The Weird Story of How I Got a Sneak Peek into the Future of Online Commerce: the Truly Free Marketplace

By Tico+Tina

Last updated July 22, 2025


Tico+Tina is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases also at no extra cost to you.

You could say I witnessed the Truly Free marketplace in the “ether” before it ever existed.

It was just another day in my life in 2021, seeking connection and inspiration with a big God who has big solutions, when I caught a glimpse of a super big vision I knew the social media and ecommerce space was waiting for. I wrote furiously, trying to mind-map all the pieces I intuited. As I looked at my scribbles, I wondered why I was catching this download, since I had no idea how to begin tackling something so complex, and didn’t really feel the push to try at that point in time. I chalked it up to things that make you go “hmm” and tucked my notes away to review at some unknown future date.

Fast forward to 2024 and a conversation with an old friend, Stephen Ezell, made a surprising connection with the inspiration from that day years ago. (Our friendship goes back to 2015 when we met through a brand deal for his non-toxic laundry products, which was called MyGreenFills at that time – now an expanded brand, Truly Free Home, and connected on a deeper level through our shared values and beliefs.)

In our conversation, I discovered Stephen had built essentially what I’d envisioned! It was probably in its fledgling stages when I had tapped into it in the field of consciousness, and that enabled me to recognize its manifestation.

the Future of Online Commerce the Truly Free Marketplace

I didn’t share about the marketplace when I first learned about it because I wanted to wait until more of the early-stage kinks had been worked out, but now is a great time to jump in before it completely blows up everywhere. Keep reading to understand why it will!

  1. As a health-conscious, naturally-minded mother of three, I’m long weary of the constant research it takes trying to stay on top of the ever-growing piles of conflicting info out there. I don’t want to have to weed through hundreds of dubious brands that steal product designs and cheapen them with shoddy production. (You wanna know a super easy step to detox your home? Switch out all your cleaning products for nontoxic ones from a company who gives back.)
  2. As a content creator, I’ve longed for more authentic, organized ways to efficiently bridge tired, busy moms with the companies and products other families with similar values have already discovered to be in alignment.
  3. As a small business enthusiast and product designer, I’m hesitant to put some of our stuff on larger marketplaces that have rampant issues with listings being stolen or copied.

That’s why I’m excited about the breath of fresh air that the Truly Free marketplace is!

Truly Free is reimagining how online shopping could work – creating an ecosystem where all participants (customers, partners, and sellers) can thrive together.

Unlike traditional marketplaces that often pit these groups against each other in various ways, Truly Free has designed a model where success is shared and mutual growth is encouraged. Through its unique blend of social commerce, affiliate marketing, and ethical business practices, the platform is redefining the relationship and interactions we have with businesses and each other.

At the heart of Truly Free’s approach is a commitment to FREEDOM and empowerment.

  • Conscious consumers are empowered to shop in alignment with their values and earn back rewards through the platform’s digital currency, “Talents.” Members can also share with friends and earn, as well as receive a small percentage of the whole ecosystem.
  • Content creators are empowered with sustainable income opportunities that reward their promotional efforts with lifetime earnings. (I believe it will soon shift to 6-month and 1-year earnings, still a huge difference from the 24 hour-90 day earnings that’s common in other marketplaces.)
  • Sellers and brands are empowered to reclaim control of their businesses with direct customer relationships through built-in social connections and tools designed for sustainable growth.

Together, these principles are part of a revolution in online commerce that proves success doesn’t have to come at the expense of ethics, relationships, or fair treatment.

As one Truly Free member put it: “This isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a movement toward a more equitable digital economy.”

The testimonials from the growing community of over 200 established brands suggest this vision is resonating. Companies like Paleovalley report exceeding their “best projections,” while established brands like Wellnesse and LifeBoost Coffee express enthusiasm about their future on the platform.

Something I personally find particularly compelling is that Truly Free embodies the saying that “a rising tide lifts all boats”. Sellers are incentivized to bring their audiences to the platform because they can earn a percentage of what their customers spend throughout the marketplace, not just with their brand. This truly promotes collaboration over competition!

As traditional e-commerce giants continue to prioritize profits over people, Truly Free offers a compelling alternative—a marketplace built on the belief that when we align incentives and distribute value fairly, commerce becomes not just a transaction but a force for positive change.

The revolution in online commerce has begun. Don’t miss being in the front of the movement!

Have questions? Hit my DMs or see our Truly Free Comprehensive Guide for Customers, Partners, and Sellers (coming soon).

Feel free to use our links to learn more now:

We're well-acquainted with being stuck in soul-sucking survival mode, and the intense internal friction of not living in alignment with your potential. We're all about discovering, creating, and sharing adulting cheat codes™ so you can level up faster! -David (Tico) & Chris(tina)

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Streamline the essentials;
activate your potential.