Meet Freda Durden | Owner & Chief Consulting Officer

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

Hi Freda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I love money, freedom, and new experiences, but I definitely began my business out of need. Something began happening in my mind and I was unable to continue doing the same things. I am a businesswoman at heart; or at least I am naturally bossy. I tried a few different ventures in my life–some more of a hustle than a legit business. But launching 813WellBeing was an uncomfortable decision because I was still learning my spiritual gifts; I wasn’t quite comfortable with the “Woo Woo” sentiment of being a healer. However, it didn’t take much time for purpose to take over. After being wrong many times, I really wanted to be effective at navigating spiritual evolution and authentic success for myself and my clients. That’s when I began coaching. I saw the gaps in giving tarot readings and energetic healing sessions; to the need for true guidance and support, so I started building systems and methodologies. I had to learn so much. I had to change so much. And with a combination of self-compassion, patience, and resilience, I did it—and am still doing “it.”

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets you apart from others? Vulnerability. I’m an open book. Sometimes it feels like an Achille’s heel. I acknowledge the essential nature and importance of spiritual consultants and alternative therapist who provide a foundation of inner/outer well-being for so many influential people. A part of being present for others demands you to have boundaries around the parts of you that are just for self. With that being said, I have realized that it’s not enough to resonate with people, be non-judgmental, or provide spiritual healing. This work requires full presence with clients, their point of reference, and perception of life experiences. I am poised to nurture the healers and leaders of a present-day renaissance that teaches people to move beyond social, religious and cultural constraints that allow them to shine brightly and share their personal gifts with the world. What are you most proud of or excited about? Not to be cliché, but I get excited as I witness my clients thrive in their true essence. My client community has built several of their own coaching practices. There is the Voice Guru, a vocal energetic healing modality for both adults and children. I work with an occupational therapist, implementing a deeper level of whole-body wellness within the healthcare field by demonstrating an eclectic mixture of Reiki therapy and Gradston techniques in her practice. Another client has created Pain to Peace, a program assisting female veterans in healing from sexual trauma. Several of my clients identify as LGBQT+ and/or BIPOC; we are most connected by our striving to live a life of being true to ourselves at soul level. I had the absolute pleasure of working with a 67 year old Spanish, lesbian Chingona who is delivering a program for the healing of feminine energy in people of all ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual preferences. Another one of my clients that works in media production, is building a business that includes virtual reality meditation products and literature for a group she calls “BOIS” which she defines as lesbian youth and women learning how to wear their innate masculinity fearlessly. I am proud of them. I am proud to be able to multiply the reach of this work by coaching people who help other people. Every time they create from their authentic self my dreams come true. I am excited to extend my experience with them to more, new clients. How did you get to where you are business wise? Was it easy? Relentlessness. I remember wanting to quit, daily. Sometimes, I’d pack up all my things as a protest to purpose. (I’m a bit of a dramatic Leo.) I learned the resilience and relentlessness that was in my heart. I CANNOT quit. No, it wasn’t easy and now I realize why. The struggle … the disappointment … the tough days, weeks, and even months… It does something to create character and leadership. Without these traits, I wouldn’t have developed the humility, objectivity, and an unconditional love for who I am and what I have to offer the world. I believe it has created true value within and all around me. How did you overcome challenges? Overtime I learned to anticipate challenges and obstacles. Therefore, I began to feel empowered and ready, regardless to what popped up along the way. Organization and order is also a part of overcoming. It’s not enough to just do your job really well. Entrepreneurs have to know how they–and everyone else around them–contribute to the bigger picture. I had to know my strengths and weaknesses and everyone elses. I began balancing awareness of the future vision with focusing on the present moment. I think of it as learning to be ambidextrous. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? The best lesson I learned along the way is that “Hope is not a strategy.” There are so many things that I hoped would change and get better. Even learning that helping others while hoping for better for myself was not a strategic option to personal development. It would all take work, conscious action, and consistency to truly manifest my visions. Sometimes it was the leap of faith to hire a coach. Or the stretch beyond control to delegate tasks to someone more experienced in a particular area. However, real hope is expensive. It costs money, time, and effort. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand story? That It Is possible. Whatever your “It” Is. I have uncovered the magnitude of this blessing, understanding how valuable it is to be speaking, teaching, and coaching; allowing my audience to connect with my authentic self and bridging the gap for them to decide to do the same. Every time I step into the light of my “It” the audience receives vibrational love and healing in addition to my “medicine bag” filled with stories, tools, and information that grants access to spiritual ascension for all that are listening. The most important message I’ve found inside this brand is the power of transmutation. The 813WellBeing brand is built on my ability to feel the depth of the nastiest emotions with an empowered peace that immediately changes these feelings into passion, motivation, and strength. My personal experience with transmutation has allowed me to become anchored to the wellness community in all parts of the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
All visitors must first listen to OutKast and Goodie Mob, which I’m always playing in my car. And that’s if you can stand loud music. We are heading straight to Dekalb Farmer’s Market to pick up some fresh flowers and food to prepare at home. I love to hangout in the urban diversity and local entrepreneur culture that can be found in and around Atlanta. So going to Lil 5 points, East Atlanta Village, and Downtown Decatur is a must. We will probably eat ribs at Fox Bros BBQ, and then, end the evening drinking bourbon by the fire pit in my backyard.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shout out is to God, Allah, Source, and/or the Universe. The part of Us that is bigger than we all are. I have the most AWESOME fiancé, son, and bonus baby. Loving them helps me to grow every day. They are my mirrors, exposing to me the love that I am. They help me to identify areas that I need to learn and grow. My sister friends who have supported, loved, and chastised me along the way. They have become my few, my family, and my reason to continue being brave.

Website: https://durdenfreda86.wixsite.com/813wellbeing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/813wellbeing/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freda-durden-3871b388/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/813WellBeing

Image Credits
godlikemedia llc.