We had the good fortune of connecting with Talisa Caldwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Talisa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Being a single mom and running a business at the same time is not easy. I started my business because I wanted a way to be able to do what I love and not have to be away from my son all day. I wanted to show my son that anything is possible, that you can do anything that you love in this life, despite your circumstances.
I started my business when my son was only a couple months old. He is turning 3 now, and for the majority of his life he has watched me slowly building my dream of Freedom Creators Co. There is never a dull moment in my home, I feel like we are constantly moving. I am either chasing my toddler, running online sales or trying to keep the house from looking like it has been hit by a tornado.
I’d say that when it comes to work life balance, the number one thing that has kept me on top of things is building a routine. I plan when I am going to work and when I am going to spend time with my son. My son’s father and I share custody, so on the days when he is with his dad I pack my day with all the work that I can’t focus on when my son is with me. On the days that I have him, I work during his naps and independent play time.
I feel like I have learned to be okay when things don’t go according to the schedule as well. Some days my son requires more attention if he is sick or something. I have learned that when it comes to business, and really anything in life, it’s better to have a slow and steady build. Some businesses that grow too fast often fail because they didn’t have a strong core and foundation built.
I choose to not send my son to daycare and to keep him with me because I want to be a part of his life as much as possible, and also because I can. Running my own business means that I can take my son with me wherever I have to go. These moments in life are precious, and I don’t want to lose out on having a strong relationship with my son. He means more to me than anything. I started this business because of him, and when things get hard I continue because of him.
I think that it is important to put family and relationships first, even when you have something like a business or a dream that is constantly trying to take your attention. I’ve heard that people work tirelessly to get to the top, but once they reach it, it is lonely up there. I don’t want to experience that, I hope to bring as many people with me along the journey.
Overtime, I’ve learned how to prioritize. I am still learning, nothing is ever perfect. I don’t have to be the first, it’s not a race, I just have to do better each day and be grateful for every moment.
What should our readers know about your business?
Freedom Creators Co is an all natural self-care product manufacturing company. I started it because I saw that the majority of the traditional skin care products, candles and even teas were full of additives and harmful chemicals that are detrimental to both the body and the environment. People don’t realize that even the things that they are putting onto their skin will soak into your body. Some of these chemicals have links to cancer, reproductive issues and hormonal imbalances. Also, from the wax, to the wick, to the fragrance itself, candles can release harmful chemicals into the air–even when they are unlit. There are similar chemicals that are found in diesel fuel that are in an everyday candle! These chemicals can cause allergies, asthma attacks, skin problems and once again–cancer.
I want to make a company that was different. I wanted to be able to make a wide range of self care products that were clean and healthy for the body and the environment. I want to make products that have ingredients that everyone could recognize–imagine, a lotion that you could eat! So that is exactly what I did. I know that there is an increasing number of natural product companies out there, but I haven’t yet found one that truly doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals on a large level. I hope to keep building Freedom Creators Co until it becomes well recognized and easily accessible to everyone.
I got to where I am today by continuing to push forward, despite whatever happens to me. I started my business when I had about $375 to my name and invested $300 of it into supplies to create products. It was scary, but I knew if I didn’t take a risk then that I never would. What made it even more challenging was that I had a son to look after as well, but I put my trust in God and took a chance on the idea that I had in my heart.
Since then, Freedom Creators Co has slowly grown, and has taught me the value of patience and endurance. Everyone wants to see results quickly, they give up after 3 months if nothing has happened right away. I’ve experienced wanting to give up probably hundreds of times…I’ve lost count at this point. Every time that I have wanted to give up, I picked myself up and continued anyway and have always seen the fruit of that. A new order, a new deal, a new experience is always right around the corner.
It definitely has not been easy, but I feel it has been a deeply strengthening experience. It has increased my faith and my confidence in myself and in God. I would say a huge lesson for me has been learning to make decisions, and never give up. I take all of my decisions to God, and allow the right choice to be shown to me. Still, I’ve definitely made mistakes, and have experienced what some may consider “failure.” In my mind, there is no true failure unless you give up completely. That’s why whenever I have a setback, I evaluate the situation in order to learn from the mistake, and strive to do better next time. It is a growing process, if you give up after one “failure” you will never be able to see how it may have turned out.
Overall, I want to inspire others to follow that dream that is on their heart. I’d love to show people the love of God through me, and help them see that anything is possible when you tap into that love. To me, my business is not all about money, fortune and fame….it’s about helping people. Helping them by giving them a healthy product that is different from others that are out there, and helping them by showing them that there is more to life than just working to survive. Life is meant to be enjoyed and experienced, and sometimes that means you have to step out of your comfort zone and into uncertainty.
It will be worth it in the end. While you’re headed down that path, try to enjoy the ride.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
During the summer time, I would definitely bring them to some of the different trails around the Colorado Springs Area. Palmer Park, Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks are some of my favorite spots, that are easy enough if you are bringing you family with you, and also have some more experienced trails as well. Beware though, if you go to Palmer Park be sure to pin where you parked your car on your phone so that you can make it back! I have gotten semi-lost a couple of times there and learned my lesson!
I am a bit of a coffee enthusiast! My favorite coffee shop is Bird Tree Cafe in Downtown Colorado Springs, so I would definitely bring them there for a good brew. Other coffee spots I enjoy are Story Coffee and Third Space. I am always excited to try out a new coffee place, its always nice to catch up with friends over a cup.
I love music, so I would have to take them to some of my favorite open mics in the area. Jives in Old Colorado City has a great one on Wednesday evenings that is full of some great local talent. If they end up being here on a First Friday, we would definitely stop by Art 111 to see some of the featured artists, and listen to some good music as well!
Lastly, we would have to go shopping at some of my favorite local stores that feature local businesses (including Freedom Creators Co of course). Some of those stores include Eclectic Co, The Hive Market, Heartshake Studios, The Hause Collective and Creations on the Edge!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to The Jesus Church of Colorado Springs. They have been a family to me, in a way that I never thought a church could be. They have showed me what it means to really love and accept people for who they truly are. I don’t feel like I have to put up a mask, or feel like I always have to look like my life is perfect.
They have taught me a lot about the love of Jesus, and have also reflected that love. The people there have always gone out of their way to lend a helping hand, a prayer and just an ear to listen. I know that without that community, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They have taught me to trust others again, and slowly open up my heart.
They have also been such huge supporters of my business. They pray over what I am doing when I am overwhelmed, and support by buying and recommending my products as well. Having people around you is such a beautiful thing because there is no way that we could do any of this alone.
Website: www.freedomcreatorsco.com
Instagram: instgram.com/freedom.creatorsco
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talisa-caldwell333/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChooseFreedomCo
Facebook: facebook.com/freedomcreators77
Image Credits
Tara Patty Photography Brody Lee Photography Jas K Productions