Freed Stories

Episode 40: In this episode of Freed Stories, host Nathan Rodgers connects with Daniel Silverstein, the creative force behind Zero Waste Daniel and our August 2024 Freed Fellow. Based in New York City, Daniel is revolutionizing the fashion industry with his genderless clothing line that creatively utilizes pre-consumer waste from the NYC garment industry. Join us as Daniel shares his journey of integrating art, community involvement, and innovative design to build a unique and sustainable fashion brand that challenges unsustainable practices while supporting environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. 3 Key Takeaways: The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Daniel's story is a testament to the power of an entrepreneurial mindset and seizing opportunities. From creating his first collection in his early 20s to receiving a $10,000 investment from a mentor, Daniel's journey underscores the importance of taking initiative and creating something tangible to showcase your vision. Sustainability in Fashion: Daniel highlights the significant impact of waste in the fashion industry and how his brand addresses this issue by turning scrap materials into innovative clothing designs. His approach serves as an example for entrepreneurs looking to incorporate sustainability into their business models. Building Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating the challenges of the fashion industry, Daniel shares how he adapted his business model in response to shifting market dynamics and consumer preferences, ultimately finding success by staying true to his values and vision. Resources Mentioned: Zero Waste Daniel: Website Connect with Daniel Silverstein: www.zerowastedaniel.com - https://zerowastedaniel.com/Follow Zero Waste Daniel on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zerowastedaniel/ Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 39: In this episode of Freed Stories, we sit down with Maggie Partin, founder of Maggie Ave and a member of the Freed team. Maggie shares her journey from event planning to entrepreneurship, revealing the challenges she's faced and the breakthroughs that have shaped her professional path. Discover how Maggie balances her roles and the strategic mindset she employs to grow Maggie Ave while supporting Freed's mission. 3 Key Takeaways: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Maggie emphasizes the importance of founders overcoming their own limiting beliefs to unlock their business potential and achieve growth.Shared Mental Load: Learn how having a co-founder or partner to share the mental load of entrepreneurship can enhance decision-making and alleviate the pressures of running a business.Problem-Solving Mindset: Maggie discusses the value of a problem-solving attitude, urging entrepreneurs to leverage available resources and continuously seek knowledge to navigate challenges.Resources Mentioned: Alex Hormozi's Books: "100M Offers" and "100M Leads." Gain insights from these resources to elevate your business strategies. Connect with Maggie Partin: Visit Maggie Ave's website: maggieavenue.comFollow Maggie Ave on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MaggieAvenue   Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 38: Join us on Freed Stories as we sit down with Adriana Viana, the July 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Alivio Wellness, a holistic wellness center with locations in Hoboken and New York City. Adriana's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality care that empowers clients on their detox journeys, encouraging self-care and well-being through services like colon hydrotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and more. In this episode, Adriana shares her personal journey into the holistic world, her transition from corporate sales to wellness entrepreneurship, and how she successfully manages and grows her business. 3 Key Takeaways: Turning Passion into Purpose: Adriana reveals how her personal health challenges led her to discover colonics and eventually transform her passion into a thriving business, emphasizing the importance of connecting personal experiences with professional aspirations. The Power of Partnerships: Discover how Adriana leverages local partnerships and community engagement to elevate Alivio Wellness, creating mutually beneficial relationships that enhance brand visibility and business growth. Navigating Entrepreneurship: Adriana discusses the realities of transitioning from a corporate role to owning a business, highlighting the importance of delegation, maintaining optimism, and the continuous learning journey of managing a small business.   Resources Mentioned: How to Be a No Limit Person by Wayne DyerGirl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis   Connect with Alivio Wellness: Alivio Wellness Website - https://aliviowellness.co/ Follow Alivio Wellness on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliviowellness.co   Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 37: Join us in this episode of Freed Stories as host Nathan Rogers chats with Shahira Marei, our April 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Dirty Cookie. Shahira shares her remarkable journey from an aerospace project manager to creating innovative and indulgent cookie shots that gained fame on Shark Tank. Discover how Shahira's engineering mindset and passion for entrepreneurship led to the birth of Dirty Cookie, a brand that delights with its unique and experiential dessert offerings. 