Francisca Ferreira received her certification in Health & Wellness from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She completed a series of courses, focusing on how to coach people through stress management, career decisions, lifestyle changes, sleep issues, eating disorders, holistic healing, and most recently, Hormone Health. In June 2021, Francisca got her specialization in Hormone health, focusing on improved digestion, increase libido, relief from PMS symptoms, enhanced focus and clarity, stabilize blood sugar, weight management, infertility, and more.
Francisca is dedicated to motivating and inspiring women to take better care of themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Francisca has plans to open up her own Nutrition & Wellness Center soon to provide a safe place for those who want to be healed from the inside out using her holistic approach. As the founder of Bloom Holistic Wellness & Nutrition, She does not diagnose, nor does she treat. Francisca simply provides a safe space for people to explore the different ways they can improve all aspects of their health.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business and what you do, why don't you give us some details about you and your story.
Born and raised in Brazil, I moved to the United States when I was 21 years old. Upon arrival, I lived in Washington DC for 7 years but ultimately, my goal was to move to New York City. However, I feared that moving to a new city without friends, family or a job might not be the best idea. I started thinking of ways that I could survive because the last thing I wanted was to become homeless. With that motivation, I opened up a small business and saved enough money to start my life in the city of my dreams. Don’t get me wrong, it took time and NYC was tough on me. There were many times I felt like giving up and moving back to Brazil. I was tired of being alone and away from my family. Like I said, it was tough. However, everything changed when I met my husband. A few years later, I was enjoying life with him and my two beautiful daughters who mean the absolute world to me. Yet, something was still missing. I longed for a career of my own but the problem was that I wanted to do something that would bring me joy and happiness rather than just a paycheck. A friend of mine suggested that I become a Health Coach based on the things I do and the lifestyle I live. She was right, and I signed up for classes that very same day! After I got my certificate, I decided that I wanted to focus my attention on women’s health and lifestyle change so I enrolled in additional classes and got certified in Hormone Health.
What do you do for your clients and how can you help them?
Using a holistic approach, I guide my clients through a complete lifestyle change. This involves diet modification, stress management, weight loss, exercises, sleeping patterns, and career choices as well as financial and relationship advice. Not to mention, my specialized work in hormone health which focuses on stabilizing blood sugar, endometriose, infertility and other issues related to hormone imbalances. My approach is simply, rather than putting you on a strict diet, I teach you how to eat healthy. These are important and realistic changes that can in turn, help you live a happier and healthier life.
Who should work with you?
Anyone who's struggling with weight gain, sleeplessness, stress, hormonal issues or anyone that is willing to change their lifestyle for the better.
What are your goals and where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
My main goal is to inspire women like me to never give up. To always go for what they believe in. The ride won't be easy, but it’s not impossible, and don't give up when you hear the word NO. I have heard that word too many times but never gave up. I continued to work hard for everything I ever wanted, and 10 years from now I see myself doing exactly what I am doing now. Just on a bigger scale, reaching a bigger group of women. I hope to see myself speaking to hundreds of women in a room. That goal comes from my recent success in group-coaching. It gives me so much joy to get women together and talk about things that empower us. It's amazing to see them loving my meetups. It’s even more amazing to see their new vision on life, on empowerment, and putting big decisions in their own hands.. I hope to see all women succeed in every aspect of their lives. That is my goal.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received
The importance of listening before talking.
What do you do to manage stress and at the same time achieve work-life balance?
Overthinking is not going to resolve anything unless you put it into practice. I think that if you’re going to be successful, you have to work beyond the balance, get out of your comfort zone, and most importantly, take care of the house you live in, meaning your body, mind and soul. Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress so, before I officially start my day I drink a glass of water with an empty stomach and proceed to do a workout.
Is that a lesson you never forgot?
Yes, before you get to the top you are going to fall down several times. The key is never to give up.
What is the last training or education you have received?
My last educational experience was when I received my hormone health specialization certificate. That was my last formal training program. However, I have had a lot of life & industry experience lately. Specifically, I recently participated in three Global Webinars which focused on Traditional and Alternative Medicine. It was an honor to speak among doctors and professors from all over the world.
What is your number one advice on lifestyle management?
I believe that there is a lot of misinformation out there. My advice is that you have to feel comfortable when it comes to making changes. You must do it at the right time otherwise the chances of it working are not as high, especially when you are used to living a certain way.
At the same time, you can't change your lifestyle overnight. Instead of doing a brutal life shift, try doing one thing at a time. A person who was only introduced to fast food in their life won't switch to whole foods like fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods that easily.
My recommendation is that you start eating less processed food and start to add some vegetables, grains, and good fats like avocados, nuts, olive oil and fish to your diet. Because again, if you try to switch all at once the chance of you giving up is much higher.
You don't have to follow an exercise routine if you don't have time but keep your body moving. Go for walks, do longer walks when you take your dog out. Avoid taking the elevator and take the stairs instead. Try to walk to work once a week if possible… things like that.
Creating a bedtime routine is essential too.
With small steps, you get big results.
