Her Story
About Katie
Katie Bloomquist is an educator, entrepreneur, and marketing consultant with more than 16 years of experience supporting children, families, schools, and organizations. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, she recently stepped away from classroom teaching to found Bloom Club, an educational enrichment business she has spent the past several months developing. Through Bloom Club, she offers a range of programs including before- and after-school clubs, a small in-home breakfast club, preschool reading groups, and a kindergarten readiness curriculum, all designed to help children build confidence, independence, and executive functioning skills alongside academic preparation.
Bloomquist's career in education spans more than 16 years across multiple settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, after first completing an Associate of Arts in Education at Glendale Community College. Her professional journey began in Arizona, where she spent over a decade teaching child development at the secondary level and directing an on-site preschool program at a high school. She later taught kindergarten and first grade for DoDEA schools in Germany before returning to the United States to teach in Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia, where she worked until launching her own venture.
Beyond Bloom Club, Bloomquist also runs a marketing consulting practice, helping small businesses, nonprofits, and schools build their brands through strategy, website design, content creation, and community outreach. She credits her father, a teacher himself, along with supportive mentors and family, for inspiring her drive and encouraging her entrepreneurial pursuits. Grounded in the values of community, loyalty, and trustworthiness, she was recognized in 2026 as part of the Influential Women Network feature representing Alexandria, Virginia, and continues to advocate for young women in education to explore the many paths the field has to offer beyond the traditional classroom.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the role models and mentors who shaped my path, especially my father, who was a teacher himself and instilled in me the drive to pursue education as a career. I've also been fortunate to have supportive administrators, colleagues, and family members who encouraged me along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received came from my family, who always told me to go for it and to be fierce in pursuing my goals. I also carry with me the example my father set as an educator, which continues to guide how I approach my work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd tell young women that education doesn't have to mean just classroom teaching. There are so many different paths within the field, and I'd encourage them not to be afraid to explore avenues beyond the traditional route.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges I've encountered include navigating zoning and licensing requirements for small programs, as well as the limited availability of before- and after-school care options. At the same time, I see real opportunity in the strong community demand for enrichment programs that build executive functioning, confidence, and school-readiness skills in children.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community, loyalty, and trustworthiness are the values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally.
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