3 Key Takeaways: Embracing Change and Innovation: Shahira's transition from aerospace to entrepreneurship highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation. Her story underscores the value of creating unique products that stand out in the market.Building a Business with Limited Resources: Shahira discusses the challenges of managing a growing business with limited resources. Her approach to creativity and problem-solving is a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs facing similar constraints.Importance of Customer Experience: The delight and surprise of customers when experiencing Dirty Cookie's products have been a constant motivator for Shahira. This emphasis on customer experience is crucial for building a loyal customer base and brand reputation.Connect with Shahira and Dirty Cookie: Website: https://www.dirtycookie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedirtycookieocLInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahira-marei-a609b319/  Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 36: In this episode of Freed Stories, we sit down with Jennifer Peters, founder of Just Be Kitchen, Colorado’s largest gluten-free restaurant group. Jennifer, who was selected as a May 2024 Freed Fellow, shares her journey from corporate marketing roles at companies like Xerox and KPMG to revolutionizing the restaurant industry with a fast-casual, anti-inflammatory approach to food. Jennifer shares her personal journey, transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, and the motivation behind Just Be Kitchen, which offers food free of gluten, seed oils, refined sugar, soy, corn, peanuts, and legumes—designed for those with allergies or simply looking for healthy, flavorful options. Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, community building, and redefining how we think about healthy food without compromising on taste. 3 Key Takeaways: Leverage Your Strengths When Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: Jennifer’s background in corporate marketing and systems management helped her set up scalable systems early in her business, which became essential as Just Be Kitchen grew.Resilience Is Critical to Success: From navigating personal challenges to dealing with banking setbacks and scaling difficulties, Jennifer’s journey demonstrates the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.Community is Key: Jennifer emphasizes how her restaurant has built a passionate community, not only of people with dietary restrictions but also those focused on health and wellness. She highlights the power of fostering connection through shared experiences and wellness events.Connect with Jennifer Peters: Website: https://www.justbekitchen.com/Instagram: @justbekitchen - https://www.instagram.com/justbekitchenFacebook: Just Be Kitchen - https://www.facebook.com/justbekitchen   Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 35: In this episode of Freed Stories, we connect with Daniella Cornue, the March 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Le Village Cowork. Daniella’s innovative coworking space uniquely combines full-time onsite childcare with a vibrant professional community designed specifically for parents. With a background in marketing and communications, Daniella's entrepreneurial journey began out of personal necessity. She sought to create a flexible work environment after struggling to balance her professional life with the demands of motherhood. Her solution? Le Village Cowork, a pioneering model that is now expanding through franchising to support parents nationwide. During our conversation, Daniella shares the challenges and triumphs of building Le Village from the ground up, including how she pivoted her business to survive the challenges of COVID-19 and the lessons she learned about resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. She also dives into her experiences with funding, the decision to franchise, and how she’s empowering other women to succeed as franchisees. 3 Key Takeaways: The Power of Grit and Adaptability: Daniella emphasizes the importance of grit and the ability to pivot when challenges arise. Her ability to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, by creating new products and services, was crucial to her business's survival and growth.Balancing Family and Business: Driven by her personal values, Daniella underscores the significance of maintaining a balance between work and family life. She encourages entrepreneurs to stay true to their core values, ensuring that business growth doesn’t come at the expense of personal well-being.Franchising as a Growth Strategy: Daniella explains how franchising Le Village Cowork allowed her to expand the business while empowering other women to become entrepreneurs. She discusses the challenges of finding the right funding and how franchising became a viable path for growth.  