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Be Ready to Pivot

From Journalism Dreams to Building a Thriving Web Design Business: How Life's Detours Led Me Home

Bernadette Fredricks, Chief Executive Officer on Influential Women
Bernadette Fredricks
Chief Executive Officer
Bern & Chris Business Solutions Inc.
Be Ready to Pivot

Some people have a straight path to achieving their dreams and goals. Others travel roads filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. My journey has definitely been the latter.

I graduated with a degree in Journalism at 22 and thought I had my career all figured out. But life had other plans.

At 23, I became a mother. At 25, my son was diagnosed with autism. That's when my carefully planned path began to shift. I found myself taking jobs outside of journalism, and to my surprise, my career never seemed to circle back to what I had once believed was my dream profession.

Then came the plot twist.

In 2020, the pandemic hit, and the company I worked for closed its doors. While it was an uncertain time, it also gave me the opportunity to stay home with my son while schools transitioned to virtual learning.

During that season, I started taking on freelance web design and marketing projects for local businesses. One client became two. Two became four. Before I knew it, what had started as a side hustle had turned into something much bigger.

By the end of 2020, Bern & Chris Business Solutions Inc. was born.

Nearly six years later, I've designed more than 100 websites and created thousands of pieces of content for businesses and entrepreneurs. What I once saw as a setback became the foundation for a career I truly love.

My story is proof that a road filled with obstacles doesn't mean there isn't greatness ahead. Sometimes, the detours lead you exactly where you're meant to be.

Don't be afraid to pivot when life calls for it. The work I do today is rewarding, fulfilling, and something I couldn't imagine not doing.

Trust the journey, even when it doesn't look like the plan.

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