What happens when two world-traveling performers decide to plant their roots in a small coastal town? In this episode, I sit down with Jess and Jay Ramirez, the powerhouse couple behind Raglan’s Freedom2Fly. After years of performing on global stages, from cruise ships to international festivals, they decided to ground their passion right here in Raglan. Together, they’ve built a dance and circus hub that gives local kids and teens the chance to quite literally fly — building confidence and connection along the way.
We talk about their journey from the stage to the studio, the challenges of running a creative business in a small town, and why they believe performing arts can change lives. Plus, a sneak peek into this year’s Freedom2Fly Fest — Raglan’s biggest performing arts celebration.