in 2018, build + bloom went from online to in-person with 8 free workshops that take place all across the united states and europe. the workshops centered around three topics: photography, social media, and marketing strategies. the workshops were called “RALLY!” and were free to bring equal opportunity to anyone in the community, enabling them to change their legacy through a photography business. those who are attending already know the basics about photography— they can learn that on youtube. what was needed was a positive learning environment that would provide them with free tools + resources to launch their business forward, and that is exactly what we created for them.

the majority of those who attended were between the ages of 16-26 and either hobbiest photographers or photographers looking to bring their business full-time. sponsors included hashtag paid and mastin labs for 3 out of the 8 workshops and the venues were donated to us. build + bloom made absolutely no profit off of these events. at our RALLY! workshops, guest speakers from the local communities would come and teach as well, so that when build + bloom left those attending still had someone in their local area to reach out to and continue cheering them on.

before people arrived, jessica would always remind the team about not only creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, but emphasized the importance of saying hello to every single person who comes in the door before the event even began. another huge core idea to creating this environment is that some of the people who sit down and listen might never have received any encouragement about their photography before, and this workshop could be the first place they get tools, resources, and encouragement. build + bloom completed 8 of these free workshops in seattle, los angeles, new york city, dallas, houston, seattle again, pairs, and london.

THE NUMBERS

SEATTLE, 75 attendes

LOS ANGELES, 50 attendees

NEW YORK CITY, 50 attendees 

SEATTLE x2, 40 attendes

HOUSTON, 110 attendees

DALLAS, 135 attendees

PARIS, FRANCE, 20 attendes

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, 45 attendees

fun fact: our first seattle workshop was planned in 6 days and had a turnout of 75 people. jessica originally had planned all other cities besides seattle, and was on her way home visiting family for the holidays when she said “why not?” to a seattle event. 75 people with 6 days of notice. that shows the need for positive creative communities and a welcoming environment.