#GIRLBOSS SPOTLIGHT: FRANCESCA DORVILAS
/Written by: Chelsea Satine
A life coach is someone who counsels and encourages clients on matters having to do with careers or personal challenges. What if I told you I know someone who exceeds this definition? Meet Francesca, she is a life coach who helps her clients live life to their fullest potential, by exceeding their personal and professional goals. Read all about how she started her journey to helping people excel and be their best self as a life coach.
Chelsea Satine:
What does it mean to be a life coach, and what inspired you to become one?
Francesca Dorvilas:
Being a Life Coach means unlocking and maximizing the potential someone has to achieve their personal and professional goals using the right system, support, and accountability. A few things inspired me to become a Life Coach. In a nutshell, my journey.
Growing up in a Haitian household, education was highly valued. The expectation was none less than going to college to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer. I stayed the course with my education, going to college but instead earned the highest degree in social work. I’ve always been keen to helping people to be self-sufficient and being their healthiest self. Even prior to obtaining my degrees, I always had the interest of seeing people excel and be their best self.
During my career, I experienced bureaucratic turmoil that affected me mentally, emotionally, ethically causing me to question everything. I knew that I wanted more, deserved better, and was capable of using my skills to empower others to follow their vision and passion. What inspired me to become a Life Coach is my belief that we deserve to live our lives optimally. I worked so hard ensuring I went to school, got my degrees, to live the life my parents expected but felt like I was not living my life to my fullest potential. I bring expectations up because most of us are living this way and not living out our vision/passion. Ultimately, we stay around in a job where we are unhappy to just be in line of expectations not just from our parents but society.
I was fortunate to take a training that implemented the coaching approach in the workplace with management staff. It filled the gap on what I was not getting at my workplace and I knew this was what I wanted to do. It felt so liberating, genuine, and purposeful. That led me to search for more information on how I could independently be a Coach. By then, I was a serial entrepreneur and I realized that being an entrepreneur allowed me the freedom, flexibility and creativity to do something that I enjoyed. I went on to become certified in both Health and Life Coaching. Everything that I have experienced has led me here and I have no regrets.
CS:
Sometimes as a life coach balancing out your personal life, business as well as clients can be a challenge. How are you able to juggle your roles?
FD:
It is not easy but I know I have to push through because my goals mean more to me than my current struggles. I am not going to lie, when I need a time out I do so to regroup but I get back on it. You have to remember your "why". I balance my personal life, business, and clients by being intentional in carving out time for each. It is important that the the energy that I keep around me nurture my evolution. Lastly, knowing that whatever the challenge, it is simply an opportunity for growth.
CS:
What is I Am Forever Evolving? What does it mean to you? What was the concept behind the name of your brand?
FD:
I Am Forever Evolving is more than just a business name, it is an affirmation. Forever Evolving is a saying that anchored me through my growing pains and still does. Knowing that life is not meant to be stagnant and my experiences have continuously shape me for the next level on my journey gives me hope and something to look forward to. So by putting I AM before Forever Evolving it then becomes a manifestation.
CS:
Who is one of your most influential mentors? Why?
FD:
Actually, I would love to give a big shout out to these two awesome women who influenced me. The first is Dr. Carey Yazeed. She showed me that skills as a licensed social worker, with experience providing in home family therapy, were transferable to being a Life Coach. The next person is Brittany Garth who is a phenomenal Coach and my fellow alumni. Both women have went from being an employee to successful entrepreneurs.
CS:
What is an additional feature you plan to add to your life coach model/ series?
FD:
I plan on launching my website in 2019 with online coaching programs, webinars, upcoming events, affirmation store, retreats and more.
CS:
Recently you had an Empowerment Brunch, explain the significance of the Empower Her Brunch. Why do you think it was needed?
FD:
I usually hold a mini series of brunches in the summer with a small intimate group of ladies. This was the 1st Annual Empower Her Brunch which allowed fellowship among a larger group of women of all walks of life with speakers and vendors. It was amazing! I enjoy having start up businesses as vendors to empower those who may desire to venture into their own business to know it is possible. It allows networking, advice giving, and most importantly community. The ultimate goal is to empower women to re-ignite their passion, hold on to their vision, and realize their goals keeping self-care in the center of it all.
CS:
You promote a lot about supporting small businesses, tell us what do you enjoy most about Signature Scents by Hand?
FD:
What I enjoy most about Signature Scents by Hand is that it is an all natural health/beauty product line. In a world where so many products are filled with chemicals that harm our skin or cause allergic reactions, I prefer all natural products. The oatmeal bar soap has a refreshing scent and lathers up pretty good. I enjoyed attending the workshop learning how to create my own fragrance with all natural ingredients. It is even more inspiring to see a young black innovative woman behind this wonderful venture.
CS:
What are other events that others can look forward to for your brand I Am Forever Evolving?
FD:
Well, with the New Year around the corner, I will be hosting a series of Virtual Vision Board Events starting January 19th. I plan to host 1st annual empowerment event for young men, 3rd annual summer series brunch for women, 2nd Annual Empower Her Soiree, and so much more!
If this is the first you've heard about Francesca, this definitely won't be the last! To stay up to date for what she has planned in #2019 click here.