Connect with Daniella Cornue: Le Village Cowork Website: levillagecowork.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/levillagecoworkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levillagecowork/ Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 34: In this episode of Freed Stories, we sit down with Danielle Letayf, the founder of Badassery and the February 2024 Freed Fellow. Badassery is a dynamic private community focused on empowering diverse professionals by amplifying their voices and impact. Danielle shares her journey from the tech and media world to creating a platform that curates connections and opportunities for underrepresented voices. She opens up about the challenges she faced in building Badassery, including navigating the significant shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her unwavering commitment to amplifying diverse voices has guided the evolution of her business. 3 Key Takeaways: The Power of Community and Curation: Danielle highlights the importance of building a community with a deep, curated network rather than focusing on sheer numbers. By prioritizing meaningful connections over scale, Badassery ensures that its members not only connect but also thrive by accessing relevant opportunities and resources.Flexibility and Adaptation: One of the biggest challenges Danielle faced was adapting Badassery's business model in response to the pandemic. Her story emphasizes the importance of being flexible and open to change, even when it requires a complete overhaul of your original vision.The ROI of Community: Danielle discusses the often intangible yet powerful returns that come from being part of a community like Badassery. While there may not always be a clear, linear path to success, the support, resources, and networking opportunities provided can significantly accelerate personal and professional growth.Connect with Danielle Letayf: Badassery HQ Website: www.badassery-hq.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleletayf/ Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 33: In this episode of Freed Stories, we sit down with Latasha Brooks, also known as "Coach Brooks," our June 2023 Freed Fellow. As a serial entrepreneur, business consultant, and expert in government contracting, Latasha shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. Her story is a testament to the importance of focus, resilience, and self-care in the path to success. Latasha opens up about the emotional turning point that led her to leave a secure corporate job to prioritize her family and personal happiness. She also dives deep into the challenges of juggling multiple businesses, the necessity of building the right support system, and the critical lessons she learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, Coach Brooks' insights will inspire and empower you to take bold steps toward your goals. 3 Key Takeaways: The Importance of Focus and Organization: Latasha emphasizes the value of concentrating on one or two key areas rather than spreading yourself too thin across multiple ventures. This focused approach is crucial for long-term success and avoiding burnout.Building the Right Support System: Surrounding yourself with the right people—those who challenge you and help you grow—is essential. Latasha shares how stepping out of her comfort zone and networking with successful individuals transformed her business approach.Self-Care as a Business Strategy: Latasha discusses the role of self-care in maintaining the energy and mindset needed for entrepreneurial success. She highlights how regular self-care routines, like massages and quiet time, keep her grounded and focused.  Connect with Latasha Brooks: Instagram: @moneybaggs623 - https://www.instagram.com/moneybaggs623TikTok: @moneybaggs623 - https://www.tiktok.com/@moneybaggs623 Website: www.latashabrooks.com - https://www.latashabrooks.com/   Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth - https://freedgrowth.com/grow Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant - https://freedfellowship.com/ Follow Freed Growth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freedgrowth

Episode 31: In this episode of Freed Stories, we connect with Monica Virga Alborno, our January 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats. Monica has turned personal challenges into a mission, creating retreats for mothers and children that focus on holistic wellness and connection. Wanderwild Family Retreats is a U.S.-based multi-day retreat that not only welcomes children but integrates them into a holistic wellness experience. This innovative approach offers a beautiful space for mothers to recharge without leaving their kids behind. Monica shares her journey from struggling as a new mother during the pandemic to founding a business that provides a unique, nurturing environment for mothers and their children. Balancing a startup, a full-time job, and motherhood, Monica discusses how she is expanding Wanderwild’s reach while navigating the common challenges of growing a business. 