Freed Stories: Turning Five and Six Figure Businesses into Seven and Eight Figure Legacies This podcast shines a light on everyday entrepreneurs and business owners who are scaling their ventures to new heights. Each episode features a member of our community sharing their Freed Story - a journey of challenges, breakthroughs, and invaluable insights. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, these real stories of grit, determination, and creativity will educate and inspire you. Join us as we explore the diverse paths founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners take to achieve their unique personal and professional freedom. Freed Stories is your companion on the entrepreneurial journey, proving that while the road may be challenging, you don’t have to travel it alone. Tune in for practical wisdom, innovative strategies, and the motivation to turn your business dreams into reality
Episodes
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
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.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levillagecowork
- LinkedIn: 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
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
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.com
- LinkedIn: 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
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
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/moneybaggs623
- TikTok: @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
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
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 Retreats
- Instagram: @wanderwildfamilyretreats
- Substack: 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
Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant
Follow Freed Growth on Instagram
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
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.com
- Instagram: @HelloPluie
- Learn 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
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
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 Website
- Follow VaVa Virtual on Facebook
- VaVa Virtual on Instagram
- VaVa 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
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
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
Follow Save the Milk on Instagram
Follow Save the Milk on Tik Tok
Apply for our Freed Fellowship Monthly Grant
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
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
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
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 - 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
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
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
Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life
Dr. Joy DeGruy – Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing