Bloomington, Indiana – As the August/September 2025 issue rolls off the presses, Bloom Magazine officially marks its 20th year in publication—a milestone that reflects two decades of storytelling, local engagement, and a deep-rooted connection to the Bloomington, Indiana community.
Founded in November 2005 by Malcolm Abrams, a newcomer to Bloomington at the time, the magazine’s first issue debuted in August 2006. What began as a one-man operation run out of Abrams’ home in downtown Bloomington has grown into an award-winning publication with a dedicated team and a respected presence in the region’s media landscape.
Abrams, a former New Yorker who wore every hat in the early days—from writer to publisher—continues to be involved with the magazine’s operations. “I never imagined we’d come this far,” he has often said, crediting the magazine’s longevity to community support and a passionate team. Today, that team includes Executive Publisher Cassaundra Huskey, Managing Editor Rodney Margison, and Associate Publisher Sydney Zulich. They are joined by freelance designer Rosalie Sherwood and editorial intern Lily Marks.
Now headquartered at 414 W. 6th Street for the past 14 years, Bloom has served as a launching pad for countless local creatives. Over time, the magazine has provided freelance opportunities to dozens of writers, photographers, artists, designers, and interns—many of them students from Indiana University looking to gain real-world journalism experience.
The heart of Bloom lies in its four core missions: supporting local businesses, promoting the arts, uplifting charitable efforts, and embracing diversity. These principles have guided its editorial focus since the beginning, with each issue reflecting stories that matter to Bloomington’s diverse population. To further support these values, the magazine presents annual awards recognizing individuals and organizations that actively contribute to these causes.
The publication’s commitment to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Bloom Magazine has been the recipient of more than a dozen local community awards and nearly 200 editorial honors from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), a remarkable achievement for a regional lifestyle magazine. In 2018, Malcolm Abrams received the SPJ Gene & Julie Slaymaker Service to Journalism Award. More recently, in 2024, he was honored with the Outstanding Craftsmanship Award from The Stone Age Institute and Indiana University’s CRAFT Research Center.
Despite changes in media consumption and the evolution of digital platforms, Bloom Magazine has remained a steady and trusted voice in Bloomington. Its emphasis on in-depth reporting, high-quality design, and unwavering support for the community continues to draw readers issue after issue.
For readers who want to learn more about the magazine or get involved, Executive Publisher Cassaundra Huskey can be reached at [email protected].
As Bloom Magazine steps into its third decade, it carries with it a legacy built on passion, creativity, and a genuine love for the place it calls home.
