Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Lucky. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rachel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
In 2020, I moved to Austin, and, to be honest, I felt completely alone. I had no friends and was stuck in a toxic relationship. After finally leaving that relationship, I realized I didn’t have much connection to any community, except for being part of a gym called Squatch Frontier Fitness. I loved being there—it was full of biohacking, health-conscious folks who were all about optimizing their bodies and lives. But there was one thing missing: it felt hyper-masculine. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciated the discipline and energy, but I craved something softer, more feminine, a place where I could fully express that side of myself.
So, I started seeking out women’s circles. I longed for that nourishing, grounded, feminine energy. I loved being in those spaces and grew a lot spiritually and emotionally. I met some incredible women, and I made one or two amazing friends, but… it wasn’t a group. You know that feeling of belonging to a tight-knit crew, that core sisterhood? It just wasn’t there. Plus, the circles themselves often felt stagnant. They didn’t involve a lot of movement or playfulness, and the people constantly rotated in and out. I wanted consistency—a group of women I could count on, grow with, and call my chosen family.
That’s when it hit me. What I truly desired was a space that combined the best of both worlds: masculine structure with feminine flow. I dreamed of a community where we could express our inner child, connect deeply, and build lifelong friendships. Something playful yet meaningful. It would be almost like an adult Girl Scouts—but with a focus on celebrating nature, moving our bodies, sharing in women’s circles, dancing, laughing, and just truly being there for one another.
That’s how Squirrel Friends was born. I created what I wish I had found—an authentic, nourishing, dynamic sisterhood where we get to grow together, lift each other up, and have so much fun along the way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
’m the founder of Squirrel Friends ATX, a women’s empowerment group rooted in connection, movement, and personal growth. I’m also a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, which allows me to support women in building strength, nurturing their bodies, and aligning their wellness with their unique hormonal rhythms. My mission is to create a community where women can connect with each other and with themselves on a deeper level while having fun, getting outdoors, and embracing their authentic selves.
My journey into this space was born out of personal experience. When I moved to Austin in 2020, I found myself feeling isolated and disconnected, stuck in a toxic relationship and far from the support system I needed. After leaving that relationship, I joined a local biohacking fitness gym, which was amazing for my physical health but lacked the feminine energy and emotional depth I was craving. I tried different women’s circles, which offered great spiritual and emotional growth but didn’t provide the sense of consistency and community I wanted. What I really desired was a blend of masculine structure and feminine connection—a space where women could play, grow, move, and feel fully seen and supported.
That’s how Squirrel Friends was born—a community inspired by the idea of an adult Girl Scouts group where we could connect deeply, explore nature, work out, have women’s circles, dance, and celebrate life. My work focuses on providing a range of experiences, from strength training and self-defense classes to authentic relating workshops, fire circles, and nature adventures. What sets Squirrel Friends apart is the intentional blend of movement, connection, and playfulness. It’s not just about fitness or mindfulness; it’s about creating a holistic experience where women can show up as their full selves—flaws, quirks, and all—and be met with love, acceptance, and encouragement.
Through Squirrel Friends, I aim to solve the problem of disconnection and isolation that many women face in today’s world. I provide a space where women can build meaningful relationships, learn tools for self-care and empowerment, and rediscover the joy of movement and play. I’m most proud of the incredible sisterhood we’ve built—seeing women come together, support one another, and grow individually and collectively is the most rewarding part of what I do.
What I want people to know is that Squirrel Friends is a space for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a supportive group of friends, a way to stay active, or a safe space to explore your emotions and personal growth, you’re welcome here. It’s not just about showing up for events—it’s about becoming part of a community that celebrates you for exactly who you are. I truly believe in the transformative power of connection, and I’m honored to lead and grow this beautiful community. Let’s climb trees, share laughs, and create memories together. 🐿️✨
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
For a long time, I struggled with an Adderall addiction. Like so many others, I relied on it as a crutch to push through life, but eventually, I knew it was time to let it go. So, I quit cold turkey. What I didn’t realize at the time was how deeply this would impact my mind and body. My anxiety skyrocketed, I gained weight, and I spiraled into a depressive era. I felt like I’d lost control of my body and my emotions, and I was desperate to fix it.
Naturally, I turned to over-exercising and under-eating, thinking I could willpower my way through it. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. Instead of finding balance, I hurt myself—both physically and emotionally. My body was screaming for nourishment and care, and I finally had to face the fact that I’d done some serious damage to my metabolism. Healing wasn’t going to come through punishing myself. I needed a new approach, and I was determined to find it.
That’s when I discovered strength training and hormone balance. I realized that my body had been stuck in fight-or-flight mode for so long that my cortisol levels were completely out of whack. My nervous system was on edge, and my health was suffering. So, I made a commitment to heal, no matter how long it took. I gave up coffee (ouch, I know), started eating three balanced meals a day, and prioritized strength training four times a week. These simple but intentional changes started to transform not just my body, but my entire mindset and life.
Through this journey, I came to understand that your hormones are the filter through which you view reality. Once I found hormonal balance and gave my body the love and care it deserved, my entire reality shifted. I found peace within myself, and that peace has become the foundation of everything I do. Strength training taught me to embrace my body’s strength and resilience, and hormonal healing gave me clarity and vitality.
This experience not only shaped my approach to health and wellness but also inspired me to create a community like Squirrel Friends—a space where women can learn to honor their bodies, balance their lives, and connect deeply with one another. Every challenge I faced on this journey brought me closer to this purpose, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, my approach has been rooted in clarity, alignment, and empowerment. I didn’t set out to build a team in the traditional sense—it naturally evolved from the women who consistently showed up, aligned with my vision, and had a desire to contribute to the community. Each of my team members brings something unique to the table, and that’s what makes us thrive.
For instance, Dana leads our transformative women’s circles, Allison takes charge of our adventurous nature excursions, and Erin facilitates our soul-connecting authentic relating workshops. Each of them owns their area of expertise, and this not only makes them feel empowered but also allows them to showcase their passions in a way that lights them up.
What sets our leadership structure apart is that they aren’t just “volunteers” giving their time—they are an integral part of the community they love, and they get paid to bring their magic to the table. I firmly believe in rewarding their dedication while fostering an environment where their contributions feel meaningful and valued.
To keep morale high, communication is key. I make it a point to check in with my team regularly, ensuring they feel supported and heard. I also give them full creative freedom when planning their events, allowing them to bring their unique flavor and personality into what they do. And most importantly, I keep things manageable. Each team member is only responsible for one event per month. This avoids burnout and keeps the spark alive, as they can fully invest their energy without feeling overwhelmed.
In short, I believe in building a team based on trust, shared vision, and mutual respect. When people feel valued, creatively fulfilled, and connected to a larger purpose, high morale happens naturally. It’s not just about managing tasks—it’s about creating an environment where people can thrive together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Squirrelfriendsatx.com
- Instagram: Squirrelfriendsatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15rkvMC4cF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.somble.com/squirrelfriendsatx
