We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaleigh McBride. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaleigh below.

Kaleigh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of restlessness as I went about my routine at the SCUBA shop. Something was missing, and it gnawed at me day after day. Meanwhile, Farrell, my partner in life, was entangled in the corporate world of real estate, his spirit suffocating in the confines of suits and boardrooms. We yearned for a deeper connection and a more meaningful existence.

One evening, as we sat on our balcony, the moon casting its silver glow upon us, we decided that we needed to embark on a journey of transformation. With a shared passion for the underwater world, we made a bold decision to leave behind the conventional path and dive headfirst into the world of freediving.

Leaving behind our “normal” lives, we poured our hearts and souls into Live Free Diving, our own venture dedicated to teaching and sharing the wonders of freediving. It wasn’t an easy decision, but the thought of empowering others and instilling a sense of awe and respect for the ocean kept us moving forward.

The experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. Witnessing our students break through their fears and limitations, discovering their own potential in the depths, has been incredibly fulfilling. We’ve built a community of passionate freedivers, each one transformed by the beauty and serenity of the underwater realm.

Together, we have grown not only the sport of freediving but also ourselves. Our connection to the ocean has deepened, and we’ve learned valuable lessons about respect for nature and our place within it. We’ve witnessed lives being changed, individuals discovering a newfound confidence and resilience.

Every day, as we guide our students into the blue depths, we are reminded of the immense power of following one’s true calling. Our decision to leave behind the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary has brought us closer to our purpose, leaving an indelible mark on our souls. As we continue to eat, sleep, breathe and LIVE freediving, we are grateful for the opportunity to inspire and empower others, while finding profound meaning and connection in the depths of the ocean.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Q: Can you please tell our readers about yourself and how you got into your industry/business/discipline/craft, etc.? A: My name is Kaleigh McBride, and together with my partner Farrell Tiller, we are the owners of Live Free Diving. Our journey into the world of freediving began with a shared passion for the underwater realm. Feeling unfulfilled in our previous professions, we made a leap of faith to pursue our true calling. We immersed ourselves in the world of freediving, dedicating ourselves to teaching and sharing the beauty and transformative power of this incredible sport.

Q: What type of products/services/creative works do you provide and what problems do you solve for your clients?
A: At Live Free Diving, we provide a range of products and services focused on freediving education and training. We offer comprehensive courses for individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced and master freedivers as well as Freediving instructors! Our programs are designed to instill confidence, enhance skills, and cultivate a deep connection to the ocean. Through our training, we help clients overcome their fears, push their boundaries, and develop a greater understanding and respect for the underwater world.

Q: What sets you apart from others in your industry?
A: What sets Live Free Diving apart is our genuine passion and dedication to our students’ growth and well-being. We go beyond just teaching the technical aspects of freediving; we strive to create an inclusive and supportive community. Our emphasis on safety, mindfulness, and environmental stewardship sets us apart. We believe in empowering individuals to explore their potential while nurturing a deep love and respect for the ocean.

Q: What are you most proud of, and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you, your brand, your work, etc.?
A: We are most proud of the transformative impact we’ve witnessed in our students’ lives. Seeing their growth, both physically and mentally, is incredibly rewarding. We want potential clients to know that Live Free Diving is more than just a business—it’s a place where dreams and aspirations take shape. We provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to pursue their passion for freediving, discover their inner strength, and forge lifelong connections. Our commitment to ocean conservation and sustainability is also a fundamental part of our brand, as we strive to protect the very environment that gives us so much joy and inspiration.

In summary, Live Free Diving offers comprehensive freediving courses and training programs, aiming to empower individuals, foster a deep connection to the ocean, and promote environmental stewardship. We are proud of the transformative experiences we facilitate and invite potential clients and followers to join us on this incredible journey of self-discovery and appreciation for the beauty of the underwater world.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

We first crossed paths back in 2014 during our college years at Florida Atlantic University when we both joined the FAU Freediving club, and our shared passion for exploring the depths of the ocean brought us together.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

With limited capital at our disposal, we embarked on our entrepreneurial journey, driven by our passion for diving and a shared vision. Fortunately, the diving industry has shifted towards remote operations, reducing the need for brick and mortar storefronts and minimizing overhead costs. Embracing a grassroots approach, we put every penny we earned back into the business, fueling its growth and expansion. Since our establishment in 2018, we have diligently reinvested our earnings, making strategic decisions to enhance our services. In a significant milestone, we recently purchased our own boat, allowing us to provide a more personalized and seamless experience for our clients, eliminating the need for outsourcing. This achievement is a testament to our commitment and resourcefulness in building a thriving business within the diving industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.livefreediving.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreediving/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livefreediving
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqxbCJ_23i5RiN48-c6477w

Image Credits
@urakphotography @brandeeanthonymedia