3 Key Takeaways: Building Trust and Community: Monica emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients through personal connections and relatable storytelling. She shares how she leveraged her personal journey and direct communication to build a loyal customer base.Adaptability and Delegation: Monica highlights the necessity of being adaptable and knowing when to delegate tasks. She explains how these skills have been crucial in managing her business while raising two young children.Diversifying Revenue Streams: Monica discusses her plans to diversify Wanderwild’s offerings, including launching an online summit and membership program to reach a broader audience and provide more accessible options for holistic wellness.Connect with Monica Virga Alborno: Website: Wanderwild Family RetreatsInstagram: @wanderwildfamilyretreatsSubstack: Monica @ Wanderwild Retreats   Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth. Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Follow Freed Growth on Instagram

Episode 31: In this episode of Freed Stories, we connect with Brittany Hizer and Addie Gundry, the co-founders of Pluie and the July 2023 Freed Fellowship grant fellows. Brittany and Addie are the visionary creators behind the world's first self-sanitizing diaper changing table, an innovation that has transformed public restrooms across the country. Join us as we dive into their entrepreneurial journey, from the inception of Pluie to their memorable appearance on Shark Tank, and learn how they navigated the challenges of building a business as busy moms. 3 Key Takeaways: Innovation Through Necessity: Brittany and Addie shared how their personal experiences as mothers drove them to create a safer and more hygienic diaper changing solution. Their story highlights the importance of identifying and addressing real-world problems to create impactful products.Persistence Pays Off: The journey from idea to successful business is rarely straightforward. Brittany and Addie emphasized the need for persistence, sharing how they faced and overcame numerous obstacles, including product development challenges and securing funding.Building a Supportive Network: They underscored the value of building a supportive network, from leveraging personal and professional connections to seeking advice from experienced entrepreneurs. Their appearance on Shark Tank not only provided exposure but also valuable feedback that helped refine their business strategy.  Connect with Pluie: Pluie Website: HelloPluie.comInstagram: @HelloPluieLearn more about their time on Shark Tank   Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at  Freed Growth. Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Follow Freed Growth on Instagram

Episode 30: In this episode of Freed Stories, we connect with Lauren Gall, co-founder of VaVa Virtual Assistants, our December 2023 Freed Fellow, and a true visionary in the world of virtual assistance. Lauren shares her journey from "accidental entrepreneur" to leading a service that helps small business owners elevate their operations by mastering the art of delegation. Discover how VaVa Virtual Assistants helps transform businesses by allowing owners to focus on growth rather than getting bogged down by day-to-day tasks. 3 Key Takeaways: The Power of Delegation: Lauren discusses how learning to delegate effectively can free business owners from the weeds of daily operations, enabling them to focus on strategic growth and personal freedom.Building Trust with Virtual Teams: Transitioning to working with a virtual assistant (VA) involves trust and a shift in mindset from seeing help as an expense to viewing it as an investment in the business's growth.Evolution of Business Roles: Lauren details her personal experience and the broader implications of moving from doing to managing, reflecting on how business owners can transition from frontline tasks to leadership roles.Resources Mentioned: How to Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman Connect with Lauren Gall: VaVa Virtual Assistants WebsiteFollow VaVa Virtual on FacebookVaVa Virtual on InstagramVaVa Virtual on Twitter Continue Your Journey: Don't forget to subscribe to Freed Stories on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and stories of entrepreneurship that inspire and guide. Visit our website for additional resources and support at Freed Growth. Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Follow Freed Growth on Instagram   Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com

