Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Hodgen.
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?
Alyssa and I started our entrepreneurial journey with a shared vision to build something meaningful from the ground up. Over a decade ago, we launched Freedom Rave Wear out of our small home in San Diego with nothing more than a single sewing machine, bold ideas, and a relentless work ethic. We believed that self-expression through fashion should be fearless, sustainable, and accessible to anyone who loves music and community.
What began as the two of us hand-sewing outfits for festivals quickly evolved into a full-scale apparel brand. Together, we built our own production facility in San Diego, which allowed us to design and manufacture everything in-house. That flexibility gave us the freedom to release new collections weekly and restock our bestsellers in small, sustainable batches, avoiding overproduction and waste.
Over the years, we’ve grown Freedom Rave Wear into a nationally recognized brand in the festival fashion space. It hasn’t been without challenges—supply chain disruptions, economic shifts, and unexpected crises have tested us time and again. But each challenge pushed us to innovate. We embraced AI and technology, automating workflows, marketing, and operations so we could stay lean, creative, and fast.
Today, alongside running Freedom Rave Wear, we’ve expanded into Hodgen.ai, where our focus is helping other entrepreneurs harness AI to work smarter, not harder. Our journey has always been about blending creativity with technology, and doing it together. The story is still unfolding, but it’s always been fueled by curiosity, resilience, and a shared commitment to building opportunities for others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. When Alyssa and I started Freedom Rave Wear, we had no funding, no business experience, and no roadmap. We learned everything through trial and error, often working sixteen-hour days just to keep up with orders.
Over the years, we faced every kind of challenge imaginable — from supply chain breakdowns and machine failures to sudden shifts in the economy that hit small businesses especially hard. One of the hardest moments came when we had to make difficult decisions about our team during a downturn. Those experiences tested us as leaders, partners, and people.
We’ve also dealt with the emotional weight of running a business that’s deeply personal to us — one built on creativity and community. When something goes wrong, it doesn’t just impact the bottom line; it impacts people, passion, and purpose.
But every challenge forced us to adapt. We embraced AI, automation, and lean operations not because it was trendy, but because we had to innovate to survive. Through it all, we’ve learned that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles — it’s about evolving through them. Each setback became a stepping stone to where we are today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Freedom Rave Wear. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Freedom Rave Wear, Alyssa and I have built more than just a fashion brand — we’ve created a movement centered around self-expression, sustainability, and innovation. We design and manufacture bold, high-quality festival apparel right here in San Diego. By keeping production in-house, we’re able to release fresh collections weekly, restock popular items in limited runs, and avoid the overproduction that’s common in fast fashion.
What truly sets us apart is the combination of creativity and technology at the core of our business. We were early adopters of AI and automation, integrating these tools into nearly every part of our operations — from marketing and content creation to product development and customer experience. This approach allows us to move quickly, stay lean, and focus on what matters most: creating unique, expressive clothing that connects with our community.
We’re most proud of the community and culture that have grown around Freedom Rave Wear. Our customers aren’t just buying outfits; they’re joining a family that celebrates individuality, music, and shared experiences. We’ve also made sustainability a priority, using recycled fabrics and eco-friendly processes to reduce our impact while delivering products that look and feel incredible.
Beyond fashion, Alyssa and I are passionate about helping other entrepreneurs and businesses embrace the future through Hodgen.ai. We offer AI training, workshops, and strategy consulting to help brands work smarter and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
If there’s one thing we want readers to know, it’s that our work is driven by passion, purpose, and a relentless drive to innovate. Whether it’s through expressive apparel or AI-powered business solutions, we’re here to inspire people to think differently, live boldly, and shape the future.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding the right mentors and building a strong network has been one of the most valuable parts of our journey. In the early days, Alyssa and I didn’t have a built-in network of entrepreneurs or investors to lean on — so we had to be intentional about putting ourselves in the right rooms.
My best advice is to lead with curiosity and value, not just with an ask. The most meaningful connections I’ve made came from genuine conversations where I wasn’t trying to “get” something, but rather to learn, share, or collaborate. People are far more open to helping when they feel you respect their time and have a clear purpose.
I’ve also found that mentorship doesn’t always look like one person guiding you for years. Sometimes, it’s a single conversation that shifts your perspective, or observing how someone operates and applying those lessons yourself. Be open to learning from peers, books, podcasts, events, and even your competitors — mentors are everywhere if you’re paying attention.
Networking has worked best for us when we’ve focused on community rather than transactions. Hosting events, attending industry meetups, and openly sharing our story has helped us attract like-minded people who share our values. We’re also incredibly lucky to be part of the San Diego entrepreneur scene, which is both active and welcoming. It’s easy to get involved, meet other passionate founders, and find opportunities to collaborate and grow together.
Building authentic relationships takes time, but those are the connections that truly move you forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freedomravewear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomravewear
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freedomravewear
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freedom-rave-wear/
