Meet Fiona Bloom | Founder /Marketing & Publicity -The Bloom Effect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fiona Bloom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fiona, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I always like to say that I never chose this career or path. It chose me. I also preach that it’s not my career, but a lifestyle. It’s literally what I eat, breathe, live 24/7. It’s not to say I don’t have a life outside my JOB, but the lines are blurred. And when you LOVE something so intensely that you can’t wait to wake up and jump into your work all over again, it’s a very giddy feeling.

I’m fortunate in the sense that I found my passion very early on. I was moved and drawn to music literally since I came out the womb. I started playing piano and violin at a very early age. I was practicing and developing my talent and technique very seriously. I knew I wanted to have my life evolve around music and performing. I dreamed about it every day. So when the burn out happened and my epiphany that being a concert pianist and violinist wasn’t in the cards, I had to figure out my life. I took some time to travel and discover my roots. I ended up working on a Kibbutz in Israel for several months and that enabled me to see the Middle East and explore who I was. Lots of unearthing, self-reflection and tough emotionally, but I knew I had to shed some layers, get down to my core and figure out what was going to happen next. I was only 21 years old. So still quite young, naive, and the whole world ahead of me. I could do anything, go anywhere, but I knew it had to be something in the arts, and something with Music! So if I wasn’t going to perform, I’ll work with musicians and talent who do! And I never looked back!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve never been motivated or driven by money. My whole professional life has been about uplifting others. Helping artists, building bridges, creating opportunities, and creating dialogue. I’ve operated with integrity. My reputation and strong principles mean more than dollar signs. I’ve always been honest, kept my word and worked hard. I also think what’s set me apart is my energy and enthusiasm. Colleagues, co-workers, industry and really everyone has mentioned that my energy is contagious. Put me in a room, whether virtually or IRL, and I shine and light it up! People tend to feel good around me. They trust me and I also have the knack and gift for connecting people. I build deep connections. Connections that span a life-time and ability to bring people and businesses together. Over the years, I have built several entities from the ground up, I’ve raised capital in the millions, and introduced people who have then gone on to form successful ventures.

What excites me the most is watching an artist grow from the ground up. From a foundation to a structure to a monument! Proud moments of the fruit of my labour become success stories! I also love to watch my colleagues and acquaintances build their careers and observe their journey from the start. I know many in the biz who I can honestly say, I’ve watched from Day one, or known them from their humble beginnings.

I’ve also nurtured and mentored hundreds of the young generation. Most have surpassed me, and soaring! I’m so proud. It makes me feel so good when I’ve helped young people and been able to inspire them, develop, advise and now witness their successes! I’m a real people person. As much as I’m learning AI, and how to work alongside the technology, I very much operate in Emotional Intelligence. That’s how I want to be remembered.. I am driven by compassion and Humility.

Another unique thing about my business… I work in a plethora of communities. I’m like an architect. Building brands, building community and bridges. I can weave in and out of genres/circles so effortlessly and it’s enabled me to have a vibrant life that’s colourful and enriched. Also, I’m well-versed in different styles of music and have developed relationships across the board. My Network is my Net Worth. I have a huge rolodex and database. I used to say it’s ‘Who You Know, and then became Who Knows You, and now it’s Who Loves You! Whatever it ends up being, I lead with my heart, and it’s appreciated and I feel the love!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s a reason we call it Hot Lanta! This City is on fire! So much great talent, amazing nightlife, great restaurants, indoor/outdoor spaces, museums and shopping. Ok, where do I start?

Well, I live in Buckhead and would start right here in Buckhead Village. I would have breakfast at this new bagel spot that opened recently called Spread. For lunch we’d go to Anis. Then a lovely walk along W.Paces Ferry and for dinner at Yeppa.

Next night a concert at Buckhead Theatre. And a glass of wine at the bar at the S.African restaurant Yebo Beach House.

Lenox Square is a MUST and the shops around Lenox. And an almond croissant at Alon’s Bakery.

I love foreign and independent films. The Tara Theatre on Cheshire Bridge.

Nam Phuong for Pho and then stop at the Buford Highway Farmer’s Market for fresh produce.

I love long strolls. The BeltLine for many reasons. So much beauty, restaurants, breweries. Ponce City Market and Krog St. Market are two of my fave indoor markets.

A few fave hotels are the Forth Hotel, The Wylie, Shane Hotel in Midtown and the Kimpton Sylvan in Buckhead. and St. Regis.

