bloom daily planners Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Earlier this week, Kaylyn and I had the incredible honor of representing bloom daily planners in Washington, D.C. as one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in America, recognized at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious CO—100 Awards.
Out of more than 12,000 applicants nationwide, bloom was selected in the Customer Champions category — an honor that means the world to us because it celebrates something at the core of who we are: leading with heart.
Why bloom Was Honored as a “Customer Champion”
At bloom, we believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Our customer service philosophy has always been simple: treat people like people. Whether that’s writing personalized notes, making one-time exceptions to keep a customer happy, or turning feedback into new products, we view every interaction as a chance to make someone’s day a little brighter.
We were recognized for:
- Human connection over scripts. Every email, DM, and order note is written by a real person who truly cares.
- Empathy in action. From sending care packages to customers facing hardship to personally responding to concerns, our team goes above and beyond to help people feel seen.
- Community-driven innovation. Many of our most loved products — from the Self-Care Sticker Pack to the Chronic Illness Planner — came directly from customer suggestions.
- Creating positivity online. Our private Facebook community of over 7,000 active members has become a supportive space for encouragement, organization tips, and friendship.
This recognition as a Customer Champion was about compassion, authenticity, and the ripple effect of care in business. We were honored to be recognized for our favorite part of our jobs and the "why" of our business - our community!
What Is CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce?
CO— is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s small-business platform, designed to support, educate, and empower entrepreneurs across the country. It provides resources, stories, and events that help small businesses grow — and the CO—100 Awards celebrate the most inspiring examples of innovation, resilience, and impact in the nation’s small-business community.
A Trip to Remember to Washington, D.C.
We were lucky to be just a quick train ride away from D.C., though many fellow honorees flew in from across the U.S. The entire experience — from the historic venues to the incredible people — left us inspired and so proud to be part of this community.
Kaylyn & Michelle outside the beautiful Decatur House before the welcoming reception.
Night One: Welcome Reception at the Decatur House
The celebration began at the Decatur House, a stunning venue just steps from the White House. Being checked in by Secret Service set the tone for a truly memorable evening! The space was filled with delicious food, a dessert table that could rival any wedding, live music, and even a gifting suite with goodies from event sponsors.
We met amazing entrepreneurs from every corner of the country — mushroom farmers, tea company founders, auto-body shop owners, fashion designers, and more. Each story was different, but the shared thread was clear: passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Scenes from the welcome party at Decatur House (and the White House right next door!)
Day Two: Learning, Connection, and Adaptability
The next morning began with a networking breakfast and learning sessions led by event sponsors. Google hosted a workshop on “Making AI Work for You,” while The Juilliard School shared insights on leadership, branding, and creativity. We were scheduled to tour the U.S. Capitol and meet with legislators, but due to the government shutdown, plans had to pivot. Instead, we enjoyed a walking tour around the Capitol, learned fascinating historical facts, and later explored the White House Experience Museum — complete with the actual Resolute Desk that will be added to President Biden’s presidential library next year. Naturally, we couldn’t resist snapping some fun photos there!
Michelle & Kaylyn inside the beautiful Chamber of Commerce building in Washington, DC.
Scenes from various learning events and excursions included in the CO-100 event.
Michelle & Kaylyn having a ball at the CO-100 gala.
The CO—100 Gala
Tuesday night was the main event: the CO—100 Gala. Always happy for an excuse to dress up, we joined fellow winners for an unforgettable evening hosted by Broadway star Chris Hanke, who filled the room with humor, heart, and even a custom song about how small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy.
The energy was contagious as the Top 10 businesses in each category were honored. We cheered especially loudly for Dynamic Auto, who took home the $25,000 grand prize — a well-deserved recognition for their incredible work and dedication.
We were blown away by the thought and detail that went into this night. Thank you, CO-100!
Scenes from the main event, the CO-100 gala!
Day Three: Inspiration from Daymond John
The event wrapped the next morning with a few more helpful sessions and then a keynote fireside chat featuring Daymond John of Shark Tank. He spoke about perseverance, creativity, and the importance of building purpose-driven brands. He was every bit as sharp, funny, and thoughtful as you’d imagine — and yes, we got to meet him for a quick photo after!
We loved that Daymond was big on the importance of writing down goals. He had a great antectode about "When you get personal about your goals you get personal about change.” His example was when he changed his goal from "lose 10 pounds" to "get healthy enough to live long enough to walk my daughters down the aisle" that's when he saw change. Daymond...are you a #bloomboy?!
Keynote Speaker Daymond John at the fireside chat.
Reflecting on Fifteen Years of Bloom
2025 has been a rollercoaster of a year — one that’s stretched and strengthened us in equal measure. This award arrived at the perfect time, reminding us to slow down and celebrate how far we’ve come in 15 years of helping people bloom into their best selves.
While Kaylyn and I were the lucky ones who got to wear the fancy dresses and accept the award in person, the real credit belongs to our team and community. Every product, email, design, and kind word shared with our customers comes from the hearts of our small but mighty team in Delaware — and from the loyal, inspiring community that believes in us.
To our customers, collaborators, and friends: thank you for helping us create something so much bigger than planners. You are the reason bloom exists, and this award belongs to all of us.
We left Washington feeling inspired, re-energized, and deeply grateful — not just for the recognition, but for the reminder of what truly matters: kindness, connection, and the courage to keep blooming. 🌸 Thank you again to CO-100 for an unforgettable experience!
- Michelle Askin, Co-Founder of bloom daily planners
bloom daily planners: Empowering and inspiring you with beautiful, functional tools to dream, plan, and bloom into your best self every day.
Leave a comment