Meet Brandie Freely of The Free Type in Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandie Freely.

Brandie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Nearly five years ago, my life wasn’t in a place I was proud of. I wanted to rethink, re-evaluate, and reimagine what I wanted it to become. I began to really explore myself outside of my comfort zone. I was in Houston, Texas at the time and had decided to move to a condo downtown. That’s where the shift began. I stopped clinging so tightly to the things that were practical, yes but didn’t really bring me joy. I started to reach beyond that for the things that were really in my heart. One was to begin a new career, so I slowly began taking steps to leave teaching to become a full-time writer/editor.

I wrote and self-published a book, Truths and Freedom, which totally changed my life for the better. From there, I realized the impact of following my dreams, and how brave I felt doing something I’d wanted to for so long. Publishing my book honestly made feel so powerful, like I could really do anything I so desired. And then, I met my current husband. He lived in California, which was perfect for me as I wanted to continue to dream bigger. I ended up leaving teaching after eleven years and moving to Long Beach for love and for a life I could be really proud of. I’ve been working full time as a writer ever since, and I tell any and everyone I come across to dream bigger still.

Has it been a smooth road?
When I first acknowledged that I wasn’t genuinely happy with the life I was leading, yes, it was challenging to begin to make the necessary changes. I struggled with making decisions for myself without the influence of others weighing heavily on me. I had to get to a place where my own voice was the loudest and most influential. I think once I got over that hurdle, the ride was pretty smooth. When you grow comfortable enough with yourself, that fear of ‘what will people say if it doesn’t work out’ begins to diminish.

Now working for myself has been a different kind of challenge that I’m not sure you can adequately prepare for. I feel like you’ve gotta just get in there and learn the lessons along the way. I’ve found it challenging to govern myself. As a creative, organization and self-starting do not come naturally to me. I used to create from inspiration; now I have to learn to work even on days when I don’t feel inspired. It has been a great challenge for me but also something that makes me feel very alive. I don’t think comfort offers that same feeling. Comfort made me sort of numb to life; I didn’t feel anything one way or the other.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Free Type story. Tell us more about the business.
The Free Type is a writing service. I offer coaching to authors, aspiring authors, bloggers and the like. I also offer copy and developmental editing. I specialize in helping writers get over the tough hurdles and challenges that surface when attempting to complete a project. Ideas are easy to come by, but the commitment to seeing them through is often where creatives fall short. I essentially hold the hands of writers until we cross the finish line together.

I host writers’ workshops around town and also teach a course at the University of Southern California through the Community Literature Initiative called Social Media for Writers. This course helps writers better navigate the world of social media to expose their writing and reach broader audiences.

My ultimate goal is to help get as many stories told as I can. I believe that stories are what connect people. I believe it is essential that we share. I’m currently extremely excited about hosting my first retreat in the spring. ESCAPISM will be held near the beautiful hills of Malibu and offer an intimate group of ladies the time to relax, refill, and recharge for four days and three nights. Another retreat is being planned for the second half of the year!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There is definitely a consulting trend happening. Everyone feels they’re an expert in some area and can help someone who’s on that same path. I think it’s dope. I mean, yeah, if you know the ropes show me! I firmly believe we should all help one another get to where we’re going. Book and writing coaching is rather new. There are a handful of coaches who’ve been around forever. Very few are black women. I’m definitely hoping to be at the forefront of this newer industry. I think in 5-10 years maybe it’ll be more common for folk to hire an expert to help them fulfill their dreams and purpose. I think it’s smart. We pay for everything else! May as well invest in ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brandiefreely.com/the-writing
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandiefreely/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandiefreely/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credit:
Kristen Curette

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