Community Highlights: Meet Emily Blomquist of Big Dreams Bloom

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Blomquist.

Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory
As a young girl I became the trusted neighborhood babysitter at the age of ten – setting up craft projects, cooking activities, and playing games… essentially creating “school” for my neighbors every afternoon. That responsibility defined the trajectory for the rest of my life. Elementary education was an easy decision for me. For over twenty years, I have worked with children in several different capacities – teaching a variety of subjects at wonderful schools in our community – Windermere Prep, Park Maitland, and Lake Highland Prep. Summers have been spent directing summer camps at various locations.

The last few years I transitioned from a classroom teacher to organizing STEM and Innovation experiences, and that’s where I truly found my home. I’m creative, I think about things differently. I’m crafty. I love helping students learn how to make their thinking become visible through STEM challenges and Design Thinking activities. As an entrepreneur, taking inspiration from my early days of integrating playtime and learning with my neighborhood gal pals and all my children’s programming experience, I created Big Dreams Bloom, a virtual classroom STEM program for young girls. The results have been nothing short of phenomenal, and I am truly excited for what the future has in store for my students. Working with young children is, and always has been, my chosen path and greatest joy in life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A bumpy road led to the creation and launch of Big Dreams Bloom. After Covid hit, everyone in my circle was just in survival mode. While sheltered in place at home, teaching virtually, I created all what I thought to be fun, completely engaging experiences for my elementary school students. They would send me messages saying things like, “I really would love to do that project, but I don’t have any (blank) at home. I can’t do it.” At the same time everyone I know just kept saying how much their kids missed their friends and how much they missed all their extra activities. Across the board, everyone was saying how hard it is to have everything that their kids need on hand and ready to go while they’re also trying to do their own jobs.

Before Covid I was already working on the idea of the STEM kits for girls but never would have considered doing this virtual. The virtual teaching created a light bulb moment for me… I could solve all kinds of problems by offering a live opportunity for girls across the country. If I supplied the materials, all they’d have to do is log in. Plus, moms and dads would be so happy because their kids are learning! Having the whole country experience virtual learning at the same time normalizing virtual programming. It all came together. Right at the beginning, girls from all over the country and even Canada signed up! They said even when things go back to normal, they never wanted to stop doing this… and neither do I! I love it!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Big Dreams Bloom?
Big Dreams Bloom virtual program offers an opportunity for elementary-aged school girls (Kindergarten – 5th grade) to connect with other girls across the country… virtual gal pals! It’s a virtual STEM program focused on empowering girls. Through popular children’s literature focused on HERstory, we explore the lives of influential women from artists to activists, explorers to engineers who followed their dreams and changed the world. Together, we follow up with book club style discussions and complete science, art, and maker-style STEM projects as a learning extension. Program supplies are delivered to the home in carefully curated surprise activity bags. Live interactive sessions are largely independent and activities are easy to clean up. No need to shop for supplies, schedule carpool drop-offs or pickups! From the convenience of home, little girls will discover that they too can change the world!

Can you talk to us about your view on risk-taking? Have you taken any major risks (and if so, can you tell us about those risks)?
I’m not afraid to take risks. I’ve always had the attitude that everything will work itself out. When things don’t go as planned, I just find a different way to do things. I’m always looking for an opportunity to learn new things. A lot of my conversations with my friends and family start with “I have a great idea!” I love the excitement and planning that comes with executing new ideas. My husband affectionately calls me “Idea Girl.” So whether it’s tweaking a recipe, painting a piece of furniture, rearranging a room, or creating a new business opportunity – I’ll never know unless I try it!

Contact Info:

• Email: emily@bigdreamsbloom.com
• Website: www.bigdreamsbloom.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bigdreamsbloom