DFD Babe Feature: Danielle DeBernardo

We’re back this week with another DFD Babe Feature!!!

This week I want to share with you all my friend Danielle!! I originally met Danielle on Instagram (shocker, I know) when the universe had us land on each other’s profiles since we have a ridiculous amount in common. I don’t even know how long I’ve known her, and though we haven’t actually met yet in person, I know this girl is my long lost soul sista.

An inspiration to women on their fitness and health journeys, Danielle brings such light and positivity to everything she shares, and everyone she speaks to. She’ll tell you in just a second, but she actually used to be in corporate finance…until she made the leap into entrepreneurship and fitness coaching. How COOL is that?! It always amazes me when people successfully jump from one career to another because it means they had that much drive, confidence, and fearlessness.

Okay let’s just get into it!

Tell us a little bit about the #FitGirlGang and your life as a Fitness Coach! When did you decide to become one and why?

Health and fitness has ALWAYS been a part of my life as a competitive soccer player. I was fortunate enough to have played soccer in college – and once I graduated and that came to an end I felt a huge void. That feeling was even more amplified when I entered the “real world” and got my first big girl job in Corporate Finance (#nerdalert). I was extremely fortunate for that opportunity but I wasn’t genuinely passionate about the work. I knew in my heart I was always meant for something different, something more…

After 5 years of climbing the corporate ladder I heard about this coaching opportunity and it piqued my interest. I was a little skeptical and wasn’t quite sure what exactly it entailed but I knew I had nothing to lose. The pain of remaining the same was far greater than the unknown at that point. So I jumped in! I had no idea what I was doing, I never was very active on social media BUT I knew that if I was able to just inspire 1 person by sharing my journey it was worth it. And here I am today 2.5 years later with *hundreds* of women from across the country in our virtual #FitGirlGang. I’ve not only made an impact on the lives of others, but I’ve made some lifelong friends and am forever grateful I took a chance on myself. I’ve never been so passionate and EXCITED about the work that I do and the impact that I am able to make. And not to ruin the surprise, but I’m no longer in Corporate Finance 😉 HOLLA!!

What inspired you to start working on your own business?

My Dad. He has built his own real estate business from the ground up because he was willing to work hard and figure things out. And because he didn’t want our family to simply live an average life. A lot of people thought he was crazy in the beginning.. but at the end of the day nothing worth having comes easy. My Dad was also my soccer coach growing up and I am forever grateful for everything I’ve learned through his coaching and the example he set as a father , leader and entrepreneur.  

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given in regards to being an entrepreneur?

The only way to fail is to quit.

What are three personality traits you think are key to being a successful business owner?

You need *passion* for your work, *self-belief*, and you need to be willing to *work your booty off* 🙂

What’s your favorite part of running a business?

Knowing that my success is directly reflected by the work that I put in. I am in control.

And what’s your least favorite part?

The fact that it can be SO HARD for to unplug and “turn yourself off”… When you love what you do and are genuinely passionate about your work, there’s a tendency to always want to be “on”. Over time (in fact more recently), I’ve learned the importance of giving yourself that time to recharge and unplug. You can’t pour from an empty cup my friends… so focus on filling yours first and then bless the world with that overflow <3

What advice can you give to others looking to start pursuing their passions?

Start now. Make decisions every day that make you happy. Don’t necessarily wait for the perfect opportunity or perfect moment because that doesn’t exist. YOU create that by making those small decisions that compound over time.

Do you have any de-stressing techniques or self-care routines you can share?

IT’S HARD!! Hot yoga is one of my favorites, baths, face masks, candles (always lit), WINE and popcorn.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’ve always been very self-motivated and driven by success but to be honest sometimes it’s really hard. It’s impossible to always feel SO INSPIRED every single day. We’re all human and there are some really great days and some challenging days as well. Whenever I find myself having a harder day, I shift my focus to everything I am grateful for and how when I take a step back I am beyond blessed. When you focus on the good, the good gets better. And to be honest – workouts and wine always help too 😉

What are you excited for in the second half of 2018 and beyond?

Ahh where do I start?? I think what excites me most about the future is knowing that this is just the beginning. I know there are so many other amazing women out there that I’ll eventually cross paths with – and whether I inspire them or they inspire me… it’s never ending. And that’s beautiful.

So I don’t know about you, but after reading that I’m about ready to grab life by the balls and make some serious moves. Shoutout to Danielle for being such an incredible boss babe and inspiration for women in the health/fitness community!! If you’d like, you can learn more about Danielle on her website here and follow along on her Instagram at @danielledebernardo

If there’s anyone you’d like to see featured here, please let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for more role models and love sharing stories of women who’ve accomplished their dreams.

Have a great rest of your week friends!

xo Jordan