About Us
Mission Statement:
Our focus is to help those that feel segregated while working towards abolishing the "social norm" of what is acceptable. Our goal is to help those who are in need by educating those that aren't.
Philosophy:
Our philosophy is acceptance; not just for some, but for all. This does not have stipulations; it is not based off of what you wear or what car you drive, but rather is focused on the inner strength, talent, and beauty of all.
About Us:
Our company was founded on the very basis of our company name; we are free 2 be. What started as a simple idea between a mom, sister and brother has become an organization driven to help others.
Our philosophy is acceptance; not just for some, but for all. This does not have stipulations; it is not based off of what you wear or what car you drive, but rather is focused on the inner strength, talent, and beauty of all.
About Us:
Our company was founded on the very basis of our company name; we are free 2 be. What started as a simple idea between a mom, sister and brother has become an organization driven to help others.
Life has it's ups and downs and isn't easy. Having gone through some tough moments ourselves, we learned that what really matters is being true to yourself, and now are focused on helping others realize the same thing.
Meet the Free 2 Be Me Team:
Ronnie: "The Reason"
Born in a traditional Catholic/Christian home, the very idea of being gay was unacceptable. Growing up and fighting who he was proved to be a challenge. He struggled with family, friends, and even contemplated suicide,
just as many others do. He was eventually sent to school out of state, and it was there he learned that the most important thing in life was to be true to himself. He realized that not only are his family and friends important to him, but that he was important to them as well. He continues to struggle with the harsh reality that he is different, and may never receive the full acceptance of others; but he is happy knowing that while the world may not accept him, he has accepted himself.
While some may consider his youth as a hinderance, we view it as a strength. Through his faults he can relate to others. He now hopes that with this business, he will be able to help others struggling with the same issues and remind them that while it may not be easy, it isn't impossible.
Mom: "The Support Beam"
Growing up with a skin condition that covered most of her body, she learned at a very early age how mean kids can be. As the years progressed the outbreaks have reduced in severity, but she has never forgotten the struggle to feel accepted, even in her own family. Having children of her own, she ensured that she taught them to be nice to others and make friends with everyone; the new kid, the different kid, or the kid that's shy and sits in the corner alone.
She struggled coming to terms with her only son being gay, but with time she remembered what it was like when she was little. She remembered her friends and family picking on her for her looks and how hard it was, and her own son was now facing the same kind of difficulty. He was different, and she could let history repeat itself, or she could change, making life better for the both of them.
It is her hope that this company will not only reach out to the youth, but to parents as well. As a parent, you are who your children look to for support and guidance, and at some point in their lives what you say and do will be life changing.
Veronika: "The Reality"
Growing up, life threw Veronika her own curve balls. Having a seven year age difference between her and Ronnie gave her a head start of experience and knowledge. She naturally took on the caregiver role, and sought to help, support, and protect him. This helped her develop a level-headedness that Ronnie often looked to for support and guidance, and continues to do so today.
Being separated from her younger brother for a year helped her realize how important her brother was to her. Although it was difficult to accept when Ronnie came out, instead of succumbing to social pressures, she decided to forget about what other people think, and put her brother first. She believed that the pressure her brother had to face would be far greater than he could possibly handle alone; but together they would get through it.
Life itself isn't easy, and having to watch what her brother goes through on a daily basis is no easy task. After having witnessed the hurtful things people say and do, it has motivated her to not only help her brother, but others as well.
She realized that she could dream for change all day, or she could turn her dreams into a reality. With the help of her friends and family, she has decided to fight with and for her brother; and for so many others who continue to face the same struggles. With Veronika's hard work and determination, Free 2 Be Me was created.
