“Yes, there’s a dive shop in Harlem.” For a decade, that playful catchphrase served as a gentle challenge to anyone doubting that a thriving underwater community could bloom in a landlocked Georgia town. From training students in local lakes and backyard pools to building an inseparable local dive family, Bubbles or Not has always proven that big dreams can start in small places. Today, that small-town dream is officially crossing the Pacific.
Rose Bennett, owner of Bubbles or Not, recently returned from a historic trip to Santa Ana and the Province of Cagayan, where she met with local leaders and the governor of the Philippines to seal an international expansion. Reflection on her visit left Rose full of profound gratitude. "Though my time was brief, it was rich with purpose, inspiration, and the promise of meaningful partnerships," Rose shared. "I leave with renewed faith and excitement, trusting that the plans we are sowing together will flourish."
For Rose, a Cagayano herself, this monumental international expansion is a deeply personal homecoming. It is a strategic vehicle to create sustainable tourism and vital job opportunities for her native community, putting Cagayan on the global map as a premier diving destination.
Yet, as the business extends its reach into the crystal-clear waters of the world's premier ocean ecosystem, Rose's deep commitment to her CSRA family remains entirely unchanged. Instead, this venture builds a direct, seamless bridge from Georgia to paradise. Traveling halfway across the globe can feel intimidating, but Bubbles or Not is eliminating that barrier by introducing exclusive, guided group travel packages. CSRA residents will soon have the unparalleled opportunity to complete their classroom and pool training right here at home, then jet off to explore the vibrant coral reefs of the Philippines alongside the familiar, trusted faces of their local dive team.
Crucially, the shop’s signature purpose-driven community work is going international, too. Rose intends to expand her local healing initiatives, including vital youth development programs and therapeutic dive experiences alongside veteran groups like Undersea Warriors, directly into the Philippine coastal regions. "The ocean has an incredible way of leveling people," Rose notes. "No matter where you're from, what you’ve been through, or what language you speak."
Looking back to 2016, Rose never envisioned managing a global enterprise. Her focus back then was simply on helping the next student earn their certification. Navigating this vast expansion required profound resilience, especially when moving forward to build a new chapter after the heartbreaking passing of her spouse and business co-founder, Bob.
Ultimately, this incredible journey serves as a powerful testament to the triumph of the human spirit. "Never let where you start determine how far you can go," Rose says. "Dreams don’t have geographical limits." When you read this story, Rose hopes they see a story that transcends scuba diving. It is a story about honoring your roots, finding a second chance, and having the immense courage to pursue a vision larger than yourself. Yes, there is a dive shop in Harlem, and its beautiful spirit is officially changing lives around the world.