Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Fernandez.
Jacqueline, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Two years ago, a former friend and I called it quits. We realized we were toxic to each other, shortly after I learned that she had slander my name to a family member and couldn’t understand why? Why not just leave? Why the urge to slander my name? I was hurt, I realized I was very dependent and depressed on this person. I sought out my previous therapist and started my journey of self. Through this journey, I realized many other women and I shared the same story and wanted to inspire and help other women so I started an IG page sending positive messages to different women to change the negative narrative that most women have against each other. My Instagram slowly begins to grow but that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to support single moms just like myself so I launched a non-profit organization assisting and supporting single moms everywhere. My goal was to create safe spaces and alleviate the stress of moms everywhere.
Since then, we have reached 10,000 women and assisted 3500 across the world. We use our platforms to do giveaways, send positive affirmation, encourage folks to get involved in their communities. We have hosted several free events for the community and collaborated with different LLCs and organizations. Through COVID, we fed 250 different families providing them groceries and bare necessities. We immediately got involved in the community and supported the BLM movement and spoke at several different rallies encouraging young people to get involved to know their history. We wanted to make a difference so this year, we created a $500 college scholarship program for two different students entering college, we also created an internship program for kids with disabilities. We are now in the process of awarding five lucky NY/NJ students with Laptops and distributing 100 backpacks and school supplies to the community. We have been featured on The Real talk show and Mama Jones Cheers to Harlem show. We hope to impact more families in the upcoming years.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wish I can say yes, but running a business while being a full-time student and being a single mom and working full-time has its challenges. Many folks are apprehensive to donate and support folk they don’t know. A lot of the events are funded by me and because I’m a woman, I learned the hard way of folk taking advantage of me. I’ve hired and spent a lot of money on grant writers to get us funding to continue the work we’ve created and wish to expand. I did not receive any grants from the grant writers. COVID 19 hit and many folks lost their jobs so the donations stopped but the need became higher.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bloom Empowerment – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Bloom Empowerment is a woman empowerment nonprofit organization that caters to ALL women but has a soft spot for single mothers. We don’t ask questions – we create safe spaces!! WE are known for alleviating stress of women and lifting others up. What brings me happiness and joy and I set forth a goal to change the narrative and impact 100 women and I’ve surpassed my goal. My followers are not just followers we are each other motivation, I have the power to make someone smile, life is all about perception.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I LOVE CALIFORNIA. Funny thing is I was going to move there a couple of years ago but because of personal reasons, I did not. I always tell my son we are going to move to California. The people, the culture, the diversity. Ugh the traffic sucks
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bloomempowerment.org
- Phone: 551-275-9356
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: bloomaswomen
- Facebook: Bloom Empower
- Other: tik tok – bloomaswomen
Image Credit:
Jackie
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