Episode 29: In this inspiring episode of Freed Stories, we meet Crystal Nelson, founder of Save the Milk and August 2023 Freed Fellow. Crystal shares her journey from teen mom to successful entrepreneur, detailing how her experience as a surrogate mother led her to create innovative breast pumping products and affordable breast milk shipping kits.   3 Key Takeaways: Personal Experiences Drive Innovation: Crystal's journey as a teen mom and surrogate inspired her to create solutions for breast pumping challenges, demonstrating how personal experiences can lead to valuable business ideas.Resourcefulness in Entrepreneurship: Despite limited resources and experience, Crystal leveraged platforms like Fiverr and even her son's 3D printing skills to bring her product ideas to life, showcasing the power of creativity and resourcefulness in building a business.Resilience and Adaptability: Crystal's story of overcoming setbacks, including a significant inventory loss and the need for an SBA loan, highlights the importance of persistence and adaptability in the face of entrepreneurial challenges. This episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical insights for aspiring and current entrepreneurs, showcasing how determination and innovation can turn personal challenges into successful business ventures.   Links and Resources Visit Save the Milk Follow Save the Milk on Instagram Follow Save the Milk on Tik Tok   Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Follow Freed Growth on Instagram

Join us as we introduce the relaunch of Freed Stories, the podcast dedicated to exploring the transformative journeys of everyday entrepreneurs and small business owners. After a hiatus, we’re back with fresh, inspiring episodes that delve into the lives of everyday business owners turning challenges into legacies. Subscribe to uncover actionable insights and stories of resilience that could redefine your path to success!   Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business

Ola Swarn, founder and owner of J'adore le Décor, joins us today to share her Freed story! Having gotten started by opening a business in 2016, Ola is an interior stylist who specializes in transforming spaces of 1,000 square feet or less, a specialty that she describes as her passion. Ola shares how she got into interior design and how she started her business, and she reflects on some of the lessons that she has learned along the way, such as being sure to communicate effectively with others. She also gives some helpful advice, encouraging people who want to walk a similar path as hers to invest in themselves and in their businesses and to find a mentor, especially since, as we always say here at Freed Media, entrepreneurship is a lonely road. Ola also dives into some of her other passions and priorities such as listening to podcasts from which she can learn and grow, studying other languages, and reading books about personal growth and challenges. Speaking of personal growth and challenges, Ola also reveals where she hopes that she and her business will be in five years, emphasizing that she hopes to be considered the expert in small-space design and living well in small spaces! She closes by taking part in a Freed Stories tradition – revealing what her superpower is! We really appreciate Ola sharing her Freed story with us in this episode of the podcast, and we look forward to catching up with her in a few months! Be sure to check her out, and be sure to continue tuning in to Freed Stories as we continue to feature guests who share their Freed stories – stories of success, failure, lessons, goals, hopes, and so forth! Please also be sure that you hit that subscribe button so that you never miss an episode, and don't forget to free your mind; free your media!   Time Stamps [1:03] – The Freed fellow featured in this episode is Ola Swarn of J'adore le Décor. [1:22] – Ola gives us some background information about herself and her business. [1:56] – Ola reveals what got her started in this business. [4:13] – We learn that Ola was doing marketing before this venture which allowed her to eventually fund this venture. [5:30] – Ola recounts some failures and challenges along the way and what she learned from them. [8:46] – Ola encourages people who want to go on the same path to invest in themselves. [11:51] – The book The Leadership Challenge Workbook is recommended to us. [13:22] – Ola reveals that she listens to podcasts to personally grow. [14:22] – Ola discloses the importance of the name J'adore le Décor. [15:01] – We find out where Ola hopes she'll be in five years. [16:20] – Ola reveals that she is currently in the early stages of a new construction project in Chicago. [17:15] – Ola reflects on what her superpower might be. [18:25] – We learn where we can find Ola online.   Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Email Us: team@freedfellowship.com J’adore le Décor - Website J’adore le Décor - Facebook Page J’adore le Décor - Instagram Page J’adore le Décor - Twitter Page J’adore le Décor - Pinterest Profile James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner - The Leadership Challenge Workbook

We welcome Freed fellow Antonia Royal-Whitmore to the podcast in this episode so that she can share her Freed Story! Antonia is the founder of Mind of Gold, a publishing company whose main mission is to educate, empower, and entertain via media and literature. Antonia has loved to write since she was very young, having realized just how much she truly loved to write after having done it for a little while. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology which she marries with Mind of Gold via self-help books such as I'm Calling You Out and Dear Black Parents, both of which can be purchased from the Mind of Gold website! Antonia gives us some helpful advice such as how you need to be patient when it comes to making your dreams come true, to not give up because the work is worth it. She also encourages us to find a mentor, someone with more experience in the field. She reveals her superpowers to be her creativity and her knack for coming up with solutions, and she even reveals new projects on the horizon, including a game! We had such fun talking with Antonia about her story, and we hope that you have as much fun hearing it! We look forward to catching up with her again in the future, but until then, be sure to check out her website and her books online, and be sure to continue tuning in to Freed Stories as we continue to feature more guests who share their Freed stories – stories of success, failure, lessons, goals, hopes, and so forth! Please also be sure that you hit that subscribe button so that you never miss an episode, and don't forget to free your mind; free your media!   Time Stamps [1:03] – Today's featured Freed fellow is Antonia Royal-Whitmore of Mind of Gold. [1:22] – Antonia tells us a little bit about herself and Mind of Gold. [1:53] – We learn how Mind of Gold started. [2:18] – We discover what Antonia did prior to Mind of Gold. [2:48] – Antonia tells us a little bit about the types of books that she writes. [3:31] – Antonia discusses lessons that she has learned along the way such as the need for patience. [4:21] – Antonia gives advice to anyone who wants to go on a similar path as hers. [4:48] – We find out what a couple of Antonia's favorite books are! [5:17] – Antonia credits Gary Vaynerchuk and Toni Jones as inspirations to her. [5:56] – Antonia shares with us where she sees herself and her business five years into the future. [6:29] – Antonia credits her creativity as one of her superpowers. [6:53] – Antonia quotes from one of her books. [7:28] – We learn that Antonia is working on a course and even a game! [8:15] – Antonia shares with us where we can find her online.   Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Email Us: team@freedfellowship.com Mind of Gold - Website Mind of Gold - Instagram Page Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life Dr. Joy DeGruy – Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing Toni Jones - Website

We hope that you will join us in this episode of Freed Stories as Chantel Estrada of Designs By Moneè shares her Freed story with us! Designs By Moneè has been in business for six years now and makes shirts, birthday outfits, shoes, candles (which is her favorite product that she offers), and so much more! Chantel shares some of her past with us, such as how she liked making things even from a young age, the setbacks that she initially experienced and what she learned from them, and so much more! Chantel also shares some helpful advice, encouraging listeners to not give up no matter the obstacle and to focus on your own talents, not others' talents. She enthusiastically reveals that Freed was the first resource that said yes to her and helped her, and she also shares her hopes and dreams for her company and where she hopes that it will go within the next five years. She closes by revealing her superhero name – as she has been dubbed by others, Supermom! We had such a great time chatting with Chantel and learning about her story, and we hope that you have a blast listening to it! We look forward to checking in with Chantel again in a few months, but until then, be sure to check out Designs By Moneè online, and be sure to continue tuning in to Freed Stories as we continue to feature more guests who share their Freed stories – stories of success, failure, lessons, goals, hopes, and so forth! Please also be sure that you hit that subscribe button so that you never miss an episode, and don't forget to free your mind; free your media!   Time Stamps [1:02] – Today's guest is Chantel Estrada of Designs By Moneè. [1:18] – Chantel tells us about herself and her business. [1:42] – Chantel reflects on her lifelong desire to make things and help people. [2:22] – We learn about some of the setbacks that Chantel initially experienced but how she grew and learned from them. [3:18] – Chantel gives us a couple of tidbits of advice, such as encouraging us to not give up no matter what obstacles we face. [4:35] – We learn what Chantel's favorite product is that she offers. [6:00] – Chantel enthuses over Freed having been the first resource to say yes to her. [7:20] – Chantel thinks about where she hopes her business will be within five years. [8:34] – We discover that Chantel is often referred to as Supermom. [10:01] – Chantel reveals where she can be found online.   Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Email Us: team@freedfellowship.com Designs by Moneè – Website Designs by Moneè - Facebook Page Designs by Moneè - Instagram Page Designs by Moneè - TikTok Page Designs by Moneè - Pinterest Page Designs by Moneè - YouTube Page

