We were lucky to catch up with Brenda Florida recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, thanks for joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

I have had several successful businesses in my life, so when I quit my job to devote myself full-time to building a private practice as a life coach, I had no doubts about my success. I knew my skills were solid. I had good training to become a coach. I spent a lot of time and money on masterminds and courses on how to build an online business. I was confident I had the tools I needed.

My attitude and mindset were so positive! I love coaching and I love starting things from scratch. I was the perfect person to do this!

After about six months of giving it all I had, nothing was working, I was broke and homeless.

I was stunned. Genuinely surprised! How could this be happening to me? I work hard. I’m good at what I do. I’m using all the “best practices” for an online business, my mindset is really strong and positive (at least it had been.) Why was this happening to me?

I was disappointed, scared, angry and defeated.

But when you’re single and self-employed, if you don’t get yourself out of bed and do something to change things, no one will. So… I decided my first priority every day was my mindset. I HAD to get myself into a feeling-state of abundance and possibility instead of disappointment and defeat. That was my mission. Once I got there, I could be creative about my business and finances.

It was hard! There were constant reminders of how grim things were. But I knew, I would never come up with the idea that would help me change things until I could truly feel that all things were possible. That I had the power to attract clients, ask for help, and experience synchronicities. I had to believe that things could be different in a moments notice.

I didn’t get a million dollar check in the mail, or an unexpected inheritance. I just did the work. The inner work first, then the outer work to get more clients, find a side-hustle or any other (legal) thing I could think of to make money but also keep my business going.

I made it. One client at a time. One month at a time.

I now live in a lovely studio apartment, two blocks from the beach! A dream come true! My business is growing and my finances are improving. Is there room for more? Yes! More clients, more impact and more influence. Because that’s my purpose. To facilitate positive change in people.

Vincent Van Gogh said, “Never stop, no matter how many failures. When you know you’re doing what you were meant to do, you have to try.“ That’s what I’ve done. I never stopped. I kept trying (and keep trying) because I know I’m doing what I was meant to do!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a certified life coach with a twist. Her journey to becoming a sought-after personal development expert wasn’t a straight path—it was a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and tribulations that ultimately led her to homelessness. But it was in this crucible of adversity that I forged my most valuable asset: unshakeable resilience.

Now, I channel my hard-won insights into coaching clients one-on-one, hosting luxury retreats, speaking to live audiences large and small and a YouTube channel, where I guide viewers through life’s challenges with a unique blend of practical advice, empathy, and humor. My “Sip & Solve” YouTube series, which combines cocktail-making with problem-solving, has become a favorite among my audience of go-getters.

“What distinguishes Brenda is her ability to transform personal setbacks into universal lessons. She doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life but instead teaches how to find opportunity in obstacles. Brenda wants everyone to understand that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning how to bounce back stronger,” said a recent client.

Whether setting boundaries, breaking harmful habits, or navigating major life transitions, my intention is to be refreshingly real and relatable. I believe personal growth should be challenging but never boring!

I am living proof that it’s possible to not just overcome adversity, but to thrive because of it. My story serves as a powerful reminder that our darkest moments often contain the seeds of our greatest transformations.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had a lot of limiting beliefs about being successful because I am a women. In a culture founded in patriarchy, it’s no surprise, but additionally, I grew up in a very conservative, evangelical religious culture. Men were in charge. Men were the leaders. Men made the money. Men were the “head of the home.” Women were supposed to take care of the kids and serve their husbands. Creating a successful businesses was not on the list for me as a woman!

When I went through all the difficulties I experienced during my homeless period, the good news is I uncovered these beliefs so that I could free myself from their grip.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was through the worst of things during my period of homelessness. I was living in a small Airbnb studio apartment. That was a victory in itself! No more sharing space with strangers! But, naturally, the next level was getting into an apartment of my own. I had selected the complex and apartment I wanted. My credit score and finances had improved but I was still nervous about being approved. The approval came in and I signed the lease! I was thrilled!!! I hadn’t told my family or friends because I didn’t want to have to tell them if it fell through, but now I had a signed lease! I was telling everyone and celebrating like a rock star!!

In less than 12 hours I got an email saying the apartment was no longer available and there were no other studios in the complex. I couldn’t afford the larger apartments. I was devastated in a way that is hard to describe. I had worked so hard to recover from this incredibly difficult period of my life. I thought I had made it to the finish line, then it was taken away from me. At least that’s how it felt.

I let myself cry, be angry, then get back to my resilience practices. Resilience happens primarily in the mind. So I did a lot of mindset work and I waited. I kept telling myself that something even better was coming.

It only took two days before a studio apartment became available. And, you guessed it, it was in the nicest building of the entire complex! I was thrilled and moved in a few weeks later! I love my apartment and its location! I’m so grateful that the first one fell through!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brendaflorida.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendafloridacoach
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaflorida/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brendaflorida