Emma Crook started Bloom Circle with a simple goal: to create a trusted, welcoming space where women can learn about their health, share experiences, and build meaningful connections with one another.

Originally envisioned as a resource for upper high school and college-aged women, Bloom Circle was designed to help young women better understand their bodies during major life transitions. Crook also hoped women of different generations would attend, creating opportunities for older women to serve as mentors while fostering a supportive community women could rely on when life becomes challenging.

Since launching, each gathering has taken on its own personality. The first meeting brought together many of the women who helped establish the group, along with a few newcomers, and sparked conversations about personal experiences and hopes for the club. The second session welcomed even more participants and featured discussions about women's health education, natural birth control, and interest in menstrual cycle research and exercise. At the third meeting, Crook led a presentation on cycle syncing using a slideshow she researched herself and had reviewed by a physician to ensure the information was accurate. Although only two women attended that session, she said their questions and engagement made the experience worthwhile.

While Bloom Circle was initially created with younger women in mind, most attendees so far have been women over 30. Crook said only a handful of younger women have attended, acknowledging that spring and summer schedules can be busy and that joining a new group can feel intimidating.

Bloom Circle is taking a break during July, though Crook said an informal gathering may happen. As she prepares to leave for college in August, she hopes someone in the community may be interested in helping continue or eventually take over the group.

A recent high school graduate, Crook first envisioned Bloom Circle during her senior year. She was a member of the Cook County Nordic ski team for six years and competed at the state championships twice. This fall she will attend college in Montana to study nutrition while seeking opportunities focused on women's health. Her long-term goal is to become a nutritionist specializing in women's health.

For Crook, creating spaces like Bloom Circle is about more than education.

"The best thing you can do for your health is to know yourself," she said. "Without your own understanding of your body, it becomes harder to advocate for yourself."

She hopes Bloom Circle continues to strengthen those connections and encourages anyone who has been hesitant to attend not to be afraid.

"These spaces are meant for everyone," she said. "You will always have a family, love, and support when you enter this space."

To learn more about Bloom Circle, they can be found on Instagram @cookcountybloomcircle