We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fernanda Santos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Fernanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Seven years ago, I stood at a crossroads that would define the trajectory of my life. The decision to move from Brazil to the United States was a risk that was both daunting and exhilarating. Leaving behind the familiarity of my home country, my family, and the life I had known was no small feat. But deep down, I knew that to truly live the life I envisioned, I needed to take this leap into the unknown.

The idea of starting from zero in a foreign country came with its share of fears. What if I failed? What if I couldn’t build the life I dreamed of? Despite these uncertainties, I felt a pull—a calling, perhaps—to push beyond my comfort zone. The journey wasn’t just about seeking new opportunities; it was about discovering who I could become when faced with challenges that demanded growth and resilience.

Arriving in the US was overwhelming. The culture, the language, the expectations—all were different from what I had known. But I embraced it all, fueled by a deep desire to create something meaningful, not just for myself but for others as well. In those early days, I focused on one step at a time, whether it was mastering the language, understanding the nuances of a new culture, or simply finding my footing in a place where everything was unfamiliar.

Over the next seven years, this risk transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. I founded my own company, a venture born out of my passion for helping others navigate the complexities of life with grace and resilience. Through a blend of yoga practices and personal development strategies, I now guide others to find clarity in their thoughts, take purposeful actions, and handle life’s obstacles with ease and flow.

Looking back, the risk I took was not just about moving across continents; it was about believing in myself and the vision I had for my future. It taught me that while risks come with uncertainty, they also come with the possibility of growth and transformation. Today, I’m proud to say that the leap I took seven years ago has shaped my life and empowered me to help others find their own paths to fulfillment and success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! My name is Fernanda Santos, though most people call me Fe. My journey into the world of wellness and personal development began seven years ago when I made the bold decision to move from Brazil to the United States. I discovered yoga in 2017, just before moving to the US, and it became my anchor amidst the whirlwind of change. The practice kept me grounded as I learned to navigate a new culture and build a new life. Experiencing how yoga and self-knowledge helped me transition through this initial phase with presence and ease sparked a passion within me to share these practices with others.

In 2021, I officially began my career in yoga, turning the practice that once supported me into the foundation of my work. Over time, I realized that while yoga offers incredible physical and mental benefits, I wanted to provide something more—something that would help people connect deeply with their true selves, clarify their goals, and take meaningful action in their lives. This led me to blend yoga with personal development strategies, creating a holistic approach to well-being in 2023.

Today, as I build Fernanda Santos Yoga from the ground up, I’m proud of the range of services I offer, designed to help people live more intentional, empowered lives. These include personalized yoga sessions and mentoring programs focused on self-awareness, clarity, and purposeful action. I guide individuals on a transformative journey, helping them develop the skills necessary to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace, all while fostering a deep personal connection with each client.

What truly sets my work apart is the holistic approach I take—combining physical practices with mental and emotional growth strategies to ensure true, lasting change. The impact on my clients is what I’m most proud of, as I see them develop confidence, find clarity, and take meaningful steps toward their dreams. It’s about more than just teaching; it’s about creating a space where they can explore their true selves and live in alignment with their values and goals.

If you’re looking to feel more present in your daily life, gain clarity in your thoughts, or develop the tools to handle life’s challenges with ease, I’m here to guide you on that journey. Together, we can create the life you’ve always envisioned—one step, one breath, one mindful moment at a time!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe that the most crucial factor for succeeding in my field is a genuine passion for helping others grow and transform. This passion fuels your commitment, keeps you motivated during challenging times, and allows you to connect deeply with your clients.

Another key element is empathy and compassion—the ability to truly understand and relate to the experiences, struggles, and goals of the people you work with. Empathy helps you create a supportive and trusting environment where clients feel safe to explore their vulnerabilities and push beyond their limits. While compassion not only involves understanding what someone is going through but also inspires you to take action to support their growth and alleviate their struggles. It’s about being driven to help clients not just because you understand their pain but because you genuinely care about their well-being and are committed to their journey.

Adaptability is also essential. The wellness and personal development fields are constantly evolving, and being open to change—whether that’s incorporating new practices, adjusting your approach to meet a client’s unique needs, or embracing innovative ideas—can set you apart.

Lastly, authenticity plays a significant role. Staying true to who you are and what you believe in not only attracts clients who resonate with your values but also ensures that your work is fulfilling and sustainable in the long run. People can sense when you are genuine, and that authenticity builds strong, lasting relationships with clients.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This is such a great question!

Early in my career, I was convinced that accumulating more certifications and training would guarantee my success. I was fixated on obtaining as many qualifications as possible, believing these credentials were the key to making a meaningful impact.

After moving from Brazil to the United States and building my yoga and personal development practice, I continued investing heavily in certifications and workshops. While these qualifications provided a solid foundation, I soon realized they weren’t the sole factors in achieving the kind of success that I was seeking as a professional working straight on with people’s well-being.

As I started working closely with clients, I began to notice something important: technical skills alone didn’t always lead to the transformative results I hoped for. What truly made an impact in their lives was my ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. Understanding their needs, showing genuine empathy, and providing heartfelt support were crucial elements of my practice. It wasn’t just about having the right techniques but how I used that knowledge to build meaningful relationships and guide my clients through their challenges.

This shift in perspective was so eye-opening! I understood that while training and certifications are essential for building expertise, they are most effective when combined with authenticity and genuine care. By unlearning the idea that technical knowledge alone was the key, I was able to blend my expertise with compassion and humanness, ensuring my clients feel truly supported and valued on their journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamfernandasantos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.fernandasantos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamfernandasantos
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamfernandasantos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamfernandasantos

Image Credits

Juliana Langaro
Pao Sanchez
Alejandro Sanchez Ochoa