Skip to the content
JOY starring Tony nominee Betsy Wolfe starts performances on June 21, 2025!

Entrepreneur of the Day: Callie Beattie

Today’s Entrepreneur of the Day is Callie Beattie. Callie founded Free Mind, The Studio

In the heart of East Williamsburg’s ever-thriving creative scene, tucked between industrial edges and colorful street murals, there’s a place where art isn’t just seen, it’s felt. It’s called Free Mind, The Studio, and it represents more than a space for movement. It’s a living embodiment of purpose, healing, and human connection. Behind it is Callie Beattie, a passionate performer-turned-entrepreneur who has spent her life channeling the arts into something deeply meaningful.

Callie grew up just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, where her love for the stage began early. Theater was her world, full of music, emotion, and the electric sense of unity that comes from people working together toward a shared goal. That spark led her to New York City in 2016 to study Arts and Entertainment Management at Pace University, where she not only honed her business acumen but immersed herself fully in creative life. She co-founded Pace’s award-winning a cappella group, FREQUENCY, and spent time performing Off-Broadway and recording music professionally.

Yet throughout her artistic journey, she longed for a space that was more than a stage or a studio; a space that prioritized expression over perfection, where people could show up exactly as they were and leave feeling more whole. That vision eventually gave rise to Free Mind, The Studio, a movement and performing arts studio that feels more like a sanctuary than a classroom.

What makes Free Mind different is its soul. Unlike traditional studios that focus on technique, competition, or aesthetic polish, Free Mind is rooted in authenticity. It invites people to move not for an audience, but for themselves. The studio was created to be a safe space; an inclusive, judgment-free environment where people of all backgrounds, body types, and identities are not just accepted, but celebrated. Whether someone is an experienced performer or a curious first-timer, they are welcomed with open arms and encouraged to reconnect with the parts of themselves they may have forgotten.

The ethos of Free Mind is grounded in the idea that art is not only creative but also therapeutic. Classes go far beyond dance steps or vocal techniques. They are emotional, often cathartic experiences where participants are free to laugh, cry, sweat, explore, and release. It is a place where boundaries dissolve, and transformation begins, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

Unlike studios that offer a narrow focus, Free Mind embraces a multidisciplinary approach. Movement classes, voice work, community workshops, and immersive creative experiences exist side by side, offering a full-spectrum space for artistic and personal development. This makes it a playground for anyone looking to grow not just in skill, but in spirit.

But perhaps the most powerful element of Free Mind, The Studio is the sense of community it fosters. It’s not just a studio; it’s a collective. People come for the classes, but stay for the energy: the shared vulnerability, the mutual encouragement, and the feeling of belonging to something bigger than themselves. It’s a space built by an artist for artists and dreamers, and it continues to evolve with the people who step into it.

Callie’s vision has never been about building a business, it’s about building a beacon. Free Mind, The Studio is where you go when you need to remember who you are, when you want to let go of the noise, or when you simply want to be surrounded by others who believe in the power of art to change lives. With every class taught, every story shared, and every drop of sweat on the studio floor, that vision comes to life.

When asked what advice she had for women who wanted to start their own business, Callie said, “ Just go for it. Stop letting imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or overthinking hold you back. Life is about risk and growth, and waiting for the perfect moment will only leave you wishing you had started sooner. If what you’re building is real, honest, and rooted in something meaningful, people will be drawn to it.

Stay grounded in your values, surround yourself with good energy, and most importantly, stay true to yourself throughout the process. Don’t give up when things get hard (because they will get hard). But every tough moment has taught me to pause and ask, ‘Okay Callie, what’s not working and how can I pivot?’

Healing your nervous system is also something I wish I learned sooner. It’s truly the foundation. When you’re regulated, grounded, and caring for yourself, your creativity and clarity flow so much more freely. If I had prioritized that earlier, maybe I’d be even further along — but that’s the beauty of the journey: learning, growing, and finding joy in the present while building the future.”

So, whether you’re looking to fuel your passion, deepen your craft, or just breathe a little easier in a world that moves too fast, Free Mind, The Studio is here. Not just to teach, but to hold space for you, for your art, and for your freedom.