Join us as we welcome Sheri Munsell of Legit Work from Home to this episode of the podcast! Sheri is the C.E.O. of the company which helps people who don't wish to work traditional brick and mortar jobs find work-from-home jobs that they can do from the comfort of their own living spaces! Sheri shares so much with us during this discussion, reflecting on her childhood and upbringing and how that led to what she does today, her chronic battle with mental illness, and so much more! Frequently having found herself losing jobs because of her chronic battle with mental illness, Sheri realized that she needed to turn to working from home which is not only what led to her founding and becoming C.E.O. of Legit Work from Home but is also what inspired her to work to help others find work-from-home jobs! Sheri also shares with us that her biggest failure was initially listening to people who told her that she would never be able to make it big without a college degree but that she overcame that via mentors who encouraged her that that wasn't true. Sheri's main goal with her company is to help people realize that not all work-from-home job offers are scams, that some (as the name of her company would suggest) are actually legitimate. She also gives herself credit for her empathy, her ability to put herself in others' shoes and understand where they are coming from, an ability that she suggests all people who struggle with mental illness in some capacity likely have. We hope that you enjoy listening to our conversation with Sheri and hearing her amazing and inspirational story. We look forward to touching base with her again in a few months, and we also hope that you will continue to tune in to the podcast because we will be featuring plenty more guests who will share their entrepreneurial stories – stories that involve their successes, their failures, their goals, their hopes, etc.! Be sure to also hit the subscribe button so that you never miss an episode, and remember to free your mind; free your media!   Time Stamps [1:03] – Jackie announces today's guest as Sheri Munsell of Legit Work from Home. [1:21] – Sheri reveals her job title and what inspired her to start her company. [2:25] – Sheri discloses some details about her childhood and her upbringing. [3:28] – We learn what Sheri considers to be her biggest failure and what she learned from it. [4:52] – Sheri reflects on what advice that she would give her younger self if she could. [6:03] – Sheri credits groups, communities, and Clubhouse as her most helpful resources. [7:04] – Sheri explains what she hopes people will take away from her company. [8:10] – Sheri shares her hopes for the future regarding Legit Work from Home. [9:07] – We learn that Sheri considers empathy to be her main superpower. [10:22] – Sheri reveals where she and her company can be found online.   Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Email Us: team@freedfellowship.com Legit Work from Home – Website Legit Work from Home – Facebook Page Legit Work from Home (Discussion) – Facebook Group Clubhouse

Founder and owner of Equipped to Impact Solutions, Alexis Jefferson-Huff joins us today to share her unique Freed story! She goes into detail about Equipped to Impact Solutions and where her love for etiquette comes from. She always loved to serve others, and she discusses the gap that she noticed between different generations when it comes to manners and social etiquette and how bridging that gap is her ultimate goal! Alexis also shares with us her greatest success and her greatest failure in relation to her business. Revealing that her greatest failure was initially her lack of knowledge, she talks about how she overcame it and what she learned from it, advising us to always be sure that we do research! She also touches upon social media and how she had to move away from it for a bit to make etiquette her own, credits two different mentors as her most helpful resources, and even reveals what she considers her greatest superpower to be! We really hope that you enjoyed listening to our conversation with Alexis and that you will continue to tune in to the podcast! We will be featuring plenty more guests who will share their entrepreneurial stories – stories that involve their successes, their failures, their goals, their hopes, etc.! Be sure to also hit the subscribe button so that you never miss an episode, and remember to free your mind; free your media!   Time Stamps [1:03] – Today's guest is Alexis Jefferson-Huff of Equipped to Impact Solutions. [1:20] – Alexis lets us in on some background information about herself. [1:57] – We learn about Equipped to Impact Solutions and how it came to be. [3:12] – Alexis discusses how what she wanted to do when she was young morphed into what she does now. [4:25] – Alexis enthuses over how Equipped to Impact Solutions enjoyed a successful launch. [4:53] – Alexis discloses that a lack of knowledge was initially a failure for her but that she overcame and learned from it. [6:56] – We are treated to some advice from Alexis about doing your research and gaining knowledge. [7:55] – Alexis credits two different mentors from whom she has learned. [8:30] – Alexis hopes that her business will be able to hire other consultants within five years. [9:08] – We discover that Alexis considers her resilience to be her greatest strength. [9:59] – Alexis asserts that etiquette is about more than just rules. [11:02] – We learn where we can find Alexis and her company online.   Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Email Us: team@freedfellowship.com Equipped to Impact Solutions - Website Equipped to Impact Solutions - Facebook Page Equipped to Impact Solutions - Instagram Page

