’t just a publication; it’s a monthly celebration of the businesses, nonprofits, and people that make this area feel like home. It covers Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, Huffman, Porter, New Caney, and The Highlands, offering local stories and advertising that matter to residents.

For starters, The Forest Image Magazine is the only locally non-franchised owned and operated glossy lifestyle magazine dedicated solely to the Lake Houston and East Montgomery County area. That means every dollar spent on advertising stays local. Every story is about someone right down the road. Every event covered is one you might’ve attended.

Their team includes local writers, photographers, and editors, all committed to highlighting what matters most in the community. Whether you’re a small business owner who wants help crafting a compelling ad or a nonprofit looking for exposure, their staff is ready to meet you. They’ll come to your home or business for photos, interviews, and support.

And unlike many other media outlets, The Forest Image Magazine isn’t run by a corporation in another city or state. It’s run by Mike and Layna, two neighbors who just happen to be a great team.

“We’ve always believed in the power and necessity of local,” Layna says. “When you support a local business, you’re supporting a neighbors dream. And when we feature that business in our magazine, we get to help that dream grow.”

That passion extends to nonprofits, too. The Forest Image Magazine regularly features local causes and charitable organizations making a difference in the community. From food pantries to animal rescues to scholarship foundations, Mike and Layna believe in shining a spotlight on those who serve others.

Each month, the magazine includes content that reflects every local lifestyle with a personal touch. From local family features and business spotlights to community events and upcoming fundraisers, The Forest Image Magazine answers one big question: “What’s happening in our neighborhood?”

As Mike and Layna look toward the future, they’re excited to continue evolving with their community. New neighborhoods are growing, new businesses are opening, and new stories are waiting to be told. And The Forest Image Magazine will be there to tell them with heart, humor, and hometown pride.

In a time when digital noise is constant, there’s something timeless about flipping through the pages of a beautifully crafted magazine that features people you know, businesses you trust, and places you love.

Because in the Lake Houston and East Mongomery County area, community still matters. Stories still matter. And thanks to Mike and Layna Netek, those stories are in good hands. Let’s keep supporting one another—one glossy page at a time!

Want to be featured in the Forest Image Magazine? Visit forestimage.com or email Layna at lnetek@forestimage.com to learn how your business or nonprofit can get involved in the next issue.

The Forest Image Magazine stands out with:

• Glossy pages and vibrant photos

• Thoughtful layouts that reflect your brand’s professionalism

• Direct monthly delivery to 30,000 targeted local homes and

businesses via USPS

• Online editions with interactive hyperlinks to your business

website or social media

• A trusted readership that values community, quality, and

consistency

• And most of all, local content that our readers can identify with

in their daily lives