Dear Friends, 

As I sit down to write this letter, my heart is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to create Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast every month. This magazine is my way of giving back to a community I love so much. It’s been over three years since I began my ‘publisher’ journey, and with every issue, I’m reminded of the incredible people who make it possible and the readers who make it all worthwhile. Covering Mobile and Baldwin counties in Alabama and Harris, Hancock and Jackson counties in Mississippi, we stretch across a beautiful region that’s so rich in spirit and dedication to healthy living. 

Natural Awakenings is more than a “Healthy Living” publication— it’s part of a national movement, including about 50 markets across the country, each dedicated to nurturing well-being for people and the planet. But here on the Gulf Coast, this magazine has become a reflection of our vibrant, caring community. 

You’ve probably seen Natural Awakenings in your local grocery store, health food shop, yoga studio, wellness center or other boutique and I hope when you pick it up, it feels like more than just a magazine. I hope it feels like a piece of home—a trusted resource that’s here to support and inspire you. 

What you may not see is the incredible team behind each issue. Our writers and designers pour their hearts into creating content that speaks to a healthy mind, body, spirit and planet. Our local advertisers, who share our passion for this mission, make it possible to offer the magazine to you for free through their generous support. My editor makes sure the words flow smoothly and correctly, my designers craft beautiful pages to draw you in and our printers and distributors work tirelessly to ensure this magazine makes its way to you every month in beauty and style. 

But what is the real reason behind all of it? It’s love. 

We do this because we love this community and we love you, our readers. It’s that simple. We believe in empowering you with hope— hope that there are always new ways to heal, new choices for a healthier life and that you’re never alone on this journey. Every article is chosen with the thought that it might be the one that makes a difference in your day, your week or even your life. 

And that’s why I come into my office every day. It’s not just about putting together a magazine, it’s about the chance to touch your life in some way, to offer you a little light or a new possibility. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this work and for each one of you who picks up a copy, shares it with a friend or simply takes a moment to read a page.

With love and gratitude,

 

Michelle Smith Publisher, Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast