Meet Maria Rodriguez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maria, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

The way I keep my creativity alive is by drawing inspiration from my daily life, culture, and the community I serve. Everything I create reflects my experiences, needs, and passion for sustainability—whether it’s candles, jewelry, body butters, or drinks. Yo soy de barrio—born in Pilsen, the heart of Chicago’s art scene, and shaped by Back of the Yards. My work is a reclamation of my indigeneity and a tribute to resilience. Art is in my DNA, my existence, and everything I build through Freedomlei State of Mind.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Thank you for this opportunity to share my story! My name is Maria Rodriguez, and I’m the founder of Freedomlei State of Mind LLC, a small business rooted in creativity, culture, and community. My work spans a wide variety of artisanal products and services—from handcrafted candles, vegan soaps, and wellness bundles to hosting sensory-friendly workshops and serving artisanal beverages.

What sets Freedomlei State of Mind apart is our commitment to creating inclusive, accessible spaces that embrace creativity, healing, and self-expression. As someone who is disabled and deeply connected to my Indigenous roots, I draw inspiration from my experiences, culture, and the communities I serve to create products and events that not only bring joy but also foster connection and empowerment.

One of the most exciting things about my journey has been collaborating with local organizations and businesses to uplift our community. Whether it’s curating events, leading mindfulness workshops, or introducing new artisan products, my work is driven by a deep passion for serving underserved communities like the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to be expanding Freedomlei State of Mind’s reach. We’ve recently introduced new offerings like our candle-making workshops, and our products are now available in select local boutiques. I’m also planning events focused on community healing and self-care in 2025, along with partnerships to further promote disability awareness and advocacy.

Ultimately, Freedomlei State of Mind is more than just a brand; it’s a movement to nurture creativity, promote sustainability, and empower communities—one handmade creation and collaboration at a time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, I would say the three most impactful qualities and skills that have shaped me are resilience, creativity, and community-building.

Building a business and advocating for change often feels like an uphill battle, especially when you face personal challenges like living with a disability or coming from underserved communities. Resilience has been my foundation—pushing me to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward, even when obstacles seem overwhelming. My advice to others is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Resilience is a muscle, and the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Creativity has been the heartbeat of my business and advocacy work. From crafting artisanal products to organizing workshops, my ability to think outside the box has been instrumental in connecting with others and solving problems. For those starting their journey, my advice is to let your unique perspective shine and never be afraid to experiment or try new things—it’s often where the magic happens.

The power of collaboration and connection cannot be overstated. By working with others, I’ve been able to uplift not just myself but entire communities. Whether it’s forming partnerships, supporting local organizations, or hosting events, I’ve learned that we are stronger together. For others, I recommend building genuine relationships, seeking mentorship, and always giving back to the people around you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to partner and collaborate with! At Freedomlei State of Mind LLC, we believe in the power of community and working together to uplift and inspire. We are particularly interested in collaborating with small businesses, nonprofits, community organizers, artists, and brands that align with our values of inclusivity, self-care, sustainability, and social justice.

Whether it’s co-hosting workshops, creating unique product collaborations, or organizing community events, we’re open to exploring creative and impactful partnerships that benefit our communities.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out via email at freedomlei.stateofmind@gmail.com, or connect with me on social media Instagram/TikTok: @freedomleistateofmind. Facebook: Freedomlei Apothecary Studio. Let’s build something meaningful together!

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