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

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

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