Today we’d like to introduce you to Andi Long.
Andi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was in 6th grade, I experienced bullying for the first time on the internet on a website called School Scandals. My classmates made fun of my clothes and called me a loser. As a middle school student figuring out more of who I was and where I fit in, it really hurt my self-esteem and my sense of self-worth.
I had another experience with cyberbullying on a website called Juicy Campus. I was called fat, ugly and several other harmful names. I had photos and rumors about me shared as well. After this experience, I went into a mini ‘quarantine’ and fell into depression. It wasn’t until I heard this quote, “They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds” that I decided to rise above despite being bullied. I started learning all I could about resilience and emotional intelligence and decided to grow through what I go through.
I also realized that as I was going through this experience, I didn’t know of any resources or programs to help me address the emotional stress of bullying so I decided to take these lessons and work with therapists to create a curriculum and program that would help empower and encourage girls going through bullying.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A lot of the struggles that have come up are also connected to what we teach the students we serve. Some of the hardest parts of building your own business is believing in yourself and not letting doubt and fear be bigger than your vision.
Please tell us about Bloom Foundation.
Bloom Foundation is a nonprofit that provides social-emotional learning programs that encourage middle and high school girls to grow from bullying. After bullying occurs, solutions usually focus on the bully through mediation or through discipline. However, supportive and emotional services are necessary for the targeted student to avoid long term implications bullying may cause. Bloom’s program focuses on the emotional intelligence needed to grow from bullying after it occurs. Bloom’s programming also creates a safe environment for girls to process and navigate the painful experiences of bullying together.
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
I don’t know if it’s so much luck or just showing up every single day with your plan, goals and vision while being open and flexible. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is the importance of planning and goal setting while also being open to the amazing and unexpected opportunities. I also really believe in gratitude and I have been so grateful for every connection and opportunity that has helped Bloom grow.
Pricing:
- Sponsor a curriculum journal for $25
- Purchase a Bloom sweater for $40
Contact Info:
- Website: hellobloom.org
- Phone: 714 880 4311
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellobloomorg/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellobloomorg/
Image Credit:
Kenni Roberson
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