VA Highlands will have us drinking at Highland Tap, Atkins Park, Dark Horse Tavern, and Moe’s & Joe’s.

I’m a huge avid walker. We have to walk around Chastain Park, Piedmont Park, & Grant Park and then visit Inman Park, Chandler Park and Little Five Points. We’ll get tickets to Horizon Theatre. Will see a concert at Variety Playhouse, and then grab beers at The Yacht Club.

I suppose a visit to Underground Atlanta but mainly to see a show at The Masquerade.

I just discovered RICE recently. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Worth a visit.

I’m a member of Atlanta History Center and depending on the exhibition, definitely a must visit. They have a fabulous soup and sandwich spot called Souper Jenny and I love Brash Coffee.

I’m also a fan of Dancing Goats.

Pullman Yards is definitely on the itinerary and The King Plow Arts Center.

Back to midtown, a visit to Colony Square and of course Woodruff Arts Center. You must have a coffee at Refuge.

East Atlanta Village is on the agenda. Great thrifting and restaurants. Depending on who’s performing, a concert at The Earl is in order! And a similar acoustic more intimate venue in Decatur Eddie’s Attic is one of my fave haunts. Another is near VA Highlands called Smith’s Olde Bar.

I have to shout out my friend’s spot in Decatur called The Reading Room.

We’ll make sure to wonder round the Oakland Cemetery grounds. My friend gives guided tours.

We’ll get up early on Saturday morning and walk to Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market. And I love my local record store Fantasyland. I also have to shout out Wax n Facts and Criminal Records in Little Five Points. And go down to the community center where WRFG is housed.

Another of my fave restaurants is Petite Violette and S. African restaurant Daily Chew.

If you’re into Fine Art, Interior Design and Furniture, a trip to Miami Circle must happen! There’s also a fun tapas place Eclipse di Luna. My friend Amy owns I.D.E.A Gallery. They have art crawls on the weekends.

Any time there’s a football match, well soccer over here… Two places to watch and make new friends. FADO in Buckhead Village and The Brewhouse! Oh and can’t forget Manuel’s Tavern.

Also, a trip to The Braves Stadium in The Battery and Truist Park.
A hike up Stone Mountain or a RUN!

Westside Atlanta is a great area. Westside Motor Lounge and Wild Heaven Brewery.

Margaret Mitchell House. Botanical Gardens, and the Georgia Aquarium are must sees.

Other places if there’s time are Buteco in Grant Park, Cabbage Town Murals, and one of my fave spots for dinner. Carroll Street Cafe.

I love Masti in Toco Hills. Indian street food.

Del Bar for good upscale Middle Eastern. Two locations. Buckhead and Inman Park.

Johnny’s Hideaway for some throwback and dance the night away!
I recently discovered another area in Atlanta called Summerhill. I love the Halfway Crooks Beer.
And lastly, a visit to Chamblee Tucker area to Distillery of Modern Art and Block and Drum.

I could go on and on. Atlanta is very spread out and there’s some cool places in Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, East Point, and Hapeville.

Coming from London and New York, the public transportation here really needs improving. However, it’s only right I take my friends on MARTA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout-out my Father. He recently passed away. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of him. He was my biggest cheerleader. Always motivating me and lifting me up. He was a serial entrepreneur and very enterprising. I would say that my spirit came from him. My eccentricities, my personality, character, humour. All of it. He was very clever, sharp and had a way with words. I’ve always had the gift of gab and love my puns, as he did. I have big shoes to fill and walking in his footsteps. I constantly hear his voice and every day I aim to make him proud. Prouder.

He would send me industry news, articles, and music daily! He was the first to turn me on to Amy Winehouse and when he met Chuck D from Public Enemy, he told him all about his daughter!

He was a huge avid reader of the NY Times and especially loved music journalist Jon Pareles. He met him in the lift at the Soho Grand many years ago, and would forever talk about that conversation they had.

He encouraged me to travel, to push myself, and to be unafraid and lead with compassion and mindfulness.

There’s a few other people I can give credit to, but rather stick to Dad!

I would love to shout a book out . Richard Branson’s ‘Losing My Virginity’. Virgin Records was one of my Top 5 Record Labels coming up in the biz and learning about his business philosophy was fascinating. His approach unique and his path , unconventional. Also, shouting out A2IM. I’ve been a proud member for many years now. The independent music community is my family, and developed a lot of beautiful friendships, and great networking, .

Website: http://www.thebloomeffect.com

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