The Founders

Alright, let me introduce the trio that started Blossom Group back in 2021.
No suits, no slogans — just big hearts, lived experience, and enough cultural knowledge to run a wedding, a protest, and a mental health workshop in thirty three languages.

First up: Shahid Mahmood
Pakistani-British. Fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi — and humanity. Also speaks straight-up community hustle and justice with jalebi on the side.

He grew up watching people fall through the cracks — and said,

"Forget waiting for the system to care. Let’s rebuild the system — together — with equity and justice for all."

Shahid is that guy who calls out unfair systems, doesn’t flinch at power, and lives for decolonising the whole thing — not just the language.

He empowers the people, not by speaking for them, but by making sure they hold the mic.
He’s the one who shows up everywhere, knows everyone but can't remember their names, and makes policy people nervous (but respectfully).
Carries lived experience and uncle-level wisdom in his back pocket.

He’ll offer you roti and revolution, tell you the truth, and still check if you’ve eaten.

Then we’ve got Amira Louati
Tunisian-British, speaks Arabic, French, English, and straight-up truth.
She’s got cultural competency in her DNA — she can decode a medical letter, explain trauma to a policymaker, and comfort your nan in the same breath.
Also known for not tolerating nonsense and knowing when to say “Wallahi, this system is broken.”
She brings the fire — and the frameworks.

And finally — Andrew Hoskins
British-British. Speaks fluent Excel, community allyship, and proper builder’s tea.
He’s not here to lead the room — he’s here to make sure it’s warm, accessible, and budgeted.
The kind of guy who gets it, doesn’t centre himself, and will absolutely take his shoes off at the door.
He’s the calm in the chaos. The clipboard in the revolution.

Together?
They didn’t form a committee.
They planted a tree.

Blossom Group: rooted in trust, reaching for justice, and growing from the ground up — in multiple languages, with cultural competence, and plenty of snacks.

And now look at us —
Serving communities, fighting injustice, handing out dignity like samosas at Eid.

Our Mission (short and sweet, like baklava)

Togetherness, always.
Justice in every layer of life.
Support that’s simple, human, and real.
And love — sticky, sweet, and for everyone.

Our Values — B.L.O.S.S.O.M.

(aka: Belonging with Biryani, Jollof Rice, or Kabuli Pilau — depending on your mum’s spice game)
as told by ya girl CoolSoom 🧕🏽

B — Belonging
You belong. Full stop.
Even if you still say “buh-ree-an-ee” (we still love you).
Pull up in sliders, no judgement. We’ve saved you a plate.

L — Love
Not HR-policy, fake-smile love.
The “have you eaten?”, “call me when you reach”, “I put aside the crispy samosa for you” kind of love.

O — Openness
Speak English, Arabic, Urdu, Somali, Yoruba, Patois, or just make eye contact and sigh dramatically — we feel you.
"Jeri marzi bowlo yaar, challo kujh na bowlo — we get you."
(Translation: Say whatever you want, or say nothing — we still understand.)

S — Solidarity
You cry? We bring tissues, snacks, AND backup.
"Tera problem, saadey problem."
(Translation: Your problem is our problem, innit.)

S — Strength
We’ve got قوة (quwwa – Arabic for strength).
The kind passed down from ancestors and annoyed aunties.
The kind that carries shopping, trauma, and the whole family group chat.

O — Opportunity
We don’t wait for seats at the table.
We build a new table, put plastic on it, and serve karak, jollof, and vibes.
Glass ceiling? Smashed. Door closed? We kick it with chapals.

M — Movement
Not just a mood — this is a Movement.
Fueled by chai, OK fine — coffee too, for my African bredren
plus resistance, joy, and quiet rage wrapped in a headscarf.


That’s B.L.O.S.S.O.M.
Where values come with volume.
Where healing comes in heritage.
And where everyone eats.