Make a boom, on a local level.

To begin with, I first connected with Local Boom on Instagram, when we were both just starting out last summer. I loved their local focus on shopping for local products and giving back to charities, and we quickly found ourselves enthusiastically and awkwardly exchanging “tell me your story” e-mails.  

We discovered we share a passion for conscious brands and community, and we became instant Instagram BFF’s. We’ve collabed on a few posts promoting some great local brands, as well as a Christmas contest for $100 gift certificate to LocalBoom & $100 to a charity of the winner’s choice. Talk about a dream partnership for me. As embarrassing as it is to admit, Steve and I haven’t actually met in person yet…but we KNOW we will get along smashingly when we finally do.

Most noteworthy, Steve agreed to be my guinea pig interview to get this blog started. That’s a whole lot of trust. 😉

The Background

Steven Kieboom grew up in Central Alberta from the ages of 1-19 (born in Newfoundland). “I  moved to Vancouver at the age of 19 to experience a new lifestyle and atmosphere compared to small town Alberta. I had come here to visit a friend and fell in love with it immediately. The mountains, the energy, and of course the weather. I felt a strong calling to be in Vancouver”.

 

As a result, LocalBoom is still a brand-new local company, founded at the end of summer 2017. His previous work experience was in retail management and Operations Management at one of North America’s largest e-commerce websites. He has education in Architectural Drafting and currently works as an Account Executive.  Steve says, “Drafting is my job, LocalBoom is my work that I do for the greater good.”

Never one to be bored, Steve founded another company called InnerBoom which is a motivational and empowerment event company that will focus on helping people find and experience their own “InnerBoom”. He says, “It’s another approach to help bring power and inspiration to as many people as possible.”

 

In addition, Steve’s inner calling to start or be part of something important or purposeful has been very strong ever since I can remember.  He says, “My deep rooted empathy, social awareness, and growing passion to help individuals feel empowered, inspired, and supported is what kept me driven.”

The Purpose

Most of all, Steve is trying to solve the problem of creating a local sustainable, inspirational and full-circle donation system.  LocalBoom is focused on empowering and supporting Canadian entrepreneurs, while helping community based charities, events, and every day individuals (and animals) across Canada. He has donated money, products (soaps, food, underwear etc), and sponsored events that raise money for charities.

 

“My favourite thing about LocalBoom is being part of and having a platform that spreads positivity, empowerment, and support on a larger scale than if I was just to do it by myself. I know how powerful and inspiring it is to receive even a small word of encouragement or support and how it can spread like wildfire to push you towards something amazing or to pass it along and inspire others to be the best they can be,” 

 

Consequently, the biggest challenge Steve faces is getting people to be more conscious or understand the power of their shopping dollar. He says,

“Money is the most powerful tool to make change. Where you choose to shop, what you buy, and who you support has a large impact on so many people’s lives.”

Supporting These Conscious Local Brands:

Bare Skin Bar Bath Bombs (Vancouver,BC)

Epic Blend (West Kelowna, BC)

You+ Me Wellness (Vancouver, BC)

Luna Nectar (Vancouver, BC)

Whiffcraft (Victoria, BC)

Twine Abode (Abbotsford, BC)

VAMA Life Wellness (Vancouver, BC)

Salvage Soapery (Victoria, BC)

Nelson Naturals (Nelson, BC)

Nagi (Toronto, ON)

Munch YYC (Calgary, AB)

Five+Pines (Grande Prairie, AB)

Pep Soap (Port Moody, BC)

Ulivit (Saskatoon, SK)

Kasbah Oil (New Westminster, BC)

Audre Leigh Beauty (Montreal, QC)

Naked Skincare (Winnipeg, MB)

Stonefield Shaving Company (Winnipeg, MB)

Kismet Essentials (Vancouver, BC)

Midnight Paloma (Vancouver, BC)

Parker Street Soap Company (Galiano Island, BC)

Mandust (Toronto, ON)

Amo Tierra Botanicals (Delta, BC)

Conscious Care Skincare  (Vancouver, BC)

Drizzle Honey (Calgary, AB)

SocknSack (Calgary, AB)

Loa Skincare (Langley, BC)

 

Finally, stay tuned for our upcoming instagram giveaway with LocalBoom & Naked Skincare!

LocalBoom website: https://localboom.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localboom/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LocalBoom/

Have fun shopping local!