Our Journey from Refuge to Freedom & Flourish

Twenty-two years ago, at just 15 years old, I found myself spending Christmas in an unexpected place—a women’s refuge. That refuge became my world for a while; it was where I would welcome New Year's and where I would turn another year older. And while most of my peers were surrounded by family and friends, I faced the reality of life within those walls, isolated yet safe, held within the quiet strength of those who ran the refuge. They were more than workers—they were lifelines, guiding us through a storm we couldn’t navigate alone.

Our circumstances were complicated, and for my safety, I couldn’t leave freely. Even simple moments like meeting friends or visiting family were rare, and if it happened, a taxi was the only option. School was no longer a part of my routine. Threats from my mother’s ex turned it into an unsafe place for me, leaving us on constant alert. That man cast a shadow over our lives, and before the refuge, my mother and I lived on edge, bracing ourselves for his next violent outburst.

Arriving at the refuge brought us more than safety—it connected me with my father’s side of the family, a connection long denied by the oppressive control of my mother’s ex. Any hint of contact with them led to violent repercussions, and for years, it felt like a family held out of reach. The refuge became a space to rebuild, a sanctuary where we began to rediscover relationships and where my mother found her way back to herself, free from his threats.

Reflecting on those days and all the kindness we were shown, it’s clear that without the refuge staff's relentless support, our story might have ended differently. Their presence was nothing short of a miracle. They gave us the courage to hope again, to believe that our lives could be more than survival.

That experience is the foundation of Freedom & Flourish, a company I co-founded with my mother. We chose the name together, crafted the slogan, and built a brand rooted in our journey. Freedom & Flourish isn’t just a company; it’s our way of giving back to the refuge that saved our lives. It’s a promise to support others, to raise awareness, and to be the same lifeline for someone else. Through our work, we hope to honor the refuge's legacy and help others find their way from survival to flourishing.

This is why Freedom & Flourish exists—to give back to the place that saved us, to bring hope to those who need it, and to share the strength we found on the other side.