Luisanna Elia developed Bloom House from concept to launch-ready brand — designing products, securing a manufacturer, and planning events that connect Pilates, mindfulness, and sustainable living.
How did you get your internship?
I completed an entrepreneurial internship by turning Bloom House, my Pilates-inspired wellness brand, into a hands-on learning project. I pitched it to my advisor as a way to gain entrepreneurial experience while working toward my Applied Humanities degree. Since I already had the concept, I used the internship period to focus on actually building the business — from product development to marketing and event planning. This gave me the freedom to shape my experience around the skills I wanted to learn. It was exciting because every task I worked on was directly connected to something I’m passionate about.
Why did you choose this internship?
I knew I wanted an internship that would feel meaningful and not just like “checking a box” for my degree. Bloom House is something I’ve dreamed of launching, so using my internship to make it real felt like the best way to invest my time. I wanted to learn how to navigate product design, manufacturer communication, event coordination, and brand building, all while staying true to my vision of creating products that inspire movement and mindfulness. Choosing my own project meant I could set the pace, take risks, and actually see my work come to life.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship?
My work was a mix of creative, strategic, and behind-the-scenes hustle. I designed and refined the Bloom House Pilates Journal, working closely with a manufacturer to perfect the final sample. I planned a launch event with Club Pilates here in Tucson, complete with goodie bags, product displays, and a giveaway to boost brand awareness. I also worked on social media content ideas, mapped out my future product line, and researched sustainable packaging. A lot of my time went into problem-solving, like adjusting timelines, negotiating prices, and making sure the journal design matched my vision.
What skills or knowledge did you gain?
This internship pushed me to grow in so many areas, especially communication, organization, and creative problem-solving. I learned how to talk to manufacturers in a clear and professional way so that nothing gets lost in translation. I also improved my event planning skills, from budgeting to creating marketing strategies that make people want to show up. On the creative side, I got better at making design decisions quickly without overthinking. Most importantly, I learned that building something from scratch means being flexible and staying optimistic when things don’t go perfectly the first time.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship? Why?
Seeing my first Bloom House Pilates Journal sample in person was hands down the most satisfying moment. Up until then, everything had just been sketches, mood boards, and ideas in my head. Holding a physical product that I designed and knowing it’s the first step toward a full product line made me feel like all the late nights and trial-and-error efforts were worth it. It was proof that my dream is actually possible and that I’m capable of making it happen.
What was the most challenging part of your internship?
The hardest part was navigating the back-and-forth with the manufacturer to get the journal exactly how I wanted it. There were delays, design tweaks, and moments where I felt like I was hitting a wall. I learned that clear communication and patience are everything in product development. Instead of letting the frustration get to me, I focused on problem-solving and staying proactive. Now I feel much more confident about working through challenges with vendors in the future.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
This internship confirmed that I want to keep growing Bloom House into a full brand — not just a side project. It showed me that I can merge my passion for pilates with entrepreneurship and make something unique in the wellness space. I’m planning to keep expanding the product line, build more partnerships with studios, and eventually open my own pilates space that integrates retail. I also realized how much I love the creative process, so I want my career to always include design and brand building.