Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Edwards
Hi Rachael , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Classroom Bloom started as a passion project. It all began when some of my coworkers, noticing my knack for creating inviting and functional classroom environments, started volunteering to pay me to decorate their classrooms. At first, I was just helping out colleagues, but as more people showed interest and offered compensation, I realized there was a real demand for this service. Taking a leap of faith, I decided to turn this side project into a full-fledged business.
Classroom Bloom is dedicated to creating vibrant and inspiring learning environments. We specialize in designing and decorating classrooms that foster creativity, focus, and a love for learning. Our services include everything from initial design consultations to the complete setup of classroom spaces, incorporating elements that align with both educational goals and the teacher’s unique style. Over time, we’ve grown by building strong relationships with educators who trust us to bring their vision to life, and we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern classrooms.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting Classroom Bloom has been an exciting journey, but it hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the early challenges was transitioning from a passion project into a full-fledged business. Figuring out how to manage finances, set competitive pricing, and market the services effectively took some trial and error.
Another struggle was balancing the creative side of the business with the operational aspects. While designing and decorating classrooms is my passion, handling logistics, inventory, and client communication required a different skill set that I had to develop over time. Additionally, there were moments of uncertainty, especially in the beginning, when I wasn’t sure if the business would gain enough traction to be sustainable.
However, these challenges also pushed me to grow, learn, and refine the business model. With each obstacle, I became more confident in my ability to run Classroom Bloom successfully. The support from educators and the positive impact we’ve made in classrooms have made all the hard work worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear a couple of hats in my professional life. I’m the founder of Classroom Bloom, where I specialize in designing and decorating educational spaces that inspire both students and teachers. What sets Classroom Bloom apart is the personalized approach we take with each project. I work closely with educators to understand their goals and the unique needs of their students, ensuring that the classroom design not only looks great but also enhances the learning experience.
In addition to Classroom Bloom, I’m now a Math Interventionist, drawing on my years of experience as a former math teacher. In this role, I focus on helping students who struggle with math, providing targeted support to improve their understanding and performance. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in both areas—creating spaces where learning thrives and directly helping students achieve their potential in math.
What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the educational environment from both a teacher’s and a designer’s perspective. This dual expertise allows me to approach classroom design with a focus on functionality and learning outcomes, while my interventionist work benefits from my creative problem-solving skills. Ultimately, my work is about empowering both teachers and students to succeed in an environment that supports their best efforts.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is to let go of the doubts and take a leap of faith. The hardest part is often just getting started. You might feel unsure or overwhelmed, but once you take that first step, everything begins to fall into place. Trust your instincts and believe in your vision. I wish I had known earlier that it’s okay to not have everything figured out from the start. The important thing is to begin, and you’ll learn and grow as you go. The journey might be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.classroombloom.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classroom_bloom?igsh=MW13ZmprdXA0aXFleA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassroomBloom?mibextid=LQQJ4d
