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

Carrie, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Throughout my life, the themes of teaching, learning, and education have been central to my journey. Following my academic pursuits, I became a teacher and then an assistant principal. When the pandemic occurred, it shifted my life in a different direction—into the world of entrepreneurship, establishing my own business, The Blooming Container, a container garden design and installation company. This diverse trajectory has granted me a multifaceted perspective on the current state of our educational system. Drawing upon my experiences, I firmly believe that several pivotal changes are necessary to enhance our educational system, ensuring it equips students for a more enriching and successful life and career.

To prepare students for success, it is imperative schools provide students with more hands-on experiences. We must impart practical skills that students can apply in real-world situations through internships, apprenticeships, or project-based learning. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, entrepreneurship has emerged as a viable and appealing career path for many individuals. Therefore, it is essential to educate students on various aspects of entrepreneurship, such as business planning, marketing, budgeting, and other fundamental skills crucial for running a successful business. This knowledge not only benefits potential entrepreneurs but also equips students for more traditional career paths, enhancing their adaptability and problem-solving abilities.

Financial literacy is an often-overlooked facet of education. Schools should incorporate required financial literacy classes to empower students with the ability to manage their finances effectively. These classes should encompass topics like budgeting, saving, investing, understanding credit, and practical skills such as filing taxes and balancing a checkbook. Proficiency in these areas constitutes essential life skills that will serve students well throughout their lives, emphasizing the importance of proper financial planning and responsibility.

Finally, it is imperative to recognize that the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, which pushes every student toward a four-year college education, may not suit the needs and aspirations of every individual. While a college education is an excellent choice for many, it is equally vital that schools place substantial emphasis on technical trades and programs. Vocational programs offer students valuable skills and certifications that lead to well-paying jobs, catering to a diverse range of career opportunities. Students should be informed about these alternative pathways and provided with the opportunity to explore them. A more balanced approach that values both academic and technical education will better serve students with varying career goals, ensuring that each individual’s unique talents and interests are acknowledged and nurtured.

As someone who has dedicated their life to teaching and learning, I believe that the changes I mentioned can bring about a more holistic and forward-thinking approach to education. By providing students with hands-on experiences, emphasizing financial literacy, and offering a balanced approach that values both academic and technical education, we can better prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By implementing these changes, we can foster a generation of adaptable, financially responsible, and empowered individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

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?

The Blooming Container is all about container gardening – and we’re right in the heart of Tampa to Orlando! We make it easy for businesses and homeowners to bring a touch of nature and color to their spaces. Our specialty lies in crafting vibrant, ever-changing container gardens, as well as a diverse range of services, including one-time installations, seasonal change-outs, and comprehensive maintenance plans to ensure our clients’ green spaces flourish year-round.

In addition to our core offerings, we host events such as succulent bars and potting workshops. We bring all the supplies to you and help you and your friends get your hands dirty creating your own succulent gardens or potted arrangements. It’s a blast for team-building, community events, or a unique night out.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing clientele has been building strong, positive client relationships and actively listening to their unique needs and visions. I believe that great client relationships are the foundation of a successful business. We take the time to understand our clients’ preferences, aspirations, and goals. By truly listening to what they envision, we can tailor our designs and services to match their individual desires. This personalized approach not only results in satisfied clients but also fosters word-of-mouth referrals and long-term loyalty. Ultimately, it’s about making our clients’ dreams a reality and showing them that we’re dedicated to their satisfaction.

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

The best source of new clients for us has been engaging in local events, markets, and pop-up appearances. By actively seeking out and participating in these community gatherings, we’ve been able to generate substantial exposure for our business. We strategically targeted markets and customer areas that resonate with our services, making our presence more relevant and appealing to potential clients. These events have not only allowed us to showcase our container garden design business and products, but also establishes direct connections with local residents who share an interest in bringing a touch of nature to their living or working spaces. This approach has proven to be an effective way to introduce our services to a broader audience and attract clients who value our offerings.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebloomingcontainer.com
• Instagram: @TheBloomingContainer
• Facebook: The Blooming Container
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schneidercarrie