In 2014, my story began with a newborn baby and a tidal wave of uncertainty crashing over me. The familiar rhythm of my $12/hour entry level retail job was swiftly replaced by the chaotic symphony of motherhood. Suddenly, I felt isolated, trapped in a sea of diapers and baby formula, unsure of who I was anymore. My husband shouldered the burden of sole provider, and though I received a $400 allowance, it felt more like a gilded cage than financial freedom. But deep down, I knew I was destined for more than the role I found myself in at that moment.
Armed with nothing but my interior design degree and a determined spirit, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery that would ultimately redefine my path. With a simple Craigslist ad and the power of Google at my fingertips, I took a leap of faith and launched “Fernanda Bertrand Interior Design.” It was a slow burn, starting small and growing steadily as I meticulously optimized my website for search engines. Finally, my hard work paid off: I found myself ranking on the coveted first page of Google for “interior designer in Edmonds.”
But the entrepreneurial fire within me refused to be extinguished. In 2017, I dipped my toes into the world of real estate staging alongside a friend. A year later, fueled by nothing but passion and a mere $500 investment, we boldly founded our own staging company.
The following three years were a whirlwind of success and sacrifice. We soared from zero to $1.6 million in revenue by 2021, but the toll it took on my personal life was immense. My marriage strained under the weight of my ambitions, my children saw less and less of me, my anxiety reached new heights, and wine became my coping mechanism of choice. Success, it seemed, came at a steep price – one that left me feeling hollow and empty inside.
In 2022, at the peak of my supposed “achievement,” I came to a startling realization: I was no longer aligned with my business partner. With no formal agreement in place, negotiations stretched on for 15 long months and eventually, an opportunity arose for an employee to buy out my share of the company. Building that business was a wild ride, and I wouldn’t trade a thing, it taught me the ropes of leadership, scaling, and most importantly, helped me discover my true self.
March 2023 marked the closing of one chapter and the beginning of a new one: my transition into the realm of business coaching. This time, however, I was determined to build success on a foundation of holistic well-being. Retreats, seminars, and workshops became my tools for healing and rediscovering my true self.
Today, my coaching philosophy extends far beyond the realm of financial success. It’s about helping my clients identify their values, clarify their mission, and unlock their unique gifts. Utilizing frameworks like StoryBrand by Donald Miller and AI, we craft a clear vision for their “ultimate goal” and chart a roadmap to help them reach it.
For those seeking deeper transformation, I offer a six-step journey focusing on health, self-love, relationships, dream life, legacy, and spirituality. This program dives deep into the core of their challenges, utilizing techniques such as inner child healing, Byron Katie’s “The Work,” meditation techniques, breath work, and hypnotherapy.
My journey from stay-at-home mom to business coach has been one of grit, resilience, and, ultimately, self-discovery. Today, I stand as a living testament to the power of embracing change and following your true calling. Are you ready to embark on your own extraordinary journey?
Download my free guide for the pillars to manifest your dream life here and start your journey towards holistic success today.
Want to find out more ways that I can support you?
Check out my coaching offerings here.
