Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Grant.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The story of Render Free’s beginning can be seen as glamorous, but in truth it was born out of many difficulties. As a transplant to the Twin Cities with a background in program, curriculum and community development, I was thrilled to discover countless opportunities within the realm of racial equity. However, these new professional settings seemed fixed to systems of racial oppression, which diminished the effectiveness of my position and prolonged racial disparities.
The normalized trauma of navigating these systems day in and day out began to materialize in symptoms of stress and anxiety that threatened my quality of life. Unfortunately, as I spoke to Black + Brown women across the cities, I found that many face the same confinements. The vision of Render Free was born out of an intimate understanding of our need for spaces to be free of these restrictions, liberated to name their shortcomings and empowered to heal.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I launched this business at a time in which our community was the epicenter of a global uprising and simultaneously navigating a pandemic. There is no way to prepare for struggles like these. Today’s realities simply deepen the need for spaces and resources that disrupt racial trauma. The road to Render Free has not been easy to navigate but the destination is clear and the journey is worth it!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Render Free is a workspace, social and wellness club for self-identified Black + Brown women. We provide virtual and in-person space dedicated to promoting the integration of work and rest. By highlighting local wellness practitioners of color we resource our members with strategies of healing that disrupt the onslaught of racial trauma. We also provide one-on-one Member Care and group Solidarity Sessions that offer dedicated space in connection with others who do not base your value on productivity but on inherent worth. Our community offers insight on strategic boundaries, encourages self-reflection and implores the prioritization of rest.
Teammate and fellow member, Andrea Smith describes it this way, “Render Free, is that community where you don’t have to prove who you are, you don’t have to even lead with your occupation, which is often how we introduce ourselves. This is the opposite of that, just come as you are. Here other people remind you of your worth, asking how you genuinely are doing and reminding you that you’re worthy of rest, you’re worthy of caring for yourself, you’re worthy of whatever it is you need in the moment.”
Render Free was created to meet our members in the ebb and flow of life. Our 3000 square foot lounge and workspace, in-person events are ongoing while the virtual and archived offerings on our Member Portal sustain members through the busy seasons of their life.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Healthy connection in community is deeply important to me. I think these connections can be made with intention, in close proximity or in passing respect. Healthy connection in community can foster a clear sense of self and ultimately bring about restoration and healing. This is why I commit my work to holding space for communal healing, to cultivate health connection and to restore.
Pricing:
- $40/month Membership
- $500 per person, per year for businesses (group membership)
- Day Passes $20 per day
- Allies can support at any rate. Funds provide sponsored memberships
Contact Info:
- Email: arielle.grant@renderfree.com
- Website: renderfree.com
- Instagram: @renderfree
- Facebook: @renderfree.mpls
- Other: https://www.renderfree.com/words-of-founding-members
Image Credits
Shanoaleigh Marson
Fatuma Ali Image
Tommy Grant