Co-founder and owner of Skate Bud Zach Moldof joins us in this episode of the podcast to share his Freed story! Skate Bud is a marketplace and community for skateboarders that was born about four years ago but came to be what it is today about a year ago. Skate Bud even has a book and a free video game! Zach shares with us how he grew up with skateboard culture and what that meant to him as an adolescent. He goes into detail about what Skate Bud is and how it came about and walks us through how he got started as an entrepreneur, attempting to get into the cannabis industry in California when he was eighteen years old, revealing how that was not a success but led to other things. He also offers a couple of helpful pieces of advice, emphasizing how important of a tool that a camera can be and also encouraging us to brush up on our writing skills. We, in closing, learn what Zach considers his superpower and superhero name to be, and you'll definitely want to stay tuned for that because it's definitely unique! We hope that you enjoyed listening to Zach's story, and we can't wait to see where Skate Bud goes in the future! We also hope that you will stay tuned as more guests share their entrepreneurial stories – stories that involve their successes, their failures, their goals, their hopes, etc.! Be sure to also hit the subscribe button so that you never miss an episode, and remember to free your mind; free your media!   Time Stamps [1:03] – This episode's guest is Zach Moldof of Skate Bud. [1:20] – Zach fills us in on what Skate Bud is all about and how it came to be. [3:53] – We discover what skateboard culture meant for Zach growing up. [5:44] – Zach reveals that he attempted to start a cannabis business in Berkley, California when he was eighteen. [8:43] – Zach pinpoints the attempted cannabis business as his biggest failure. [10:53] – We are treated to a couple pieces of advice from Zach if we want to walk a similar path as his. [13:16] – Zach points to Instagram as the main place he uses to share photos. [14:38] – Zach gives credit to his most helpful resources. [15:55] – Zach shares where he hopes Skate Bud will be within five years. [18:02] – We discover what Zach would consider his superpower and superhero name to be. [18:58] – Zach explains what features his website has and what it offers. [22:16] – We are informed where we can find Skate Bud online.   Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Email Us: team@freedfellowship.com Skate Bud – Website Skate Bud: Da Game Skate Bud - Instagram Page Zach Moldof & Friends – Skate Bud: Welcome to Skateboarding!

We are joined today by Lauren Fleming, founder of The Factor Formula, a skin care company that caters to all types of skin. The company has grown from a multivitamin to a skin cleanser to a skin toner and, most recently, a moisturizer, so Lauren has been growing the company a little bit at a time since its inception two years ago in 2019! Lauren joins us today to discuss how The Factor Formula came to be, what its mission statement is, what the biggest struggle has been for her and what she has learned from it, what her favorite product that she offers is, and so much more! She also offers some advice to up and coming business owners and even reveals what she believes her superpower to be! Lauren's story is so inspirational especially because of how much she is thriving, and we hope that you enjoyed listening to it! Please stay tuned in to Freed Stories as more guests share their stories of entrepreneurship – their successes, their failures, their goals, their hopes, etc.! Be sure to also hit the subscribe button so that you never miss an episode, and remember to free your mind; free your media! Time Stamps [1:03] – Today's guest is Lauren Fleming of The Factor Formula. [1:20] – Lauren fills us in on her job with The Factor Formula and what the company does. [1:54] – We learn why and when Lauren established The Factor Formula. [3:25] – Lauren reveals what her biggest struggle has been and what she has learned from it. [5:08] – We are encouraged to follow our dreams and go for it if we have similar ambitions of starting our own business. [6:30] – We discover that Lauren wanted to be a fashion designer when she was younger. [7:48] – Lauren credits Fearless Fund as having been a valuable resource for her. [8:58] – Lauren projects toward the future, hoping that the business will considerably scale up within five years. [10:01] – Lauren shares that her favorite The Factor Formula product is the aloe cleanser. [10:53] – We discover that Lauren's superpower is efficiency. [11:41] – Lauren shares where we can find The Factor Formula online. Links and Resources Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant Free Training to Help You Grow Your Business Email Us: team@freedfellowship.com The Factor Formula – Website The Factor Formula - Instagram Page The Factor Formula - Twitter Page The Factor Formula - Facebook Page Fearless Fund - Website