We are obsessed with this week's guest, Dominique Juric, Founder of Natural Freedom! We discuss her life and inspiring journey on the west coast in Whistler. Dom reflects on a life-altering relationship throughout her early twenties, combined with an introspective period brought by COVID-19, which propelled her to break free and embark on a path of self-discovery and empowerment. Dom shares the origin story and evolution of her brand, Natural Freedom, a consciously free project and community designed to encourage people to engage with the outdoors through inclusive and educational events.

Marnie and Dom talk about the difficulties that Dom faced in her childhood, how those experiences shaped her work ethic, and passion for expressing herself. We chat about balancing the act of side hustles & passion projects, the work Dom's put in to cultivate a supportive community, falling in love again, and the exciting new chapter for her living in Tofino.

Key Takeaways:

Leaving a Traumatic Relationship: Dominique discusses the struggles and transformative moments that led to her leaving her past relationship.

Family Dynamics and Resilience: The impact of Dominique's upbringing between her parents divorce.

Finding Purpose Through Natural Freedom: How Natural Freedom was born and helped her focus on the community she's surrounded by.

Managing the Events and Project: The path that led to launching the brand and how Dom learned from each event and her supportive friends.

New Beginnings in Tofino: Dominique's move to Tofino from Whistler and her plans for the future of Natural Freedom.

Timestamps:

(0:15) Dominique's Journey from Ontario to Whistler and Beyond

(1:47) Navigating a Relationship After a Traumatic Brain Injury

(17:10) Living in Whistler: Integrating, Jobs, and Side Hustles

(21:02) Finding Purpose Through Natural Freedom

(26:19) Empowering Women Through Community Events and Personal Growth

(49:26) Navigating Childhood Trauma and Family Dynamics

(1:01:01) Exploring Self-Identity and Family Connections

(1:11:20) Dream Events, New Beginnings, and Natural Freedom Ventures

Natural Freedom Instagram: @byNaturalFreedom

Natural Freedom Events and Merch: Natural Freedom

Dom's Instagram: @DominiqueJuric

Prepare to be floored by this week's guest.. Liz McInnes joins Marnie for a wild ride into her life, including growing up with a schizophrenic mom, navigating Crohn's disease, and trying to find her way without a dad. But have no fear, because Grandma was here. Liz discusses the challenges she faced by her family dynamics, the importance of self-care and boundaries, and the positive relationships that have entered her life (mainly dogs & Frazer of course). She also discusses the tough decision to amputate her dog's leg due to bone cancer last year.

We dive into how she started her own business, Bad Dog, the cutest pup store in Tofino, and the joys that came with working her way there. Liz shares her perspective on mental health, anxiety medication, and the importance of listening to your body. She also touches on the dog culture in Tofino & the intricacies that come with it.

This episode is one of resilience, and finding your place in the world. I find Liz's story incredibly relatable, and am so grateful to have gotten to know her so much better through Giddy Up!

Follow Bad Dog on IG

Liz's Instagram