We were lucky to catch up with Lillian Hernandez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lillian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Life coaching is a service-based industry that thrives on personal commitment and a willingness to grow. While many people say they want more for their lives, better habits, healing, and success when it comes time to do the inner work, it often feels too uncomfortable. True healing is not easy. It requires consistency, honesty, and the courage to confront old patterns.

As a life coach, I don’t give answers.I ask the hard questions that guide people back to themselves. But many are still looking for quick fixes or external validation, which makes this industry uniquely challenging. Unlike tangible products, the results of coaching aren’t always immediate or visible, so people may hesitate to invest especially when the return is internal growth or emotional healing.

I’ve also noticed that people are far more comfortable purchasing physical items than investing in their own development, whether that be mental health support, career growth, or emotional well-being. But when they do make that investment, the transformation can be life-changing. That’s why I entered this field, I felt called to help others heal and grow, knowing that when one person heals, it often ripples through families and even generations.

My hope is that this industry continues to gain recognition and financial support so that life coaches like myself can build sustainable businesses, provide high-quality services, and leave lasting legacies not just for our families, but for the communities we serve.

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

My journey has been defined by resilience, determination, and a passion for growth. I began my adult life at a young age, balancing family and education, and ultimately earned three degrees through perseverance and focus. Those experiences shaped my commitment to helping others build inner strength and navigate life’s challenges.

Today, as a certified life and success coach and founder of Empowered Alma, I work with individuals to create meaningful change through trust, connection, and community. I believe no one should face adversity alone, and I strive to provide the tools and support needed to foster empowerment, belonging, and lasting transformation.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For many years, I was conditioned to stay silent. I had to unlearn that by finding the courage to speak my truth. Even when my voice trembled and I feared the response, I realized that using my voice was the key to reclaiming my inner strength.

I was taught to remain quiet and compliant, which caused me to carry unprocessed emotions and operate on autopilot. Over time, I learned how important it was to create safe spaces for expression, trust, and self-reflection. That journey not only shaped my personal healing but also inspired the foundation of my life coaching career and the creation of my podcast.

In supporting others through their own challenges, I continue to discover new pathways to healing and growth both for myself and for the people I work with.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve always believed in embracing change as an opportunity for growth. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I was grateful to turn that dream into reality. My years in education have been incredibly rewarding, giving me the chance to shape young minds, lead with purpose, and build meaningful relationships within the school community.

At the same time, I recognized that my skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication could also be applied beyond the classroom. That realization led me to explore entrepreneurship, where I gained valuable experience in business operations, coaching, and strategic planning.

Now, as I return to education, I bring with me not only my classroom and leadership experience but also the broadened perspective and adaptability that come from working across multiple fields. This combination allows me to contribute in fresh, innovative ways while remaining deeply committed to supporting students, staff, and the school community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.empoweredalma.com