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“Come out of the don’ts and impossibles. Manifest your dream. Bloom your worth.” - Amit Ray

Who We are

The Bloom HQ is a not for profit powerhouse fueling the collective women entrepreneurs movement. We believe that, inside every woman, there lies an entrepeneurial spirit. It may manifest itself through the launch of a business or a community program. However your entrepreneurial dreams manifest in your life, it deserves CULTIVATION and support.

The Bloom HQ seeks to support entrepreneurial women at every stage of their business. Through a series of trainings, accountability workshops that encourage COLLABORATION and engaging events, The Bloom HQ offers women entrepreneurs, professionals and community advocates the resources, network and knowledge base needed to effectively and efficiently launch successful businesses and programs. We remove the fear and doubt from pursuing your passions by proving the tools and COMMUNITY needed to build you AND you business.

The Bloom HQ changes the way you do business. Here, we offer a safe space for you to create ideas, meet your future business partners and friends, receive feedback and get the pertinent training you need to launch your business to the next level. Come Bloom with us.

Cultivation

Prepare yourself for growth.

To sustain successful businesses, entrepreneurs must acquire and develop their knowledge base and skill sets. Our Bloom Sessions provide the opportunity to cultivate these skills, icnluding branding, marketing, and financing, with industry professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Collaboration

Because two minds are better than one.

We firmly believe in the power of collaboration: some of the greatest products and platforms are results of direct collaboration. We understand that the entrepreneurial benefits of collaboration far outweigh the risks, so we encourage it instead of competition. Our Bloom Sessions and other engaging events provide the unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to share and connect with professionals interested in collaborating and available to provide feedback and advice without any risk. The pie is big enough for us all to eat!

Community

Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.

We believe in community building. Entrepreneurs contribute directly to the communities around them by creating financial freedom and providing opportunities otherwise unseen. In turn, The Bloom HQ functions as a supportive community for entrepreneurs, serving as confidence builders and accountability partners. We are not only dedicated to the successful woman entrepreneur, but also the successful WOMAN; through our engaging events, we foster personal development for the women behind the business. Simply put, we are your faith checkers and sideline cheerers here to encourage you as you chase your life's purpose.

Our Leaders

Alicen Irby

Executive Director & Program Manager

A native Chicagoan, Alicen is a serial entrepreneur and advocate for women entrepreneurs. Upon graduating from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a Master of Accountancy and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Accountancy and Economics, she relocated to Washington, DC where she began honing her skills as a business and event consultant.In Winter 2015, Alicen returned home to her beloved Chicago, where she has been planning, cultivating and sowing seeds ever since. She possesses a great passion for women and sisterhood, and lives to serve and help others succeed.

An accountant by trade and an event consultant by passion, Alicen has a deep understanding and appreciation for creative businesses. Her professional background gave her keen insight to launching her own creative business in October 2015, SoBe Events. However, it was her creative network filled with photographers, designers, marketers, and other professionals that helped her creatively direct her business. Since then and with her Bloom HQ cohort by her side, she has launched two more successful businesses and initiatives. She knows from experience the impact The Bloom HQ has had on her entrepreneurial journey and knows it will make the world of difference for you!

JaNee Harrell

Executive Director & Creative Imagery Manager

JaNee is a Chicago native with a passion for community service and involvement. She graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Human Development & Family Studies. Her background and experience led her to serve as a Counselor for more than 4 years where her favorite part of her job is motivating and encouraging others.

JaNee’s passion and gifts led her to create Devoted Energy Photography over 2 years ago, where she lives too capture the beauty in every client’s smile. Her keen eye has made her one of the most sought after, up and coming photographers in Chicago, and her clients love her warm and vibrant spirit. Her love and respect for women drives her to be heavily committed and devoted to her community and service. JaNee knows that The Bloom HQ will the stepping stone to launching and maintaining your creative business and invites you to join her on this journey!