We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Edokpayi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My core mission is to build powerful visual identities and grow brand awareness for my clients through soulful content and warm, eye-catching design. By nurturing my clients’ ideas and walking closely with them on their branding and storytelling journey, I watch their excitement and passion unfold and their businesses flourish. To date, Bloom has partnered with more than 30 emerging woman-owned and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) businesses.

A little back story: my idea and mission to create Bloom Creative 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 BIPOC makers, creators, and nonprofits. Later, when I settled in Brooklyn, NY I began working full-time as a comms manager at various impact-driven global nonprofits, so 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 more importantly, to offer creative branding services to the Black woman-owned businesses that began to launch at record numbers. Finally, in August 2021, I took the big leap of faith to work for myself full time and haven’t looked back! I wake up every day motivated by my mission and passion for supporting BIPOC makers, creators, and entrepreneurs and empowering them to thrive independently.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Ashley Edokpayi (she/her), Creator and Owner of Bloom Creative, and I’m a dynamic multimedia professional with 10+ years of combined experience in storytelling, communications, digital content creation, and media relations. As a D.C. native with Nigerian roots who has lived and traveled across continents, now settled in Brooklyn, NY, I’m passionate about storytelling, the intersection of cultures and movements, and how our lived experiences connect us.

I combine my diverse experiences and spectrum of skills to strategize and collaborate with local and global communities, share compelling narratives, increase brand awareness, and fuel purpose-driven projects, nonprofits, and businesses.
In May 2020, I launched Bloom Creative to offer custom branding and multimedia services centered on the needs of women of Color business owners and entrepreneurs, and to grow an inspiring community of creators and storytellers. Since Bloom Creative’s inception, I have worked with a vast array of clientele and organizations – including more than 30 creators and small businesses in cities across the U.S.

My biggest accomplishment has been helping my clients achieve freedom by taking those first steps towards entrepreneurship and 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.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful in the growth and sustainability of my business. By creating intentional and trusting relationships with my clients, they often refer me to their colleagues, family and friends who need branding and design services. I haven’t yet had to do any aggressive marketing of my business because the referrals flow in on a consistent basis, which I am beyond grateful for.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Building community and staying true to your mission across spaces and platforms holds immense power. I connect with local business owners across cities, and virtually, by starting meaningful conversations and asking about their stories. Being personable and connecting with people creates a good foundation for seamless collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bloom-creative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomcreative.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloomCreative1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloom-creative-solutions/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BloomCreative_