Life & Work with Patrice Hernandez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Hernandez.

Hi Patrice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Raised by my grandmother, Shirley, I learned the value of hard work. I knew what I wanted and needed to do to have a successful life. I didn’t want to struggle. I started writing in elementary school. My first published piece was a poem written for my Uncle Alan, who passed away. My aunt Deborah printed it on his obituary. Maya Angelou has always been an inspiration. She is the reason I wanted to become a writer. During high school, I would write poetry for others that they would gift to their loved ones.

After I graduated high school, I completed a short stint in college. It was not what I hoped it would be, so I left college and proceeded to train for the Air Force. The years I spent as an Airman taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, success, integrity, and how to be the best version of myself. During my time in service, I put my writing on pause and decided to return to college. Years later, I now have my bachelor’s and M.B.A., a family, and a successful family business. I decided it was time to pick up the pen again.

I am a storyteller and dreamer. I enjoy creating a life that is meaningful and peaceful. In a world that treasures a fast-paced lifestyle, I focus on finding those quiet moments where I prioritize a less planned life. Those moments in which I can share time with those who I value the most, my friends and family. I started my website PatriceShawntia.com to share those moments but also how others can experience those moments as well.

I enjoy sharing magical moments in my life with the hopes to show that no matter how big or small, we all experience beautiful moments each day. Moments that are filled with gratitude, love, and hope for all that we desire in life.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As a writer, the journey to success can sometimes be a challenge. Navigating life is already an adventure. Mix a family, and a business, with your dreams on the side, and you’ve got one big, melting pot of chaos.

It has been a long road learning to accept that I am a writer and an author. Family and friends were pivotal during this process, especially my daughters. They have been my cheerleaders and motivators. I believe they all had more faith than I did. I realized that I needed to have confidence in myself just as they do for me.

I often talk about slowing down, finding the beauty in being present, and living a life filled with gratitude. Once I decided to focus more on writing, life seemed to shift. I began living an unbalanced life. It became one filled with an overwhelming feeling and exhaustion. Of course, it’s not a healthy way to live life. I’ve had to take a step back, become clear on my vision for myself, and start over.

I am proud of myself for doing so. Learning to have confidence in my work and gaining clarity in my vision led to new dreams. I have learned new processes and met others who have a similar vision for their work. We have that support for one another.

The acceptance of who I am has led to more doors opening for me. I have ventured from writing for blogs to writing my first children’s book with my daughters (whom I call my Cheetahs.) I have spoken and been a guest for a podcast and my first in-person event as a presenter on writing your vision and changing your mindset.

I am excited to announce that I am in the mentoring program by established screenwriter Miss Hallmark herself, Joany Kane, to write my first Christmas screenplay! (You are the first to read this information as I have kept it a secret.) To know me is to know that I love the Holiday season. I am well into the process and learning so much from Joany. She is so knowledgeable and is helping me find my way in this writing world. I want to write what feels good to me. It feels amazing!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my website and blog, PatriceShawntia.com, after receiving so many requests from readers on how to find my work. I am a Contributor for Austin Moms, Austin’s top digital parenting resource, and I have been a guest writer for multiple platforms. I am a contributing author for two Best-Selling Anthologies, Transitions and From One Mother to Another. It can be a difficult task to keep up with the digital world. After a year of requests, I listened. It was a scary moment, venturing out on my own. With the support of my readers, family, and friends, I did it!

I love the simplicity and wanted my readers to navigate each page with ease. I can keep everyone up-to-date on books and guest articles, and more. I promised that I would write based on quality and not quantity. Although I launched my website in January 2022, I’ve held to that promise.

I am most proud of myself for following my dreams! It can be frightening to follow your dreams. I enjoy teaching others how to create and implement their visions, whether they are chasing a slow life or needing to learn how to balance life with a family, kids, or business.

What sets me apart from others is my experience and ability to connect with all ages. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, an entrepreneur, a writer, and an educator in the home and school. I feel like a “Jill of all Trades.” I love challenging and encouraging others to do what they love, even if it’s scary! Sharing my story with others has given others the comfort of knowing that no matter what their past resembles, they can make it through challenges and live their dreams.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a writer but I also enjoy reading. As I continue diving more into the writing industry and seek a simple life, I find the following to be my go-to’s.

I don’t listen to podcasts often but when I do, I enjoy:
Life Podcast 100
Ted Talks Daily

Writing Books:
On Writing by Stephen King
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Seeking a Slow Living Lifestyle:
The Liittle Book of Hygge
Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner

Self-improvement + Gratitude:
Empty out the Negative by Joel Osteen
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Slay Like a Mother by Katherine Wintsch
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Contact Info:

• Website: https://patriceshawntia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lady.patrice/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrice.hernandez
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricehernandez/

Image Credits
Stephanie Anne Studios Alana Hernandez