Meet Deborah Freeman | Entrepreneur & Founder of Girl Mom | Just Between Friends Franchisee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I started Just Between Friends when my third daughter was only three months old, so I was juggling work and life right from the start. In those early days, balance wasn’t even a thought—I was in survival mode, figuring out how to grow a business while managing life with three little ones.

At that point, balance looked like working during nap times, late at night, or any stolen moment I could find. But as my kids grew, so did my business, and I started realizing that I couldn’t keep operating in constant hustle mode. I had to be intentional about how I spent my time, set boundaries, and learn to give myself grace.

Now, as I step into my work with Girl Mom, my perspective on balance has shifted again. I no longer see it as a perfect 50/50 split but as something that ebbs and flows. Some seasons require more from me as a business owner, while others demand more of me as a mom. And that’s okay. The key is making sure I’m living in alignment with my values—showing up where it matters most without losing myself in the process.

At the end of the day, balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being present in the moments that count.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started Just Between Friends because I knew that while I loved being a mom, I couldn’t put my career on pause. I also couldn’t afford daycare costs for three young children, and after realizing my marriage was ending, I knew I had to do something big to make it all work. Looking back, I’m grateful that I was too naïve to understand the challenges ahead, as it gave me the courage to take that leap. It wasn’t easy, but I figured it out, and I’m proud to have made it work. The business grew, and I reached #12 in the entire franchise system, which was such a rewarding achievement.

Starting Girl Mom has been a much more intentional journey. After my own struggles with losing my identity in motherhood, I realized that many women feel they have to sacrifice who they are as wives or moms. That’s why I created Girl Mom—to give other women the space to reclaim their authentic selves, have hard conversations, and feel supported as they navigate this journey. My goal is to help women realize that they don’t have to lose themselves in the process of motherhood.

What sets me apart is my willingness to take risks and embrace new challenges. I’m an early adopter and assertive by nature, and I have a mindset of trying everything once. From traveling solo across Africa to skydiving to being an NFL professional cheerleader, I’ve filled my life with diverse experiences that have shaped who I am today. I believe life’s about learning from every opportunity, and that has led me to not only be an entrepreneur but also a mentor who can guide others through their own journey of self-discovery.

Along the way, I’ve faced plenty of challenges—rapid growth, adapting to new processes, and facing criticism from the community I serve. But I live by the motto, “everything is figureoutable,” and remind myself that if someone’s criticizing me, it means they care enough to speak up. Overcoming these hurdles hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle has been a lesson in resilience and growth.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of consistency. Small habits build on themselves, and you don’t need to chase shiny objects. Figure out what’s working, amplify it, fix what’s broken, add what’s missing, and clarify what’s confusing. And above all, just keep swimming.

What I want the world to know is that I am here to inspire. I’m proud of being a single mom of three girls while running my business and creating a successful marketing and coaching business that led to starting Girl Mom. I want to be remembered as someone who helped women reclaim their authentic selves and supported them in living intentional lives. I hope my daughters see me as a role model who empowered them to be their true selves, pursue their dreams, and embrace their own identities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re visiting the Front Range, these are some of my favorite spots to check out:

Golden Gate Park is one of those places that just makes you feel good. Whether you’re up for a hike or just want to chill in nature, it’s the perfect spot to start your day. If you’re into jaw-dropping views and awesome rock formations, Garden of the Gods is a must-see.

When it comes to food, La Fillette Bakery has the best pastries — trust me, you won’t regret stopping by. Bird is my go-to for healthy and tasty dishes that are simple but full of flavor. And if you’re looking for a place to make your evening special, El 5 has incredible views and an unforgettable dining experience.

For drinks, Union Station is where I head for cocktails in a cool, historic spot. If I’m looking for a more laid-back vibe, I’ll stop by Lowry Beer Garden. It’s a great place to unwind with a drink in hand. When I’m in the mood for something a little more intimate, Hazel has amazing cocktails that never disappoint.

If you love live music, you’ve got to check out Mission Ballroom. It’s one of my favorite venues for seeing a show. And, of course, Red Rocks is a must if you’re in town during a concert — the atmosphere there is unreal.

Lastly, when I need to reset, Wash Park is my go-to. A peaceful walk around the park always does the trick.

These places have everything I love about this area — good food, great music, and some of the best nature spots you’ll find. You won’t be disappointed!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Success is never a solo journey, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system along the way. First and foremost, I have to recognize my daughters—they are my biggest inspiration and the reason I do what I do. Watching them grow has fueled my passion for creating spaces where moms can thrive, not just as parents but as individuals.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to the Just Between Friends community. Being part of JBF has connected me with so many incredible franchisees, mentors, and business owners who have challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow—not just as an entrepreneur but as a leader. The friendships and encouragement I’ve found in this community have been invaluable.

And, of course, Girl Mom wouldn’t exist without the many women who have shared their stories with me. Motherhood can feel isolating, but hearing from other moms who have navigated the same struggles has reinforced the importance of building a village—not just for our kids, but for ourselves.

I’m also deeply grateful for the mentors and business owners who have guided me along the way, as well as the books and resources that have shifted my perspective—whether it’s about business, parenting, or personal growth. It truly takes a village, and I wouldn’t be where I am without mine.

Website: DouglasCounty.jbfsale.com or Denver.jbfsale.com (I own both) or together: https://linktr.ee/COJBF

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-freeman-01724588/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JBFDouglasCounty or https://www.facebook.com/JBFDenver

Other: https://linktr.ee/COJBF

Image Credits
Sharon Arnoldi Photography