Story & Lesson Highlights with Nathaniel Wanderscheid of Des Moines, Iowa

We recently had the chance to connect with Nathaniel Wanderscheid and have shared our conversation below.

Nathaniel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes, I have. The first example that comes to mind goes back to elementary school. I became friends with a classmate who had special needs, and at that age a lot of kids didn’t treat him very well. On the playground, I often stepped in to defend him from bullies and made sure he was included. At the time, that sometimes meant getting strange looks or being treated like I was the odd one for being his friend. But even as a kid, I had a strong sense that excluding him was wrong, and I knew it wasn’t okay to treat someone differently just because they were different. By middle school, I carried that mindset further — I even organized it so some other friends and I could eat lunch with him and his classmates in the special needs classroom occasionally because I wanted them to feel included and supported. Looking back, it cost me some social comfort at the time, but it taught me early on that doing the right thing and standing by people matters more than fitting in. We’re still close friends today!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nathaniel and I run Creative Freedom HQ, a solo brand dedicated to bold self-expression. I design/sell streetwear, create immersive photoshoots and products, produce visual content, and host a podcast—all tied to the idea of embracing creativity and moving closer to the authentic self. Alongside my creative projects, I also provide media and design services to help others bring their own visions to life. My goal is to give people tools, ideas, and support that help them feel more fearless, individual, and inspired in their own lives.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I was in a near-fatal car accident in 2021. It forced me to face how quickly everything can be taken away, and it made me put life into perspective. After that, I knew I couldn’t keep putting my dreams off—I had to take them seriously and build something real.

That realization also taught me that no one is going to hand you freedom—you have to carve it out for yourself. It pushed me to stop waiting for permission and start creating my own lane. That’s why Creative Freedom HQ isn’t just a brand to me—it’s proof that I chose to live authentically and unapologetically.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to myself, it would be: “The things that energize you are the things worth chasing.” It’s easy to get stuck on the path that feels safe or expected—like going to college without direction or following a job you don’t believe in. But the truth is, the only path that matters is the one that excites you. That reminder keeps me focused on building Creative Freedom HQ as something authentic and alive.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is that building independence through creativity is worth the grind. Creative Freedom HQ isn’t about chasing quick trends—it’s about turning ideas into something that lasts and generates real value. My focus is on creating a brand that proves you can build success by following your own lane, and I’m willing to take the time it takes to make that a reality.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d chase as many experiences as possible—dope concerts, unforgettable trips, and moments that make life feel alive. The truth is, I already try to live that way now, because I know how fast everything can change. Not everyone has the luxury to think beyond survival mode, but for me it’s always been about striving for more—pushing toward a better life and refusing to settle for less than your wildest dreams. That’s the energy that drives me and the spirit I carry into Creative Freedom HQ.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
White Sticker Image taken by Connor Botts

All other images taken by Creative Freedom HQ

Models:
Yellow tee: Surbhi Saxena
Pink camo hat: Tayshauna M.
Purple Hoodie: Dessy X

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