Sara Fernandes’ journey is a powerful reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, one intentional decision can change everything. From navigating financial collapse and rebuilding her life in a new country to becoming a voice of empowerment for midlife women, Sara’s story reflects resilience, courage, and quiet determination. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Sara for the way she transforms personal adversity into collective hope—showing women across our global community that freedom, in all its forms, is possible.
What inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey?
I’ve always been creative and I always wanted to be my own boss. About fourteen years ago, my family and I went through a massive financial crisis—we were deep in debt and eventually lost our home. We had to move countries to find better-paying work. I was a teacher, but I didn’t speak the language in the new country, so I started cleaning houses just to survive.
One day, while driving to work, a song came on the radio and I started crying. I realized I couldn’t live like this anymore—playing small, staying quiet, ignoring who I truly was. That moment changed everything. From then on, while working long hours, I immersed myself in podcasts about personal growth, mindset, and finance. Internally, something shifted. Even before my circumstances changed, I knew I was on my way out—and eventually, that inner shift changed my entire life.
What challenges did you face while building your business, especially with marketing?
Marketing didn’t come naturally to me at all. Networking felt uncomfortable, and I often felt like I didn’t belong in those spaces. But I stayed curious and intentional. Over time, I stopped trying to fit everywhere and focused on showing up authentically in the right rooms.
Now, my message reaches the women who are truly open and ready to hear it. I don’t try to speak to everyone—only to the women who need what I have to share.
What has been your proudest milestone so far?
Starting my digital magazine has been a huge milestone. It wasn’t planned at all, but it grew organically. In less than two years, it reached over 3,000 unique monthly views. That opened doors I never imagined—writing for other publications, being featured, and connecting with inspiring people. Writing has always been my voice, and this platform gave that voice wings.
Do you work solo or with a team?
I’m a solopreneur for now, though I do work with mentors and coaches. I’m very intentional about surrounding myself with people who inspire me and remind me of what’s possible. That energy matters.
How has your client base evolved over time?
I started from zero, and for three years I struggled just to talk about selling my own work. Today, I run a membership community with 30 women and growing. I don’t do one-on-one work anymore—it’s all group-based. The growth has been life-changing, and I’m incredibly proud of it.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
I love seeing women step fully into their power. While equality is discussed often, lived equality still has a long way to go. Women bring empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence into leadership, and that changes everything. Leadership itself is evolving because women are leading differently—and beautifully.
What message would you share with future women leaders?
You can never fail unless you give up. Success is built on one small decision every single day—to stay in the game, to keep learning, and to keep going. Even when people make you feel like you don’t belong, trust yourself. If you know it’s for you, it’s for you.
What does success mean to you—personally and professionally?
Success, for me, is freedom. In business, it’s creating things my way. Personally, it’s having time—to be with my family, to live life on my terms. I love my work, and being able to do what I love, how I want, is the ultimate success.
“You only fail if you give up. One small decision every day is enough to change your life.” — Sara Fernandes
Connect with Sara Fernandes:
- LinkedIn: Sara Fernandes | LinkedIn
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com
