Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to BLK in Bloom’s co-founders, Brandi Neloms, Alexia Harris, and Ka’Ress Boykin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

BLK in Bloom, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Thank you for having us! BLK in Bloom was conceived from a shared vision of fostering unity and prosperity for Black women. Our community was born out of a realization that traditional support systems often dwindle in social and professional settings as we get older and add more responsibilities to our plates.

“In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared an epidemic of loneliness across the United States, noting that about half of U.S. adults suffer from significant loneliness, which can increase the risk for premature death,” said Neloms. This underscores the critical need for our mission. BLK in Bloom is addressing this crisis by cultivating meaningful connections among Black women.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering unity and empowerment among Black women,” Harris shares. “We facilitate this through a variety of platforms, including networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs designed to enhance both personal and professional growth.”

Ka’Ress, who often reflects on the evolution of our community, reminds us that, “what started as casual gatherings blossomed into a vibrant community focused on empowering one another.” This sentiment captures our approach to creating a welcoming environment that celebrates authenticity and inclusivity.

BLK in Bloom is more than a business; it’s a movement geared towards creating a lasting impact, fostering a culture of success where every Black woman feels empowered to thrive and connect.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

We consider ourselves a dynamic trio, with each of us bringing unique skills to the table. Brandi is a social entrepreneur focused on equity and closing the U.S. racial wealth gap. “Fighting for what’s right has always been central to both my personal and professional endeavors,” she shares.

Alexia, with her corporate background and entrepreneurial spirit, drives our mission forward by building connections and community support. She highlights, “What sets us apart is our intentionality. We’re proud of the inclusive community we’ve built and the opportunities we’ve created for our Blossoms.”

Ka’Ress brings her creativity and business acumen into play when developing this community. She shares, “One of the key problems we solve is the challenge of finding genuine connections in today’s fast-paced world. It’s important to take time to literally stop and smell the roses.”

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The story of how we came together is one of shared history and destiny. We were all born and raised on the west side of Akron, Ohio, and attended the same elementary school and university. It wasn’t until we independently settled nearly 500 miles away in Charlotte, North Carolina, that our paths converged significantly.

As adults, our friendship evolved from childhood friends to true sisters. Brandi reflects, “We spent years deepening our friendship through support and shared experiences, recognizing the profound impact we had on each other’s lives.” This realization sparked the foundation of BLK in Bloom.

Alexia adds, “During a session at Archive CLT, a Black woman-owned culture shop in Charlotte, we envisioned BLK in Bloom, driven by our desire to empower Black women like ourselves.”

Ka’Ress encapsulates the journey: “From childhood to sisterhood, our bond has been a constant, guiding us towards personal and professional growth together.”

Our story exemplifies the power of enduring connections and the shared belief that together, we can foster a community where Black women bloom.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

From the beginning, we’ve focused on creating a space where Black women feel seen, heard, and valued. Alexia explains, “We’ve focused on fostering genuine connections and providing valuable resources, which has helped us earn the trust and respect of our members, crucial for building our reputation through word-of-mouth referrals and positive testimonials.”

Ka’Ress emphasizes the organic growth of our reputation, noting, “Our market appreciates authenticity, and being true to ourselves has allowed us to build our reputation effectively.”

Brandi captures the essence of our approach: “We are who we serve. Cultivating our community authentically and with pure hearts has led to every new connection and opportunity for growth.”

This genuine commitment to our community has not only fostered a strong and loyal following but has also established BLK in Bloom as a trusted and respected name in the market. Our dedication to upholding the values that resonate with our members continues to propel our reputation and success forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: blkinbloomclt.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/blkinbloomclt
• Facebook: facebook.com/blkinbloomclt
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/blkinbloom
• Twitter: twitter.com/blkinbloomclt
• Youtube: youtube.com/@BLKinBloomCLT