Some thoughts on September

We started this month with Labor Day and while it signifies the unofficial end to summer and a return to school, it can often feel more like a new year, than January 1^st does. While we have those who came before us to thank for advocating a 40 hour work week and work/life balance, I can’t help but think about our founders here at bloom and the countless other entrepreneurs for whom Labor Day means investment in their own labor. It’s a true privilege to get a front row seat to watch these founders shape, strategize and launch their business ownership dreams into fruition. They are always here, always hard at work and demonstrating every day the definition of a “labor of love”.

This month our Startup Stability Program members completed their 12-week educational program through the BlackBRAND b-Force accelerator program. I was excited to get to join their last two weeks of class and watch the investor forums. Members had an opportunity to pitch to investors. This was the culmination of weeks of preparation. Being able to watch the bloom members present their polished slide decks and assign company valuations to their businesses was sheer joy.

As we transition into the fall, we reflect on this as a time of harvest. These entrepreneurs have been planting, watering and feeding the seeds of their business, and now as they finish their educational program, I think of the harvest to come. How they will flourish and continue to nourish their roots. That bloom was able to be any part of this process is a gift.

Finally, I’m writing this as my last newsletter post as bloom’s Community Manager. I’ve accepted a position serving a non-profit in my hometown of Norfolk. Getting to grow bloom from a startup into its current and still growing form has been such a delight, but most importantly getting to know this incredible community of entrepreneurs has changed me and how I view the idea of “following your passion.”

It’s been a true pleasure to have been here to witness these inspiring members achieving their goals. Thank you for the honor.

Be well, be bold, do great things,
Kindra Greene
Community Manager

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