Do you know that we are a team of women? Read along to learn more!
As we continue celebrating Women's History Month, we're proud to introduce you to other #BICwomen on our Bloom in Crisis team, Huong Nguyen and Jenny Tu, through the following 5 questions:
What attracted you to Bloom in Crisis in the first place?
Why did you want to join Bloom in Crisis?
What have you gained from working at Bloom in Crisis so far?
How do you feel working in a team of women?
What do you learn from other female members of the team?
1. What attracted you to Bloom in Crisis in the first place?
🌼 Jenny: I encountered the multitude of meanings behind Bloom in Crisis when I met Zip at a Fordham event. She came to talk with us about the struggles we face as students and how we can overcome some of these 'crises' by readjusting our mindset and attitude. Everything she shared about her own journey and outlook resonated with me, so I felt drawn to the opportunity to work on this project with her. Together, we strive to share more stories about how people have overcome or are seeking ways to overcome the challenges they face in life. I love that we value all aspects of a journey, from facing our struggles to reaching the end goal. Each and every step counts and is part of how we can grow from an experience.
🌸 Huong: "The great moments of your life won't necessarily be the things you do, they'll also be the things that happen to you. The universe has a plan kids, and that plan is always in motion. All these little parts of the machine constantly working, making sure that you end up exactly where you're supposed to be, exactly when you're supposed to be there. The right place at the right time." This quote from Ted Mosby in the beloved TV series "How I Met Your Mother" has always resonated deeply with me. It's all about those unexpected twists and turns that shape our life.
I first met Zip at our favorite hot yoga studio in New York - it's where we both love to practice self-love and meditation. Over cups of coffee, Zip shared her story and passion behind Bloom in Crisis. At that moment, it felt as though our paths had converged for a reason. What drew me to Zip's sharing was the raw authenticity of her journey. As a Vietnamese girl navigating life in NYC, her experiences mirrored my own.
2. Why did you want to join Bloom in Crisis?
🌼 Jenny: As I mentioned earlier, my introduction to Bloom in Crisis came through Zip. Our conversation about her personal and professional journey inspired me to join the team. From making that initial connection to now taking on various projects, I've found an opportunity to practice proactiveness. Prior to attending the Fordham event, I listened to a few episodes of Zip’s podcast to better understand her work with Bloom in Crisis then followed up with her afterwards to express my gratitude and ask if there was an opportunity for me to help out. Following my instinct to engage further with Zip led me to a space where I continue to grow both personally and professionally. This role has given me a unique platform to share my insights, connect with others, and contribute to building a community that cherishes and amplifies voices from diverse backgrounds. I am constantly seeking avenues to contribute meaningfully and to enhance my abilities. Bloom in Crisis has provided the ideal setting for this pursuit, aligning with my desire to collaborate on projects that foster inclusivity and mutual growth. It's more than just a team; it's a collaborative space where creativity, learning, and impactful communication flourish.
🌸 Huong: Life has a way of presenting us with unexpected encounters and opportunities, but it's what we do with them that defines our journey. Meeting Zip was one of those serendipitous moments, but my decision to become part of Bloom in Crisis was a deliberate choice—an opportunity to carve out my own path and create a meaningful impact.
Joining Bloom in Crisis wasn't just about seizing an opportunity; it was about creating my own chance to contribute to a cause I deeply believed in. It marked an alignment of timing and opportunity that propelled me on a journey of personal growth and service to the community that had embraced me with unwavering love and support.
Before fully committing, I had the opportunity to get to know Zip and her team, building trust and understanding her vision for Bloom in Crisis. It became clear that Zip's authenticity and genuine interpersonal skills set the tone for the entire team, creating an environment where everyone felt valued and empowered.
Becoming a core member of the team wasn't just about taking on a job—it was a transformative journey of self-discovery. Under Zip's guidance, I learned to articulate my thoughts, explore my emotions, and embrace vulnerability. It wasn't about hiding behind the scenes but stepping into the spotlight and showing my authentic self, ready to make a meaningful difference.
3. What have you gained from working at Bloom in Crisis so far?
🌼 Jenny: Practically speaking, I have continued to sharpen my skills in writing, content creation, graphic design, strategizing, and project management. I've learned to place trust in teamwork. Our team works closely to produce content, relying on mutual trust to build a community where others can share their stories.
I am always looking for ways and outlets to be creative, try something new, and build from scratch. Bloom in Crisis has provided that space for me. I encountered a quote not long ago, "Stop consuming, start creating." This reflects the digital age we live in, where overconsumption of content can diminish our creativity, critical thinking abilities, and literally our time. This realization hit me as I was aimlessly scrolling through TikTok, prompting me to put down my phone and step outside my apartment. Since then, this quote has stayed with me. Whenever I find myself in a funk or distracted by my phone, I remind myself to stop consuming and start creating. It can be anything from drawing, reading a book, or just taking a walk to clear my head. Bloom in Crisis serves exactly this purpose for me; it's a space for creation and a reason to explore new ideas every day, valuing the sharing of personal stories. Whether through design or content creation, it offers me an opportunity to create something that extends beyond myself.
