Meet Mandisa John | Founder, Educator & Community Connector

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

Hi Mandisa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always believed in building what I wish existed—something with lasting impact that not only supports me but also creates opportunities for others. For years, I watched other people do the things I wanted to do, pursue their passions, and take risks while I stayed in spaces that didn’t fully align with my vision. I knew I had the talent, the passion, and the drive, but I wasn’t sure where to start or if it was even possible for me.

At the same time, I saw gaps in the spaces I moved through—whether in education, career development, or personal growth. I knew something was missing. I wished there were more structured support systems, mentorship, and resources to help young women, especially Black women, navigate adulthood with confidence. It took time, but I eventually realized I could be that change—that instead of wishing for it, I could create it.
For me, starting a business is about ownership, impact, and sustainability. I wanted to build something that reflects my values, fills real gaps, and provides resources that didn’t exist for me. Entrepreneurship also represents financial freedom and generational wealth—a way to create stability for myself while making a meaningful difference in my community.

Through my own experiences navigating adulthood, career transitions, and leadership, I’ve seen firsthand the power of purpose-driven work. Entrepreneurship gives me the freedom to create, to lead, and to make a lasting contribution to the world while also designing a life that aligns with my vision and goals. I’m still building, still learning, and still figuring out the best ways to grow and sustain this vision—but every step forward is proof that the dream is possible and needed.
As I built my business, I realized that all my passions—mentorship, personal development, arts, and sports—intersected around a common theme: supporting young women. That clarity helped shape my work into something meaningful, impactful, and true to who I am.

Ultimately, I got tired of waiting for something that didn’t exist. So I built it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Blooming Belles was born out of my own journey navigating adulthood, career transitions, and personal growth. I remember reaching my senior year of college thinking that jobs would be throwing themselves at my feet and that I’d seamlessly step into a thriving adult life. Reality hit hard. I moved back home with no job, no plan, and no money. It took months of searching before I finally secured a role—an AmeriCorps service position—which brought me back to Philadelphia to start my “adult life.”

I was fortunate to have family support who helped me navigate this transition. But even with their guidance, I knew nothing about managing my money, negotiating a salary, finding an apartment, or simply balancing work and life. My 20s became a decade of trial and error, figuring things out through experience, sometimes the hard way. And while mistakes are part of the process, I firmly believe that when we learn something valuable, it becomes our responsibility to make the journey easier for the next generation.

Blooming Belles was a natural extension of that belief. It started from my own desire to help but was fueled by the young women in my life—former students, younger cousins, and friends—who would come to me with these same life questions: How do I find a place to live? How do I budget my money and time? How do I prepare for an interview or negotiate my first salary?

We tell young people “Congratulations, you’re an adult!”—but what does that even mean? How are we preparing them beyond academics and career paths? I saw a gap in support, particularly for young Black women, in areas like financial literacy, career development, and self-confidence. Colleges provide academic and career advising, but where’s the guidance for the soft skills, life skills, and real-world preparedness that make the difference between just surviving and truly thriving?

Blooming Belles is a multi-faceted brand designed to empower women through mentorship, skill-building, community-driven experiences, and curated gifting. What makes us different is our holistic approach—we don’t just focus on career development or self-care in isolation. Instead, we create a full-circle experience that blends:
– Learning & Development – Workshops, coaching, and pitch sessions to help women gain confidence and professional skills.
– Community & Experiences – Events, retreats, and team-building activities that foster connection and intergenerational mentorship.
– Wellness & Sports Engagement – Supporting women in sports and fitness through meet-ups, training opportunities, and visibility.
– Curated Gifting – XO Bloom Boxes and products that encourage self-care, celebration, and affirmation.
– Tech & Innovation – BLOOM, our upcoming digital platform, will provide mentorship, career development, financial literacy, and wellness resources—empowering young women with the tools they need to thrive.

Building this business hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges in funding, time management, and balancing my big vision with sustainable growth. But I’ve learned two major lessons:

– Community and clarity are everything. When you stay rooted in your purpose and surround yourself with people who believe in you, the path forward becomes clearer.
– I can do a lot, but I can’t do everything alone. I’ve had to learn how to pivot, delegate, and trust the process—Blooming Belles doesn’t have to fit into one box, and I don’t have to stick to just one lane.

Since completing the Surge Angels incubator program, I’ve been strategically planning the next steps for Blooming Belles—clarifying what I care about, refining my offerings, and finding ways to sustain and scale my impact. I’ve been actively applying for funding, pitching to investors, and finding creative ways to generate revenue in the meantime while also developing myself as a leader and entrepreneur.

At the heart of Blooming Belles is a commitment to helping women step boldly into their futures—whether that’s through personal growth, professional development, or simply feeling seen and supported. My goal is that every woman who interacts with Blooming Belles walks away feeling more confident, connected, and empowered.
I believe that mentorship, education, and community can change lives. And Blooming Belles is my way of making sure that no young woman has to navigate adulthood, career transitions, or personal growth without the guidance, resources, and support she deserves – —so she can confidently create the life of her dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Philadelphia for a week, we’d have to plan the trip when it’s warm—I love being outdoors!

Outdoors: A morning walk through Fairmount Park, along the Schuylkill River Trail, or a hike at Wissahickon Valley Park is a must. It’s the best way to start the day with fresh air and great views.

Food: Exploring Reading Terminal Market is a must for a taste of Philly’s food scene. We’d start the day with breakfast at Café La Maude, grab lunch at Reading Terminal Market, and have an unforgettable dinner at Suraya, enjoying their beautiful courtyard dining experience.

Coffee Shops & Work Spots: Some of my favorite spots to grab coffee or work include Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books for a good read and great conversation, Thundermug Café, Vault + Vine, and Harriet’s Bookshop for an inspiring atmosphere.

Fun & Culture: We’d catch a Sixers or Phillies game, visit The Barnes Foundation or the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and stop by the African American Museum for a rich cultural experience. If it’s a weekend, we’d definitely check out one of the many street festivals happening around the city in the spring and summer.

Nightlife & Vibes: For a great night out, we’d have drinks at Attico or Assembly Rooftop, then enjoy live music at World Café Live or The W Hotel for a perfect mix of good energy and good vibes.

Philly has such a unique mix of history, culture, and great food, so this trip would be the perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and exploration!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have shaped my journey, but I’d love to give a special shoutout to my parents, who emigrated from Dominica to the U.S., built a life for our family, and put their own dreams on hold so their children could have opportunities they never had. My brother, who pushes me, challenges me, and advises me in all the ways only a younger sibling can.

I also want to recognize Surge Institute—being selected for the Angels business incubator program was a turning point that helped turn my dream into a reality. My fellow Angels cohort members inspired me by building their own ventures, and the shared learning and support shaped me as a leader and entrepreneur. And beyond that, my Surge Academy Philly cohort has been a source of unwavering support, seeing me, believing in me, and helping me grow as a leader since then.

To my younger cousins and former students, who inspired me to build Blooming Belles for them—your journeys, questions, and ambitions fuel my purpose every day.
And to my friends and extended family, who have poured love into me, believed in me, and stood by me through every season—especially when I was figuring things out in my 20s and now as I navigate new chapters—your support means everything.

Website: https://www.bloomingbellesco.com/

Instagram: @blooming.belles

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandisajohn/

Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blooming-belles-co

Image Credits
Brooke Sietinsons
Andre Smith (Andre El Photography)