Today we’d like to introduce you to Unbound
Hi UNBOUND, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started with a drink after a marketing conference. A few of us who already knew each other decided to unwind and chat about the day. As the conversation flowed, so did our stories—and we realized we were all struggling with similar challenges. By the time the check came, a big idea was born: What if we created a women’s entrepreneur collective?
We didn’t just let the idea simmer—we dove in headfirst! Within 24 hours, we had a Facebook group (with a very temporary name), and a month later, we were sending out emails to bring in more voices. We wanted a dynamic, diverse group of founders to lead the charge. Some of us were total strangers, so we gathered to share stories, shape our mission, pick a name, figure out how often we’d meet, and whip up a brand and website. By March 2024—just three months after that post-conference chat—we held our very first UNBOUND meeting, and we haven’t looked back since.
Each month, more and more women from our area join us, finding opportunities for connection and support. Over the past year, we’ve learned a lot. The biggest lesson? That women from all walks of life—not just entrepreneurs—can benefit from the meaningful conversations we’re having. As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited to evolve into an even more inclusive space for the women in our community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When you bring together a group of strong-willed women, things aren’t always smooth sailing! However, one of our guiding principles is to embrace and be open to healthy conflict. Navigating different working and communication styles was no small feat in the beginning, but we made a commitment: stay honest, stay open, and always find the path forward that works best for the group.
Building an in-person community of this nature was uncharted territory for all of us—it felt a lot like building the plane while flying it! Our first year was all about experimentation. We definitely had grand plans for things like mailing lists and monthly newsletters, but most of our energy went into what mattered most: creating meaningful, high-value meetings for our members.
As time went on, we found our groove. We discovered how each co-founder’s unique talents could shine, and with clearer roles and responsibilities, we’re gearing up for an exciting year of expansion and growth (yes, including a monthly newsletter!). Adrianne Reiners (Oberon’s Acres) is leading the charge on marketing efforts and spearheading an exciting new rebrand. Katy Buhr (Up North Sewing & Embroidery and Minnesota Dog Treats) is expertly managing our monthly meeting logistics. And Emily Johnson (She Becomes Coaching) is focusing on strengthening communication.
One of the biggest transitions we’ve faced was shifting from a team of five to three co-founders. We’re incredibly grateful for the two leaders who’ve moved on to pursue exciting new adventures. Their hard work and dedication laid the foundation for everything we’re continuing to build—and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
UNBOUND is a supportive community of sassy, stubborn kick-ass women fearlessly pursuing passions & dreams. We believe in the power of community and intentionally choose collaboration over competition.
Most of the women in the room grew up being taught to compete with one another. We often joke about the Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears era of the early 2000s—remember how the media constantly pitted them against each other? Imagine the iconic album we could’ve gotten if they’d teamed up instead!
While competition has its place, we believe there’s plenty of pie to go around. When we collaborate, we unlock creative, out-of-the-box ideas that help everyone thrive. That’s why we’re so thrilled to have sparked new small business partnerships in 2024, including the creation of the incredible She Thrives in the Wild. The collaborations occurring within UNBOUND are bringing fresh activities, products, and experiences to our community, along with mentorship and learning opportunities for women. It’s even giving our local economy a little boost—because let’s be honest, more coffee dates, dinners, and drinks are happening thanks to the real relationships built in our space.
We’re proud to host free monthly meetings where women can show up as their full, authentic selves and connect with others in meaningful ways. We’re exploring how to bring this model to more communities and expand education, leadership, and growth opportunities for the women of Grand Rapids, MN, and beyond.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Looking back, we can see how moments of “good luck” often came disguised as hard work meeting the right opportunity. For instance, connecting with the incredible women who helped shape the women’s entrepreneur collective was a mix of serendipity and being in the right place with the right mindset. That one spontaneous conversation after a marketing conference led to something far bigger than we could have imagined—a community that has changed so many lives, including our own!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unboundmn2024.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/unboundmn
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/unboundmn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4F8gYBofopDBle4_XTn0WQ
