We had the good fortune of connecting with Frances Fomai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frances, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Figuring out that I was the problem in the relationship with my kids. While going to therapy to find a solution to “fix” the kids I found who that problem really was. It’s like finding your hand in some deep and stinky sh*t and that was not a good feeling. I had to come to terms with the truth of how I showed up for them and if I’m being transparent I was not emotionally available for them and at the time I didn’t know how to be that for them because I wasn’t there for myself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a breath. I’m a break, and I’m a pause for people. Because life can get frustration real fast and quick, and I help people to slow down by bringing them into a state of mindfulness and being present. This is why people are drawn to me to V.E.N.T. To Validate, Explore, Navigate and Take a M.E. (mental and emotional) break to help them release their emotions in a safe space for clarity and a sense of peace & without straining the health of their relationships.

Coming from the signage and printing industry for 17 years and then turning into a novice freight dispatcher to a freight broke my former mentor and business partner laid the foundation for what I needed to be successful. The opportunity presented itself and I took the risk. The only challenge was saying yes to the unknown. One of they major lessons was learning to trust my intuition and moving on my decisions faster. I had less duties and more freedom, so I used that to acquire some skills such as building a podcast, writing a book and taking on new public speaking opportunities which have provided stages at Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center in San Francisco, San Bernardino School District and the 2024 Let’s Rise EcoSummit at Cal State University Dominguez Hills to name a few.

I tended to look for things outside of myself to give me validation because I didn’t’ trust my own decisions. And I finally realized that I am the “IT” factor. I am the “umph” that I am the “holy grail” that I am the “glue” and I am the “magic” of my brand. I am the brand. Bet on yourself. As long as your passionate about what you do no one else’s opinions or criticisms matters because alignment and synchronicities will confirm the path. My opinion of myself and my core values is of the utmost importance because it reminds me that Universe is my support system and can use anything and anyone to aide me at every stage.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
8:00 a.m. farmers market on 2nd street
9:30 a.m. breakfast at Starling Diner (order the french toast)
11:00 a.m. walk or bike ride on the beach
12:00 p.m. Lunch at Gypsy’s Persian Grill
1:30 p.m. Take the Aqualink Water Taxi
3:00 p.m. visit Istanbul Home for handcrafted art and accessories
4:00 p.m. visit the funnel house for a funnel cake or ice cream
5:00 p.m. Enjoy the sunset
6:00 p.m. Dinner at Roe’s Seafood House

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Simone Steele – my sister, friend and mentor. She encouraged me to be my most truest self when I didn’t know what that was. I always sought validation outside of myself and Simone would always tell me, “Sis, you’re dope.” You got that light” and you don’t need to accept other peoples opinions for who you are unless you want to be like them. You got this sis.

Website: https://www.francesfomai.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frances.fomai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-fomai/

Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-fomai/

Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fran–friends

Image Credits
Smocks Media for the Let’s Rise EcoSummit 2024
Best You Expo

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