From Homegrown to Blooming: Casey Kennedy’s Success Story with Bloom Academy

December 17th, 2024

Empowering Futures: Casey Kennedy, Founder of Bloom Academy, and Charlotte County’s 40 Under 40 Honoree

Charlotte County is brimming with young, dynamic leaders making waves across industries, and Casey Kennedy, the founder of Bloom Academy, stands out as a pioneer in childcare and education. As the first honoree of our 40 Under 40 series, Casey’s journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community impact.

From Homegrown Talent to Blooming Success

Casey Kennedy is a proud product of Charlotte County. Born and raised in the area, she’s a shining example of homegrown talent making an impact on the local community. Her story began with a simple but powerful vision: to create a childcare center that went beyond traditional daycare. As a new mom, she was disheartened by the limited options available in her community. “When I looked around for childcare options, there were the same options from when I grew up here as a child. Amazing people, but it was daycare,” she shared. Inspired to do better, Casey envisioned a center that reflected the latest research on education, safety, and wellness.

In 2012, Casey turned this vision into reality, opening Bloom Academy with a $30,000 personal loan and help from family. Starting with just five children, Bloom Academy grew rapidly. “We went from five kids when we opened to being at capacity within six months,” she recalled. “It was rough for sure, but parents were happy, and that made all the difference.”

Building a Legacy in Childcare

Bloom Academy has since expanded to four locations, each embodying Casey’s philosophy of holistic, relationship-driven childcare. The academy emphasizes play-based learning, social-emotional development, and wellness practices—such as creating a technology-free environment. “The iPad is there for attendance, pictures, and communication,” Casey explained. “But we don’t use technology to entertain children. They’re here to be kids.”

What truly sets Bloom apart is its customer-focused approach. “From the beginning, my focus was on customer service,” she said. “I needed the parents to be happy, the kids to be happy, and my staff to be happy. That’s still what drives us today.”

Overcoming Challenges

Casey’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. From navigating the delays caused by COVID-19 to balancing affordability with rising costs, she faced every challenge with determination. Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, she noted, “We stayed in a temporary facility for five years because of COVID. It delayed everything—construction, commercial projects, you name it.”

Staff retention has also been a major focus. “The biggest way to increase the quality of your program is to keep your staff longer,” Casey explained. “Happy staff equals happy kids, and happy kids equal happy parents.”

Casey’s advocacy for childcare accessibility is equally impressive. She collaborates with government programs like School Readiness to ensure affordability for low-income families. “It’s like hitting the lottery,” she said of the scholarships. “Parents can use them from infancy through elementary school. It’s an incredible opportunity for families.”

The Key to Success

When asked about the key to her success, Casey emphasizes the importance of relationships and adaptability. “You can’t succeed in childcare without building trust,” she explained. “It’s about building relationships—with parents, with your staff, and with the children themselves. If people feel supported and valued, they’ll stay with you.”

She also credits her willingness to embrace change. “You have to be willing to adapt,” she said. “Every family and every child is unique, and we’ve learned to listen to our community and evolve based on their needs.” This approach has allowed Bloom Academy to maintain its reputation as a trusted provider while expanding its reach.

Community Support: A Vital Component

The success of Bloom Academy is also deeply tied to the support Casey has received from the local community. “Charlotte County has been amazing,” she said. “From word-of-mouth referrals to partnerships with local organizations, the community has truly embraced us.”

Casey highlights the Early Learning Coalition as a key partner. “They’ve been instrumental in connecting families with resources like the School Readiness program. They’re just as committed as we are to making childcare accessible for everyone,” she said.

Additionally, Casey notes the importance of local businesses in helping her centers thrive. “Whether it’s through sponsorships or collaborations on events, the business community in Charlotte County has been incredibly supportive. It’s a true testament to the power of working together,” she shared.

A Vision for the Future

With Bloom Academy’s continued expansion—including a flagship facility in Babcock Ranch with a capacity of over 300 children—Casey’s focus is on scaling sustainably. “We’ve figured out our ideal size, which helps us maintain the quality parents expect,” she shared. “Now, we’re working on refining two models: a signature facility for larger spaces and a boutique model that can fit into existing buildings.”

She also hopes to address broader industry challenges, particularly the need for better support for childcare workers. “If the State of Florida could make extra concessions for people who work in childcare, it would solve so many problems,” Casey said. “We need to make this field more accessible and rewarding.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering the childcare industry, Casey’s advice is simple: “Start small but think big,” she said. “It’s not a high-margin business, and it takes passion to make it work. But when you see the impact on children and families, it’s worth every ounce of effort.”

Supporting Local Childcare

Casey emphasizes that community support is critical for childcare centers to thrive. “Whether it’s through advocacy, partnerships, or just championing local providers, the community plays a vital role in ensuring families have access to quality early education,” she said.

Conclusion

Casey Kennedy’s story reflects the heart of what the 40 Under 40 series seeks to celebrate: young leaders who are making a difference in their fields and transforming their communities. Her commitment to high-quality childcare has elevated Bloom Academy and set a new standard for the industry in Charlotte County. We’re proud to honor her as our first 40 Under 40 talent, a testament to the incredible contributions of young leaders shaping our community.