Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Edokpayi, Founder and Owner of Bloom Creative, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the Creator and Owner of Bloom Creative Multimedia Solutions, a boutique agency offering branding and storytelling for purpose-driven businesses and entrepreneurs. I focus on building powerful visual identities and growing brand awareness for my clients through soulful content and warm, eye-catching design. Bloom Creative specializes in the needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and woman-owned businesses but happily partners with clientele from all industries and backgrounds.
Tell us about yourself
My idea to create Bloom was initially sparked during my global travels. From January 2017 to May 2018, I worked and lived as a digital nomad across 12+ countries and would work on small communications projects with local makers, creators, and nonprofits. Since I was working full-time as a comms manager at various nonprofits at the time, I kept my ideas for my own agency on the back burner. Fast forward to May 2020 - I launched Bloom at the start of the pandemic as a side hustle to keep me busy while we were all stuck inside and to offer creative branding services to the Black woman-owned businesses that started to launch at record numbers. After another year of working in nonprofit comms, I took to leap to work for myself full time in August 2021 and haven't looked back! I wake up every day motivated by my mission and passion for supporting BIPOC makers, creators, and entrepreneurs and for helping them thrive independently.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been helping my clients achieve freedom by taking those first steps toward successfully launching their projects or business. By nurturing their ideas and walking with them on their branding and storytelling journey, I can watch their excitement and passion unfold. It's beyond rewarding to help create successful pathways for BIPOC-owned businesses to grow and flourish. To date, I have partnered with more than 30 emerging businesses.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing your overall capacity and setting boundaries can be a struggle. It's essential to calendar out your days and weeks appropriately so that you aren't spreading yourself too thin! I work solo 90% of the time, so I'm usually hyper-multitasking -- handling admin duties, creating designs, scheduling meetings, and pushing out tons of content. You can easily become burnt out if you don't carve out time for rest.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Identify your story and mission. What about your personal journey influenced your business? How do you want to create change? This helps attract your clientele and builds a strong community.
- Find your niche and approach it with intention. Do a little market research to help find your lane and refine your offerings.
- Have a community of support. Entrepreneurship can sometimes be isolating, but having a tribe of support and encouragement can keep you pushing forward.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Trust your vision and stay rooted in your purpose!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bloom-creative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloomCreative1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomcreative.co/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BloomCreative_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloom-creative-solutions/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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