Freed Fellowship

"A business can only grow to the extent of which the founder is developed." Maggie Partin, founder of Maggie Ave and a member of the Freed team, shares her journey from event planning to entrepreneurship on this episode of Freed Stories. Learn how founders' limiting beliefs can be the biggest obstacle to business growth and why sharing the mental load with a co-founder can enhance decision-making and reduce stress. ?? Listen to the full episode: Online -? https://lnkd.in/eqS3w7qV Spotify - https://lnkd.in/eMHJ9GGi Apple podcasts - https://lnkd.in/ePc5kXWK #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #FreedStories #Leadership #FreedFellow

?? "I never say no to a conversation." Adriana Vargas Viana, our July 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Alivio Wellness, invites us into her world of holistic health, where personal health challenges sparked a passion that led her to create a thriving wellness business. Her story underscores the significance of openness to conversations and connections, which have been instrumental in her journey from corporate sales to successful entrepreneurship. Listen to the full episode and discover how Adriana utilizes strategic partnerships to expand her brand's reach and how she continues to grow Alivio Wellness amidst challenges and new opportunities. ?? Listen to the full episode: Online -? https://lnkd.in/eqS3w7qV Spotify - https://lnkd.in/eSYqynJK Apple podcasts - https://lnkd.in/e2jms-8c #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #FreedStories #Leadership #FreedFellow

?? "If it's not there, we're going to make it ourselves." Shahira Marei, our April 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Dirty Cookie, takes us through her journey of leaving aerospace to create decadent cookies and cookie shots that wow customers and make no apologies for being sugary, gooey and delicious. Her experience highlights the importance of creativity and problem-solving when managing a business with limited resources. Oh, and did we mention she was on Shark Tank? Listen to the full episode and learn how Shahira has embraced change and innovation, pivoting her strategy in response to challenges like Covid and to take advantage of new opportunities. ?? Listen to the full episode: Online -? https://lnkd.in/eqS3w7qV Spotify - https://lnkd.in/ebijuMEq Apple podcasts - https://lnkd.in/eiCkv3AJ #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #FreedStories #Leadership #FreedFellow

?? "Entrepreneurship is like getting punched and then you get back up and then you're like, Oh my gosh, this is a great one minute, and then you get punched again...You have to have that mental strength to be able to get through things." Jennifer Peters, our May 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Just BE Kitchen, shares her journey from corporate executive to building Colorado’s largest gluten-free restaurant group and how resilience is at the heart of her entrepreneurial success. Listen to the full episode and discover how Jennifer is redefining healthy fast-casual dining while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. ?? Listen to the full episode: Online -? https://lnkd.in/dBP4MAEq Spotify - https://lnkd.in/dpBMt7y4 Apple podcasts - https://lnkd.in/dfFQiTGP #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #FreedStories #Leadership #FreedFellow

"Four months after we opened, COVID hit and they literally shut Chicago down and we're a membership-based in-person space... I have no revenue coming in now... I really had to sit with myself and be like, how hard am I going to fight for this?" Daniella Briseno Cornue, our March 2024 Freed Fellow, faced the unthinkable just months after launching Le Village Cowork. Driven by the need for flexible work environments that support parents, Daniella turned adversity into an opportunity to innovate and grow. In the process, she built Le Village into a thriving community for working parents. Find out how she navigated these challenges and why resilience and adaptability are essential in entrepreneurship. ?? Listen to the full episode: Online -? https://lnkd.in/eTqUU-vV Spotify - https://lnkd.in/eDpM-PeS Apple podcasts - https://lnkd.in/e4G-YGi4 #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #FreedStories #Leadership #FreedFellow

We’re proud to announce the selection of Adriana Vargas Viana of Alivio Wellness?as our July Fellow! Alivio Wellness provides holistic wellness services focused on detoxification and self-care. Their comprehensive services include Colon Hydrotherapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Pre and Postnatal Services, Nutritional Counseling, and Infrared Sauna sessions. If you'd like to apply for the next Freed Fellowship opportunity, you can find more information here - https://lnkd.in/eJhWKcTY She will receive $500, ongoing mentorship, access to the Freed Studio, a chance to share her journey on the Freed Stories podcast, and will be eligible for our $2,500 year-end grant award.

"I had to figure out how to reframe the way I thought about risk. It was totally terrifying, but also really exciting." Danielle Letayf, our February 2024 Freed Fellow, transformed fear into fuel, building Badassery—a community that empowers underrepresented voices. With grit and a mission to amplify others, Danielle left not just one, but two secure jobs to create a space where diverse voices thrive. Discover how she navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and learn why embracing risk can be the key to success. ?? Listen to the full episode: - Online - https://lnkd.in/d5xDG6vE - Spotify - https://lnkd.in/dRk6XUXN - Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/dXKu5XwQ #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #FreedStories #Badassery #Leadership #FreedFellow

If you've never heard Coach Brooks, you're missing out. Latasha Brooks brings so much energy and insight I wish I could interview her every day!

What does it take to walk away from a secure job and pursue your passion? Coach Brooks shares the story of how she chose her family and herself over a steady paycheck in this episode of Freed Stories. Meet Latasha Brooks, aka "Coach Brooks," our June 2023 Freed Fellow. In this episode of Freed Stories, Latasha shares her powerful journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business consultant. ??? Key Insights: Focus and Organization: Learn how focusing on key areas can transform your business and help avoid burnout. Building the Right Support System: Discover the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people who challenge and support your growth. Self-Care as a Business Strategy: Discover how regular self-care routines help maintain the energy and mindset needed for entrepreneurial success. ?? Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage. ?? Listen to the full episode: Online - https://lnkd.in/gntNisUF Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g7KXMyhE Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gyfHjFt8 Have you left a job to follow your passion? Let us know about it in the comments below. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SelfCare #FreedFellow?

??? Check out the latest episode of Freed Stories featuring Monica Virga Alborno, our January 2024 Freed Fellow! Monica is the founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats, a one-of-a-kind retreat that brings moms and kids together for a holistic wellness experience. Monica shares her journey of turning personal challenges into a mission-driven business while juggling a startup, a full-time job, and motherhood. ?? Key Highlights: Building Trust and Community: Hear how Monica built a loyal customer base through personal connections and storytelling. Adaptability and Delegation: Learn why knowing when to delegate and adapt is crucial for growing a business. It's an inspiring story of building a side hustle that makes a difference! ?? Listen to the full episode: Online - https://lnkd.in/e_2pTU_d Spotify - https://lnkd.in/ehmtXKSV Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/edxctQQq ?? Tune in and let us know: What’s one challenge in your business journey that you’ve turned into an opportunity? #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #HolisticWellness #MotherhoodJourney #StartupLife #FreedFellow #FreedStories