Episode 09: Dominique Juric

Navigating Unhealthy Relationships, Finding Purpose with Natural Freedom, & New Beginnings

We have only known her for a short time, but we are obsessed with this week's guest, Dominique Juric, founder of Natural Freedom! We initially sat down with Dom to talk to her about what inspired her journey to create such a lovely community on the west coast. In doing so, Dom takes us through her life growing up moving from London, Ontario to the west coast in Whistler. We discuss her experience living in Whistler, and Dom reflects on a life-altering relationship throughout her early twenties that she bared a lot of trauma in supporting her partner. This difficult time combined with an introspective period brought by COVID-19 propelled her to get out of her relationship in the pandemic, break free and embark on a path of self-discovery and empowerment.

Dom shares the origin story and evolution of her brand, Natural Freedom, a consciously free project and community designed to encourage people to engage with the outdoors through inclusive and educational events. In starting her own business, this community has grown significantly with Dom’s time to learn and cater to it. She has hosted lots of events for women throughout the Sea to Sky including Take a Skate, Saddle Up, Go Fish, and the Yeehaw Half Marathon.

Marnie and Dom talk about the difficulties that Dom faced in her childhood, growing up she struggled with a language barrier between her mom who is from the Dominican. Her parents faced a difficult divorce and custody battle, a circumstance that both Marnie and Dom can relate with each other on. Dom highlights how those experiences shaped her work ethic, love for thrifting and styling fashion, and a passion for expressing herself. She gives very useful advice to others about starting a business, and balancing the act of side hustles & passion projects.

We giggle over how women find a way to do it all, the work Dom's put in to cultivate a supportive community, falling in love again after a traumatic relationship, and the exciting new chapter that lies ahead for her and her dog after moving to Vancouver Island to wild Tofino. This episode is a personal favourite!!!

To contact Dom, you can reach her via: dominique@bynaturalfreedom.com

Follow Natural Freedom:⁠ @byNaturalFreedom⁠

Natural Freedom Events and Merch:⁠ Natural Freedom⁠

Follow Dom: ⁠@DominiqueJuric

Resources from Dom