Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dawn Manske, Founder and CEO of Made for Freedom, LLC., located in St. Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Made for Freedom is on a mission to fight human trafficking with style! We partner with centers around the world to generate hours of dignified employment for survivors of sex trafficking in those coming out of marginalized situations by selling the products they make. Our customers are those men and women who are appalled by the exploitation of others and passionate about doing what they can to fight this atrocity we call human trafficking.
Tell us about yourself
The moment that changed me forever was seeing a video of an undercover reporter in Cambodia asking for the youngest girls he could find. He was taken to a room in a back ally and waited. After a few minutes, several young girls were ushered in for him to choose from. The girls ranged in age from maybe 7 to 13. It turned my stomach. It broke my heart. It created in me a passion to fight this horrible atrocity.
During a research trip in India to get a better understanding of human trafficking, I met survivors who were thriving in new situations by making beautiful products. It became clear how transformative those jobs were. That realization was hugely impactful in the way I see business and commerce. The idea of building a business with the sole purpose of improving the lives of people in desperate need inspired me, and I have only grown more passionate about creating opportunities for dignified employment for survivors.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Along with our amazing customers, we have generated approximately 30,000 hours of dignified employment for survivors of sex trafficking and those coming out of marginalized situations and building to grow that number significantly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a business owner, the responsibility of all areas is dependent on you. If you have employees doing a great job, they still need to be given the vision. If you have employees not doing such a great job, you get to step in and help them do their job better. If you have 4 employees leave, you get to juggle all that they were doing while pulling together applicants, interviewing, and taking care of your own responsibilities.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Read The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki. He breaks down the beginning stages of starting a business.
- Sign up with a library that offers LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). Incredible training with online courses that can be free through your local library.
- Connect with entrepreneurial groups in your area. Networking can lead to some incredible wisdom and collaboration.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://madeforfreedom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeforFreedom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforfreedom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/madeforfreedom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforfreedom/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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