Meet Paige Freed | Yoga and Barre Instructor & Fundraiser

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

Hi Paige, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I started my career in corporate marketing strategy in investments at 21, and quickly learned the correlation between ‘high risk, high reward’ was applicable across all aspects of life. I had no idea what I was doing my first day on the job, but my hiring manager saw something in me and hired me anyway. The same followed for every career I’ve had since: I start with thinking “this could be fun” or “hey, maybe I could do this”, and figuring it out as I go. I launched a successful monetized blog in March of 2014 when I was placed on bedrest during the pregnancy of my first son, completely clueless to coding or digital strategy, When my life changed, I pivoted to yoga teaching, thinking, “ok, this can work with my schedule, I’ll figure it out!” And I did. In motherhood, everyday is a guess, a gamble and a sense of “wow, I did that! I pulled that off!” After nearly 20 years of risk taking and reaping the rewards (and, some losses too) I’ve managed to strike the balance between motherhood, the career that matches my education (marketing) and the career that matches my passion (teaching fitness, specifically yoga and barre classes). Letting go of others’ perception of me and releasing what I thought others expected of me was risky, but finding my own happy balance truly was the ultimate reward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think the biggest thing is to never give up and to not let disheartening moments control the narrative. There were times I was beyond frustrated blogging – brand partnerships I didn’t land, a nasty social media comment or 20, and so on – and wanted to throw in the towel. For years, I didn’t pursue my love for teaching fitness because I didn’t want to “just be” a fitness instructor, and spent years chained to a desk I should never have been sitting in. If you want it, go for it. Don’t wait for tomorrow, do it now. When you release others’ opinions of you and pursue your own passions with vigor, everything falls into place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start the morning off at Pure Barre Richardson, and I’d show my friend just how challenging a barre workout can be! Then we’d hit up brunch at La Casita which is hands down the best brunch in DFW. As a mom of many, we’d go to SVAA basketball games and get overly invested in how competitive 6th grade basketball is in comparison to first grade, and I’d channel my inner collegiate cheerleading days to be the loudest adults there. Then, honestly, home is where my heart is, so we’d head back to my house and do some boomer activities like making sourdough and most likely failing at it. When you get to be content and happy with your personal and professional life, you stop seeking constant excitement from external sources and bring the good times and good people inward with warmth, laughter and grace. And also, pajamas.

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?
Biggest shoutout to my four sons, who motivate me to keep trying and to keep taking those risks! There is absolutely nothing better than having them tell me they’re proud of me, or to see them cheering me on from the sidelines. Second shoutout to my husband Mark Freed. Without his respect and admiration, I might not have the gusto to go after it. And last but not least, shoutout to Pure Barre Richardson! I stumbled in to an amazing group of such talented women and shyly asked if I could be a part of their team, to which they welcomed me with open arms and continue to be such a positive force of encouragement. From my family to my employers, it is a gift and a joy to have them in my life.

Website: https://www.anuncomplicatedlifeblog.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anuncomplicatedlifeblog

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-freed-4359ab8/

Image Credits
Adrianne Mathiowetz Photography