🌸 Huong: My journey with Bloom in Crisis has been truly transformative. Through my experiences, I've not only refined my communication skills but also gained a profound understanding of accountability and self-expression. Under Zip's mentorship, I've been challenged to step outside of my comfort zone, embracing authenticity and embracing vulnerability in a way I never thought possible.
At Bloom in Crisis, the emphasis isn't on portraying a polished image on social media; rather, it's about embracing imperfection and authenticity. This organization has empowered me to break free from self-imposed limitations and unlock my full potential, both personally and professionally. It has taught me the importance of embracing discomfort, confronting my fears of failure and judgment, and taking bold leaps of faith.
I've come to realize that readiness isn't a prerequisite for success; instead, it's the willingness to take action and learn along the way. Luck isn't something that simply falls into your lap—it manifests through deliberate effort, persistence, accountability, and discipline.
4. How do you feel when you work in a team of women?
🌼 Jenny: First and foremost, working alongside Zip and Huong has led to new friendships and connections. It has been a fulfilling experience because we each bring different skill sets and experiences to the table. As a group of women, there's a profound sense of unspoken understanding among us. Whether it's sharing a laugh over a joke, empathizing with an emotion, or relating to ‘female things,' it's comforting to feel understood on such a level. Laughter is a constant in our interactions. We're detail-oriented and strive to make every experience the best it can be, whether that involves enjoying good food during a meeting or attending a yoga class to start the day off right. We are a group of women working together to cultivate a community.
🌸 Huong: As someone who has previously worked with women-owned businesses and female leaders, I've always cherished the empowering energy that emanates from such environments. Working within the women-led team at Bloom in Crisis is no exception. It's a source of constant inspiration and empowerment.
Each member of our diverse team brings a unique perspective and strength to the table. We support and uplift one another, fostering an environment of creativity, collaboration, and respect. Together, we're a symphony of strength, creating something truly authentic and impactful.
5. What do you learn from other female members of the team?
🌼 Jenny: Zip taught me the significance of nurturing tenacity that encourages continual growth. It's not just about pursuing a goal blindly but embracing a mindset that empowers us in our personal endeavors. She illustrated the importance of being unapologetically myself, teaching me to face life's challenges head-on. It's okay to embrace our emotions, whether by taking a lazy day or shedding tears in public. What matters most, however, is the resilience to get back up and carry forward the lessons learned.
Huong has exemplified how to fully embrace life without waiting for everything to be perfect. From enjoying a cup of coffee to embarking on a solo journey in a foreign country, she finds joy in every moment. Huong embodies the essence of living life to its fullest and sharing that zest with everyone she encounters, inviting them to see life through her vibrant perspective.
Working alongside these remarkable women has been an invaluable experience, highlighting the diverse expressions of womanhood. We each navigate the journey of life in ways true to ourselves, using our unique experiences to uplift and support one another. This collaboration allows each of us to shine in our distinct and beautiful ways, creating a tapestry of shared strength and individuality.
🌸 Huong: In our team, learning extends far beyond professional skills. It's about embracing individuality, valuing diversity, and celebrating authenticity. Each woman brings a distinct hue to the canvas of Bloom in Crisis, shaping it with love, respect, and integrity.
In a world that often pressures us to conform, our team embraces and cherishes our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies in embracing one's authentic self.
We celebrate our cultural differences through shared experiences, whether it's through the food we enjoy, the languages we speak, or the perspectives we bring. During the production of our February content series on "Love Languages," Jenny and I explored how our Asian backgrounds influenced the ways our parents expressed love. Despite our ethnic differences, we found common ground and shared laughter over our similar experiences.
In the professional landscape, authenticity can sometimes take a backseat. Yet, within the walls of Bloom in Crisis, authenticity isn't just encouraged; it's celebrated. Zip has shown me how true love starts with self-love. She's demonstrated how being radically honest with oneself is the crucial first step towards self-acceptance, embracing even the imperfect parts of ourselves. I had an enjoyable experience watching her Skincare Self Love YouTube video for Valentine's Day, and I highly recommend checking it out!
Jenny embodies boundless creativity and radiates positive energy. Working alongside her has broadened my perspectives, introduced me to fresh ideas, and challenged me to tap into my own creativity. Every interaction with Jenny is infused with positivity and refreshingly vibrant energy. Despite her petite stature, she exudes immense power and passion. Jenny's work ethic is unmatched—she's dedicated, hardworking, and knows how to balance work with life. From skydiving to mountain climbing to exploring the depths of the ocean while scuba diving, Jenny approaches life with fearless enthusiasm and unwavering determination. She's an inspiration to us all.
Witnessing my team authentically expressing their thoughts, vulnerabilities, and triumphs is a powerful reminder that being true to oneself is not a weakness but a source of immeasurable strength.
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What is your journey to 'bloom in crisis'? Share your story with us in the comment below or send us a DM on Instagram @bloomincrisis ❤️