Young Professional Q&A: Bailey Wilson

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bailey Wilson took a leap of faith and started her own business: Bondi Bowls. Serving up acai bowls, Bondi Bowls has now expanded beyond Edmond’s borders.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: Both!

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up in Arcadia, Oklahoma, and went to pre-K to 12th grade at Oklahoma Christian Schools.

Q: What did you do prior to Bondi Bowls?

A: After college, I moved to Australia and worked in cafes as a wedding and event coordinator and for a study abroad company.

Q: How did you get started with Bondi Bowls?

A: One day, I got a call from my dad that changed everything. His voice was shaking as he told me his doctors had discovered a tumor in his bladder, and it did not look good. But God answered our prayers. We found out my dad’s tumor was non-invasive cancer with a normal life expectancy. I wanted to do everything I could to help my dad stay healthy as he went through treatment. So I started fueling him with a staple from my time in Australia: açai bowls. My mom pitched the idea of putting these bowls in a food truck to serve the community. I’ve always seen my hometown as an extension of my family, so I jumped at the idea of sharing this food I loved with everyone I knew. I bought my first truck, created our brand, got our trademarks, and started the hustle without looking back.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love getting to serve the community that raised me! Seeing the families I babysat come in for a Bondi Bowl and the parents that babysat me. It’s so humbling to serve them healthy smoothie bowls!

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A:  I grew up wakeboarding and love all outdoor activities—from backpacking and bungee jumping to snowboarding and everything in between! I’m super passionate about foster care and adoption due to several of my extended family members being adopted and my love for kids. I volunteer at my church in the nursery and also financially give back to local adoption agencies.

Q: What’s an accomplishment you’re the proudest of?

A:  I am super proud of Bondi Bowls and that the Lord has allowed it to expand and touch communities that I don’t even know. After month five of operating, we franchised our concept to Fort Worth, Texas, and now have 17 trucks across eight states.

Q: What are some of the big goals you’d like to accomplish in your career?

A: I would love for the U.S. to know Bondi Bowls as the Chick-Fil-A of smoothie bowls! We want to intentionally and efficiently serve a high-quality product.

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: I LOVE Edmond. I love the people and the way they rally for their community. The amount of food drives, nonprofits, and fundraisers that go on to provide for our neighbors is humbling, and I am honored to be a part of it!

Q: What is your number one tip for other young professionals, either for work or life in general?

A: I’m going to pull a Nike quote, but “Just do it.” Life is always hectic; it’s never going to get easier. Put your trust in the Lord, give it all to Him, and just start moving. You’ll be surprised what He is capable of.