Healthy living entrepreneur Sharon Bruckman established Natural Awakenings magazine in 1994 in Naples, Florida in response to her local holistic health community's need for an effective way to share information and connect with people searching for alternative therapies. Success of the original Naples/Fort Myers edition was immediate.

Two years later, an avid reader convinced her to launch a second edition in Sarasota, Florida. Its destiny was to become the prototype for an unprecedented franchise network of like-minded people who value what this magazine brings to their community.

In 1999, Bruckman formed Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation to support this growing network of publishers. Expertise provided by director of franchise development John Voell II made the venture possible. Today, franchise owners publish more than 30 local editions, with new magazines added each year. Currently, magazines are being published in cities and regions of the country as diverse as Miami, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, Washington DC, Phoenix, Portland and Boston. In each market 1,000s of free copies are circulated at hundreds of public distribution points.

Each quarter new Natural Awakenings publishers are welcomed to the Natural Awakenings' franchised system of onsite training, optional editorial packages, advertising packages and ongoing support. Authorized franchisees own the right to publish the successful magazine format and benefit from a proven record of success. Home office staff, still headquartered in Naples, train, support and supply resources to all of the franchise owners. They're always available with advice, answers and on-call assistance.

"The wellness revolution I saw emerging years ago is now in full swing," says Bruckman. "It's propelled by the kind of people who read our magazines and website. Our job is to keep our finger on the pulse of cutting-edge advances and keep readers apprised of the best healthy-life choices available."

"Sharing the good news is proving to be both fun and rewarding in the United States and abroad. We love what we do. We love to spread light," says Bruckman. "Our delight is in awakening one community at a time...naturally."

Healthy living messages of natural health and wellness, personal growth and sustainable living tailored to local demographics are eagerly awaited by a million+ consumers each month. Being a free grassroots publication, Natural Awakenings magazine quickly takes its place as a foundational and primary communication tool for every participating regional holistic network. Extensive coverage of local community news and calendars of upcoming events prompts readers to pick up their copy early so that they can refer to it throughout the month. That's staying power!

Our responsibility to provide cutting edge, timely and inspiring information to Natural Awakenings readers isn't taken lightly. We create and select stories and features that offer a roadmap to a healthier, more authentic life. What Sets Us Apart

Natural Awakenings offers a synergy that other national publications just can't match, with both a national and local focus seamlessly integrated into each issue. We present special features, interviews with national figures, and guest columns right along with local news briefs, stories, resource directories and a community calendar. Each month brings fresh perspective around a timely theme sure to pique their interest.

Natural Awakenings readers take responsibility for their own health and well-being. They are hungry for this important information that speaks to them. And they know how to take action to sweeten and enliven the journey.

Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you. Please Contact Us to share your thoughts with us.

awakening one community at a time...naturally!