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Our Team

We are a team of introverted artists, entrepreneurs, teachers, designers and community builders who believe that world change begins with our own inward journeys. 

We combined our strengths to create a simple experience for people to make a meaningful connection with themselves and with others: loved ones, co-workers, and even strangers on the street. 

 
 

Belinda Liu
Nature-Inspired Visionary

Belinda Liu is a non-profit education leader, coach, entrepreneur, and nature-inspired visionary. Her superpowers are shining a light on people’s strengths, bringing them out into the world, and creating life-changing tools and experiences for deep growth. She co-founded Gratitude Blooming and Hestia Retreat Center to lead new paradigms for personal and group transformation using nature, art and self-inquiry.

Omar Brownson
Storyteller

Inspired by land, storytelling and gratitude, Omar finds joy in making good visible. Omar co-founded the gratitude app gthx (as in “gee thanks”) and co-hosts the Gratitude Blooming Podcast. Previously, Omar was the founding executive director of RiverLA and has held leadership positions across finance, land use, and social impact. Currently, he is on the board of InsightLA and an advisor to Full Spectrum Capital. Wherever he is, Omar makes sure to notice joy, healing and synchronicity. 

Arlene Kim Suda
Artist

Arlene is a lifelong aspiring painter, musician, poet and designer. She believes life is one big practice of art when we stay open, curious and pay attention to what we are moved to express in the world -- and that the road to mastery requires continual learning and devotion to our craft. Her superpowers are time bending, being able to "hear" plants and poets, and feeling love even in the darkest places (all various forms of extreme patience, presence and understanding).

 

Anca Mateescu
Graphic Designer

Anca is a graphic designer working for brands with soul. She has experience working for small businesses and nonprofits. She seeks to bring play and wonder into everyday moments and help people who help others.

 

Melissa Shaffer
Community Cultivator

Melissa is a masterful relationship builder who uses her passion and background in positive psychology and social emotional learning to foster strong communications, collaborations and partnerships. Her superpowers are her strong sense of empathy and natural curiosity, which she uses to help others connect with the people and world around them.

 

Susie Lee
Brand Partnership Maven

Susie is a holistic yoga teacher and is passionate about sharing the benefits of movement,  mindfulness, and conscious breathing to lead a healthy and balanced life. 

She is inspired to bring intentional collaborations to the Gratitude Blooming collective through leveraging her merchandising and marketing background.

 

Here’s how we talk the talk, walk the walk and feel the feels in our team practice:

We randomly pick a card to help guide our weekly intentions. We pause to reflect on how the flower, illustration and inquiry question might relate to our work. The cards bring a heart-centered connection to our team collaboration, creates a shared experience, and guides how we show up in our work. We are grateful for nature’s wisdom and guidance!

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