Freed Stories

Lauren Dalrymple & Kate Keyser: Elevating Home Staging Through Psychology and Marketing

Episode 45: In this episode of Freed Stories, we connect with Lauren Dalrymple and Kate Keyser, November 2024 Freed Fellows and co-founders of Ivy Lane Home Staging. Operating along Colorado's Front Range, they combine Lauren's psychology background with Kate's marketing expertise to create emotionally resonant staged spaces that drive sales. Their unique approach moves beyond traditional staging to deliver customized solutions for each property.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Market-Specific Approach: Each home requires individual attention - staging needs in Fort Collins differ significantly from Denver, requiring adaptability and market understanding.
2. Strategic Inventory Management: Success in staging relies on strategic sourcing, mixing high-end and affordable pieces to create luxury looks while managing costs effectively.
3. Relationship-First Business Model: Building genuine connections with realtors and understanding their challenges led to sustainable growth without paid advertising.

Connect with Ivy Lane Home Staging:

Website - https://www.ivylanehomestaging.com/
Instagram: @IvyLaneHome - https://www.instagram.com/ivylanehome/

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

Marissa Romero: Converting Subscribers to Sales Through Strategic YouTube Content

Episode 44: In this episode of Freed Stories, we connect with Marissa Romero, our October 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Subscribers to Sales. As a former civil engineer turned digital entrepreneur, Marissa shares her journey from creating daily YouTube content in Thailand to building a successful agency that helps coaches and experts maximize their YouTube presence. Her unique approach combines strategic content creation with team building to help business owners focus on their expertise while her team handles the technical aspects.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. From Creator to Agency: The transition from content creation to running a service-based business requires different systems, sales approaches, and team management skills.
2. Strategic Content Creation: Success on YouTube isn't about expensive equipment or perfect editing - it's about consistent value delivery and proper backend optimization.
3. Mindset Foundation: Business success is 80% mindset and 20% strategy - maintaining spiritual and mental well-being is crucial for long-term success.

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Connect with Marissa Romero:
Website: marissaromero.com
Free Content Creation Blueprint: marissaromero.com/blueprint

 

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

Elif Ekin: Building Community Through Coffee and Authenticity at Kahve Cafe

Episode 43: In this episode of Freed Stories, we reconnect with January 2021 Freed Fellow Elif Ekin, founder of Kahve Cafe and Bohemian Baklava. From surviving the pandemic to overcoming significant business challenges, Elif shares how she transformed a Victorian house in Salt Lake City into a thriving coffee destination that's earned recognition as Best Coffee in SLC 2024 and Best Turkish Coffee for two consecutive years.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity in Business: Being transparent about challenges and staying true to your vision builds genuine customer connections and community support
2. Strategic Growth Management: Cross-training staff across multiple roles creates operational flexibility while maintaining quality and authenticity
3. Business Protection: Maintaining direct control over crucial operations like finances while delegating other responsibilities helps prevent potential issues

Connect with Elif Ekin:
Website: www.kahvecafeslc.com
Baklava Orders: www.bohemianbaklava.com
Location: 57 South 600 East, Salt Lake City

 

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

Sheena Marshall: Crafting Modern Heirlooms with Sustainable Fine Jewelry

Episode 42: In this episode of Freed Stories, we sit down with Sheena Marshall, our September 2024 Freed Fellow and founder of Sheena Marshall Jewelry. From her early career in NYC advertising to teaching special education, Sheena found her true calling in metalsmithing. What started as a creative outlet during her postpartum years has evolved into a thriving jewelry business that combines luxury with sustainability.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Growth Mindset: Sheena's approach to business growth emphasizes staying cash positive and making calculated decisions about expansion, demonstrating how careful planning can lead to sustainable success.
2. Market Evolution: Understanding your target market is crucial - Sheena navigates two distinct customer segments (demi-fine and fine jewelry) while working toward streamlining her offerings for focused growth.
3. Community Connection: Building relationships with other small business owners provides invaluable support and insights, proving more beneficial than formal business coaching for sharing common challenges and solutions.

Connect with Sheena Marshall:
Website: www.sheenamarshall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheenamarshalljewelry/

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

 

LaToya Russell: Building Tech Skills and Career Freedom

Episode 41: In this episode of Freed Stories, we connect with LaToya Russell, founder of The OBM Office and a July 2024 Freed Fellowship Finalist. As the creator of the Quitting Corporate Training School and an automation expert, LaToya shares her journey from corporate frustration to building a successful business empowering women, particularly mothers and underrepresented minorities, through tech education and automation expertise.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Start Moving to Find Direction: LaToya emphasizes that movement creates opportunity - she discovered her niche in automation by first exploring various services and following opportunities that resonated with her skills.
2. Financial Foundation Matters: Maintaining corporate employment while building a side business provided the stability needed to experiment and grow, until reaching a sustainable income level.
3. Strategic Transition: By focusing on automation services and identifying market gaps, LaToya built a scalable business model that evolved from direct services to teaching and certification programs.

 

Connect with LaToya Russell:
Quitting Corporate Website: quittingcorporate.com
The OBM Office Website - https://theobmoffice.com/

Social Media: @bylatoyar on all platforms - https://www.instagram.com/bylatoyar/

 

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

Daniel Silverstein: Innovating Fashion with Zero Waste Principles

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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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

Maggie Partin: Navigating Entrepreneurship with Maggie Ave

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:

1. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Maggie emphasizes the importance of founders overcoming their own limiting beliefs to unlock their business potential and achieve growth.
2. 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.
3. 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.com
• Follow 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

Adriana Viana: Building Alivio Wellness and Empowering Holistic Health

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 Dyer
• Girl, 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

Shahira Marei: Aerospace to Decadent Desserts with Dirty Cookie

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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/thedirtycookieoc
• LInkedIn: 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

Jennifer Peters: Creating an Inclusive Dining Experience with Just Be Kitchen

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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/justbekitchen
• Facebook: 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