2023 Fellow Focus: Alicia Williams + Abloom
Educator, Ed-Tech Founder, DEI enthusiast, trailblazer…2023 Fellow Alicia Williams of Abloom shares more about her journey as a social impact entrepreneur.
What life experiences propelled you into the entrepreneurial space and made you decide to be your own boss?
Well, let me take you back to my early years. I was that kid with the lemonade stand, always looking for ways to sell something. Lemonades and candy were just the beginning, but those early life experiences ignited my entrepreneurial spirit.
Growing up, I had the privilege of watching my mother run a successful law practice and my father own various real estate properties. Their dedication and achievements were truly inspiring. Those early moments in my life played a significant role in shaping my aspirations.
Then, in 2021, I took a significant leap of faith. I decided to bet on myself and start my first company. Before that, I had dedicated five years of my life to being a middle school teacher, and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the classroom. However, deep down, I knew I wanted to make a bigger impact in education and have the freedom that comes with being your own boss.
As educators, we possess a wealth of skills that can be monetized. Effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to connect with people are just a few of the valuable skills we bring to the table. So, not only did I want to make a significant impact in education, but I also wanted to harness these skills to create financial opportunities for myself and gain the freedom I desired as an entrepreneur. It's been quite a journey, but it's one that I'm passionate about and fully committed to.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
The best part about being a founder is that there's no better time to innovate than right now. I’m a problem-solver and creative, helping to shape the future. As founders we have the ability to create jobs, give back to our community, and shape a new world.
At Abloom, we're bridging the mental health gap and making schools better for students. We achieve this by leveraging machine learning and AI to provide personalized student check-ins, real-time analytics, and proactive support to educators and students. It's about creating positive change through technology, and that's what I love most about being a founder.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
It's easy to feel overwhelmed as an entrepreneur, but the key is to tackle one problem at a time. Instead of being discouraged by a mountain of issues, solve one problem, then the next, and then the next. This approach can make the journey less intimidating and more manageable. Additionally, do your research and ask questions. Ask everyone, “How did you do that?” and “Where should I go to get this?” regardless of industry. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
Certainly, one experience that exemplifies Camelback's core value of being "Unafraid of Failure" occurred early on in the journey of starting our company. We initially embarked on a different idea, full of excitement and ambition. However, it became evident, through valuable user feedback, that our original concept wasn't gaining the traction we had hoped for. Rather than fearing failure, we recognized the need to pivot. This shift in direction was not only okay but necessary for our growth. It highlighted the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship – the willingness to change course when something isn't working as expected.
In just a few months of making these strategic shifts, we've witnessed substantial traction and received positive feedback from our users. This experience taught us that embracing change and learning from failure are not setbacks but stepping stones towards success.
How do you stay motivated?
Staying motivated in this journey is all about understanding that it's a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritizing my mental, physical, and spiritual health is absolutely essential for the work I do. My faith serves as my anchor, guiding me through the ups and downs. One key lesson I've learned is not to compare myself to others but to celebrate their successes along the way. We all have our unique paths, and it's important to stay focused on our own progress while appreciating the achievements of others. This mindset keeps me motivated, grounded, and ready to tackle the challenges that come my way.
Let's talk about your legacy. How do you hope your venture will make the world a better place generations from now?
At Abloom, our vision is to close the youth mental health gap by equipping young people with the social and emotional skills they need to become more compassionate, self-aware, and confident adults. Our personalized, fun, and AI-powered mental health and emotional well-being support for every student has the potential to transform the educational landscape, not only in schools, but beyond. Looking ahead, I envision Abloom not only as a sustainable and profitable venture but also as a successfully acquired company, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change for generations to come.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
Anything else you want to share about yourself and/or your Camelback Fellowship journey?
What I love most about my Camelback Fellowship journey is the incredible sense of community and support it offers. It's not just about being seen as a founder but as a whole person. My cohort is a remarkable group of disruptors and founders, all passionately dedicated to addressing some of the most significant challenges in education. This community has been an invaluable source of inspiration, learning, and growth for me, and I'm genuinely grateful to be a part of it.
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