Next in our series of Social Enterprise Stories we feature Heather Freeman who is the founder of Adventures in Wellness. Adventures in Wellness is a woman owned business committed to changing the way women show up in the world by providing inspiration, loving support, guidance and tools for discovering their best selves.

Why are you operating in Connecticut?

For me, starting my business in CT makes sense. I grew up in CT. And although I spent a number of years living in the Boulder, CO area, CT is where I have my roots.

Why did you decide to start a Social Enterprise?

Growing up in an idyllic country town in CT gave me a lasting impression of what it feels like to have true personal freedom and joy in my life. The miles biked, the hours spent scampering with my best buds in the woods, and screams of laughter let out while running rampant with friends are countless. This innocence, this pure joy is what Adventures in Wellness is all about. It’s about bringing the simple things that bring you the most joy, back into your life. Living in happiness is not limited to only a select few. Anyone can have it, but it does not always come easily. Adventures in Wellness is committed to operating beyond the confines of a for-profit type business and instead operate as a social enterprise to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the gifts of life and all they have to offer.

What is the community you’re trying to have an impact in?

Adventures in Wellness is part of ReSET’s Accelerator Program and through this program and the support of the mentors, I am working towards defining the community I am trying to have an impact. So while it may evolve over time, the current community includes mothers who find themselves in that space of time where their identities are in flux. They have children who are becoming less dependent on them for their day to day care which leads to an opportunity to redirect their attention to themselves. Adventures in Wellness is committed to ensuring these women step confidently into the next season of their life.

How do you/will you achieve that impact?

Ha! Good question! It feels like a big question to tackle. I want to be sure we accurately assess the issue, collect data, and evaluate it so we can demonstrate to our community and larger support system that we are not only committed to making a difference, but we are in fact making a difference and here is how. This is where I thank my stars that I am part of the ReSET community and Accelerator Program because even though my background is in Public Health and I have some experience with assessment, data collection, and evaluation, I know I need help to make sure I do it right and I am depending on ReSET’s community to give me a helping hand.

How do you balance purpose and profit?

This is a fun one which we haven’t figured out yet, but we are just diving into. Ask me this again in a few months and I’m sure I’ll have tons to share!

What have been your biggest challenges thus far?

Quantifying the value my products and services bring to the customer and the greater community.

What is the most rewarding thing to you about operating a social enterprise?

Every day I wake up with happy vibes and the happiness resonates throughout my day. Nothing beats starting a social enterprise because not only do I feel personally successful, but I feel like I am truly giving back to the world. And honestly, isn’t that what it’s all about?