On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Felicia Hanson, Founder of Break Free Candy and owner of Salt Lake City cafe, Sweet Hazel and Co..
In this conversation, Felicia and Aram dive into leadership, resilience, inclusivity, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Felicia Hanson shares her journey from navigating uncertainty and critique to building a values-driven business that embraces vulnerability, second chances, and community impact. She highlights the importance of trusting her instincts, learning from failure, and staying grounded in personal integrity, even when faced with external skepticism. Felicia underscores how self-belief and consistent risk-taking played a pivotal role in her growth, both personally and professionally.
This episode explores the evolution of leadership, from saying “yes” to everything as a new business owner to eventually making hard, strategic decisions for the sake of sustainability and mental health. Felicia talks about handling unsolicited feedback with grace and standing firm in decisions that support the long-term well-being of her business and team. Her brand’s foundation is not just about selling a product but creating meaningful opportunities for marginalized individuals, including those with justice-involved backgrounds or housing instability, showcasing a powerful model for inclusive hiring and social impact.
This episode touches on valuable lessons: the power of intentional leadership, the impact of mission-aligned branding, and the necessity of embracing vulnerability in order to foster real transformation. It challenges conventional business wisdom by centering humanity and purpose over profit and serves as a compelling case study in how leaders can lead with empathy while still driving meaningful results.
ON THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT
About Felicia Hanson:
Felicia Hanson is the founder of Break Free Candy and Sweet Hazel & Co.—two bold, mission-driven vegan businesses rooted in compassion, inclusion, and second chances. With a justice-involved background, Felicia knows firsthand the power of redemption and resilience. She started by selling vegan candy bars out of the back of her car during the pandemic, and has since grown her brands into safe, empowering spaces that provide joy to customers and jobs to marginalized communities—including those impacted by incarceration. Her candy is 100% vegan, handmade, and unapologetically ethical.
Connect with Felicia:
https://www.instagram.com/breakfreecandy/
https://www.instagram.com/sweethazelandco/
About Cadence Leadership:
Cadence Leadership + Communication is a professional development company dedicated to unlocking true leadership potential. We guide individuals to lead authentically and effectively with a unique blend of mindset and skill set development that is rooted in psychology. Our team is laser-focused on meaningful change and empowering clients to break free from limiting habits. Cadence has worked globally with leaders and their teams from the C-suite to the frontlines and has engaged with companies from a diverse range of industries. At Cadence, our passion is helping people become their greatest selves so they can create a lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.
Coaching | 360 Assessments | Team 360 Assessments | Courses | Keynote Speaking
Connect with Cadence Leadership & Communication: