Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toni O’Dell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Toni, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
As a small business owner myself, I know the importance of support from my local community. I wanted to show my support of local small businesses by creating a shopping event that features talented makers as well as small local boutiques. My purpose in the small business world has always been to support and shop local. Bloom Market allows me to do both while bringing our community together.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Bloom Market was founded in 2019 with it’s debut market in November 2019. Unfortunately, Covid-19 stood in the way of a market in 2020 but big goals and dreams didn’t stand in the way when Bloom kicked off 2022 with a spring market. It’s been full speed ahead ever since.
The beauty of Bloom is within the small businesses that set up their booth spaces to resemble mini boutiques. When you walk through the doors to a Bloom event you know you’ll find uniquely made and beautifully designed products. As you shop the boutiques, you know that each piece within the collection was personally chosen by the owner for you. There’s something special about chatting with the business owner themselves and hearing their story and having the opportunity to talk to them about their products. A big box store can’t offer that.
If you want to support our local small businesses, Bloom’s next market is Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 10 am -4 pm at the Woehler Family Center, located at 1416 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Having my own knowledge as a small business owner really gave me an advantage when it came to creating my own market. I’ve had the honor of working with some really great market coordinators that were excellent examples of what a vendor needs from the market. Of course, I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences as well that taught me what not to do. Because I’ve been the vendor as well as the shopper, it gives me the ability to see market coordinating at a few different angles.
With any new business venture my first piece of advice is do your research. Make sure you have a solid plan before you launch. Another huge key to being successful is having the ability to listen to advice from others. Getting a different perspective can allow you to open your mind to so many options.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
I think the biggest challenge we’re all feeling, especially small businesses, is the economy. Consumers have really tightened their belts and not spending like they used to. Our local small businesses are feeling it most, which is why now more than ever it’s so important to support your local small businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bloommarketsatx.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bloomarketsatx
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloommarketsatx
Image Credits
Tracy Murphy Studio 3 Parks Design Let’s Get Caked High Hopes Creative Co
