The Bloom Workshop
As I drove up to the Hydrangea Blu Barn for the Bloom Workshop at the end of the week, I was miraculously reenergized from all the blooms, treats, and the group of women who have started their own blogs & businesses. Michaela & Ashley thought of everything. From the moment I signed up for the workshop to the details of workshop day until today when they're still giving us lovin' online.
I took a lot of notes & a lot of pictures! Our day was broken up into 4 sessions. Ashley & Michaela began the day with coffee & a blogging chat, which led to how using social media for your business can improve the overall brand experience. I'm very interested in this topic because I've noticed a lot of small businesses want social media but they don't know why they want it. For some, using popular social media channels is more of a formality than it is an avenue to connect with their tribe & brand advocates. Our talk at Bloom centered around how to promote what you're doing or your product in the most authentic way. I loved this session because I believe that's the only way to use social media effectively (& it takes some work to pull off!).
The day was so thought out. I have to reiterate the Bloomers' attention to detail because it makes a complete difference. Branding experiences is something I nerd out over so I noticed the type on the vintage door outside matched the type on a chalkboard inside the barn. I smiled when I saw the straws complimenting the coffee mugs & felt fancy with all the touches of gold glittered throughout our day.
Not only did I feel elegant but I gained a wealth of knowledge from Michaela's interior design tips & Ashley's photography session. Now I can't get rid of this itch to do a living room revamp & feel the heavens have opened with my ability to understand The Exposure Triangle thanks to Ashley. Seriously, hallelujah! The concept of ISO, shutter speed & aperture working together is so hard for me to grasp. Ask Ashley about her blinds metaphor. It'll click with you too!
After the sessions, the expert Q & A panel answered a handful of questions. It was nice to hear advice from women who are always finding ways to innovate their process, who continue to push the boundaries of content, & who were very open about hard lessons that made them stronger as business owners.
One thing that stood out for me was Michaela's journey to starting Michaela Noelle Designs. A lot of people told her she was crazy to start her own business right out of college but she pushed on with what felt right for her. Among many things, she asked professionals in her field to job shadow & help with styling photoshoots because, why not? They could say, "no". But they could also say, "yes". I took some of her courage home with me.
I also took home a ton of swag. The prints will be a great spruce-up to my studio & I have a little outfit post planned with my new Sweet Sugar Beet clutch. I sat next to Haley Baur, the owner of SSB, at the workshop. She grew up on a sugar beet farm & I grew up next to the sugar beet factory where their crops went once they were harvested so of course, we got along with this sweet vegetable in common!
Since the Bloom Workshop, my head has been spinning with wonderful ideas for Brave Girl. I can't help but wonder what this little space of mine will evolve into being. The Bloom Workshop made me confident to continue on this journey, wherever it may lead me. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gifts with this young bloomer, Michaela & Ashley!
May you soak up the rain this week in the name of blooming. xoxo, Em.
