Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Beaird
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The idea took root when our co-founders, each bringing unique lived experiences and professional expertise, came together with a shared goal: to build a community hub where young people could connect with themselves, the planet, and others. We envisioned a space that offered more than resources—it offered belonging, resilience, and hope. From our early days in research and planning, we have been guided by a mission to foster holistic well-being through sustainable practices, community engagement, and youth development.
Today, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, from hosting intimate community events to launching fundraising efforts and securing strategic partnerships. While still in our beginning stage, Bloom&Blaze is steadily building toward a sustainable future that will support and inspire the next generation. Our story is one of perseverance, collaboration, and belief in the greater good—and we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges we’ve faced have shaped who we are and strengthened our mission. Like many start-ups, Bloom&Blaze has encountered obstacles, both expected and unexpected, that have required perseverance and adaptability. One of our earliest challenges was navigating the balance between our vision and the practicalities of starting a nonprofit from the ground up. For instance, we had to walk away from an early investor partnership because it didn’t align with our values or long-term goals. It was a difficult but necessary decision to stay true to our mission of fostering authentic and sustainable change.
We’ve also had to pivot when plans didn’t go as expected. For example, we initially focused on a broader geographical region but later realized the need to narrow our efforts to areas like North Houston and surrounding areas where we have stronger community ties. This taught us the importance of being flexible and focusing on what’s most impactful.
Finally, managing the emotional labor of starting a nonprofit aimed at addressing systemic issues has been a deeply personal and at times overwhelming journey. Many of our team members bring lived experiences that fuel our passion, but reliving those experiences to advocate for change can be taxing.Despite these struggles, every challenge has reaffirmed our commitment to creating something meaningful. Each step of the journey has brought us closer to building a community that empowers young adults and drives change—and that’s what keeps us moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Bloom & Blaze, we empower young adults from challenging backgrounds by creating spaces where they can connect with the community and the environment, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.
What We Do:
Community Building: We host events that mobilize local support and create safe spaces for young adults to explore opportunities and connect with mentors.
Sustainability Education: We develop programs around farm-to-table living, and eco-friendly practices to empower young people with life skills and environmental awareness.
Youth Development: We’re laying the groundwork for a leadership program and transitional housing initiative that will support young adults in building independence and confidence.
What We’re Known For:
Bloom & Blaze is known for creating authentic community connections and bridging gaps between underserved youth and essential resources. We’re recognized for forming non-traditional partnerships and centering young adults in everything we do.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
We’re proud of how our mission resonates with the community and how our team’s lived experiences shape our work. We’ve built trust with young adults by listening to their voices and designing programs that reflect their needs. We’re also proud of the momentum we’ve built through community events and partnerships.
What Sets Us Apart:
Our innovative, holistic approach creates an ecosystem of support that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We combine sustainability, community engagement, and personal empowerment to build a foundation for long-term growth.
Our willingness to engage with unconventional spaces as hubs for connection makes us unique. We believe that safe, supportive environments can be cultivated anywhere, and that authenticity and community collaboration are key to creating real change.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books:
•”The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a seminal work in the field of trauma studies. Through research, patient stories, and practical advice, van der Kolk explores the profound impact of trauma on individuals, illuminating how traumatic experiences shape mind and body. He also offers a hopeful perspective by outlining various treatment modalities, including yoga, mindfulness, psychotherapy, EMDR, and neurofeedback.
•”Everything I Want to Do is Illegal” by Joel Salatin: This book chronicles the author’s struggles as a small-scale, ecological farmer. He highlights how many of his desired farming practices are illegal due to current agricultural regulations, arguing that the system favors large industrial food production over local, sustainable farming and consumer choice.
•“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer: A beautiful exploration of the intersection of ecology, sustainability, and Indigenous wisdom that aligns with our commitment to honoring the planet.
• Radical Compassion by Tara Brach: Introduces the RAIN technique (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) to cultivate self-compassion and emotional resilience.
Websites:
•https://greatergood.berkeley.edu The Greater Good Science Center website from UC Berkeley is a resource-rich platform that explores the science behind happiness, resilience, mindfulness, and community well-being. It provides research-based tools, articles, and practices for fostering emotional and social well-being.
• https://www.ecorise.org/ EcoRise mobilizes a new generation of leaders to design healthy, just, and thriving communities for all
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bloomnblaze.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomnblaze
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559640602681
