Be inspired: The Bloom Awards 2026
Every year we’re delighted to host the annual Bloom Awards, a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the remarkable women who strengthen our community and thanking those who generously contribute their time and energy to make Bloom a truly thriving space. As always, this year’s awards was an evening of inspiration and motivation -powerful messages, delivered by some exceptional women.
Defying Limits
We were delighted to welcome Felicity Ashley, a Mum, Motivator, Mariner, and Marketer, who challenged us all to "Stop giving reasons why you can't. Start giving reasons why you can." Felicity is living proof that we all possess the power to be our own version of extraordinary. She shared her incredible story of sailing across the Atlantic as part of an unsupported, four-woman crew, enduring 40 days of two hours on, two hours off rowing for 3,000 miles, ultimately finishing 13th in a field of more than forty. It’s made even more impressive, considering more people have ventured into space or summited Mount Everest than have rowed an ocean, and proves middle-aged mums can do anything they want to.
Felicity highlighted the importance of a support crew. After all ‘nobody every achieved anything significant on their own’, advising us to ask for help before we need it, genuine support gives us the power to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones. Her core message revolved around "mindset over matter." She challenged us to identify our unique superpower, our personal "label" – like her own, "I'm Nails." By adopting a growth mindset and reframing negatives into positives – turning "Why me?" into "Why not me?" and "I can't do it" into "I can't do it yet," then "I can do it and I will" – we learn to become optimists and channel positivity. Remember "You're just getting started”.
Holding Your Space
Bro McNeil, founding member of Bloom, Bloom Chair, and phenomenal Photographer, delivered an equally impactful talk on "Holding Your Space." While superficially about achieving the perfect headshot (DON’T TILT YOUR NECK), Bro's message was really about equality, and silencing that voice in the back of your head that tells you not to be too loud, too visible, too ‘much’.
Bro dared us to stop apologizing or shying away from the spotlight. We have every right to be in any room, at any table, as our true selves. The more women who visibly show up in photos – at conferences, in boardrooms, on stage, and networking – the more other women will see themselves reflected and believe, "If she can do that, I can do that too." She challenged each of us to consider how we can uplift and support other women, reminding us that we are all role models. Bro's rallying cry was simple: "Hold. Your. Space."
A Heartfelt Congratulations
The Bloom Awards concluded with a celebration of achievement. A huge congratulations to all the nominees, and especially to this year's deserving winners, who continue to inspire and elevate our incredible community.
Special thanks to our partners Publicis Groupe, StackAdapt and KBH
