Meet La’Trece Bartley | Life Coach & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with La’Trece Bartley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi La’Trece, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
God. I firmly believe that if I acknowledge God in ALL of my ways, He will direct me onto the right path in every circumstance. God is the foundation of my business. I believe you must work hard but allow God to direct your steps! I am an example of what it means to be God-driven, meaning putting God first and my goals second.

I realized a long time ago when I gave my life to the Lord, that God has a specific plan and purpose for my life. Who better to guide me than Him? This does not mean that I do not have to put in the work and do my part. However, I believe when I start with God, I cannot go wrong.

My brand came about through God giving me a vision and then I just walked it all out by faith. It did not all come together overnight. I am still walking it out! However, I cannot even begin to explain how clients and resources have come my way, simply because I prayed first, listened and obeyed God’s voice.

I have had doors opened that I know only God could have orchestrated. I have met people that I believe were “divinely aligned.” Bottom line, I believe God is my most valuable asset. He knows me inside and out. He uniquely created me with my passions and abilities. That’s why I start with Him.

When I pray and acknowledge God in everything, He always puts me on the best pathway for every season of my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I believe what sets me apart as a life coach is my emphasis on pursuing God first and then your goals. God knows you better than you know yourself! Start with Him. As your Creator, He is the only one who can truly give you your purpose. 

I believe there is often a moment in time that thrusts a person fully into the call that God has for their life. My business, Purposefully Living, was birthed out of a medical diagnosis that threatened my life and the life of my unborn daughter, Olivia. After 6 1/2 hours of surgery, my miracle daughter was born and my life was spared. It was then that I gained a new found perspective on the importance of living on purpose.

Our story of triumph is a reminder that God wants it all: our pains, our fears, and our passions. It is all part of a greater story He is writing through our lives. I believe nothing happens by chance. Rather, God has a unique purpose for our lives, and so we should “Purposefully Live” every day. When we do that, others will be impacted by what God has placed in us.

I am a fitness enthusiast! So it really resonated with me one day when God showed me the importance of getting F.I.T. (Focused, Intentional, and Tenacious) about His plan and purpose for my life. He doesn’t want us to be fit only in our bodies, but in every area of life…mind, spirit, and body! My desire is to offer others total wellness in Christ! Then we will begin to live the “fit” life.

I want the world to know that God is real. He has a specific purpose and plan for each of our lives, and I want to help others discover and live out that purpose. However, it takes intentionality and tenaciousness to fulfill your purpose. You don’t go work out once and expect to remain physically fit! Every day you have to show up and intentionally work out. In the same way, as you surrender all to Christ, you will be able to intentionally pursue God and His purpose for your life. You do not have to just “exist,” but you can begin to Purposefully Live!

I am most proud of my stance for God. I have been able to help many people through tough times because I was willing to listen and follow God’s leading. I recognize that it is not about me but it’s about what Christ can do through me. I know that I was created for such a time as this and I want to help others Purposefully Live.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start out and have a great breakfast in Jacksonville, FL at First Watch. They have the best bacon cheddar pancakes. Process that! Bacon…cheddar…pancakes with warm syrup! Then we would drive to St. Augustine, Florida to shop at the outlets. Afterwards, we would head into the “Old Town” of St. Augustine where you can get the best pizza, homemade chocolate, caramel, and candy apples. That night we would have some of the best seafood and/or a great Ribeye steak on the waterfront!

Some of my favorite places in Jacksonville, FL are the Town Center, which has great food like The Capital Grille, PF Changs, and more. If you want to hang out, we could go to Dave and Busters or just soak up the sun at the beach. There is always the option of having a spa day and shopping as well!

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?
My parents are my greatest mentors. My mom, specifically, has had such a significant impact on my life as a mentor. She always reminded me my true beauty radiates inside-out!

At 19 my mom sat me down and talked to me about the power of prayer. I will never forget our talk. She gave me my first journal and reminded me to talk to God about everything: dating, marriage, money, my career, my fears, EVERYTHING! Early on, my mom had me read “The Hidden Power of Prayer and Fasting” by Mahesh Chavda and it changed my life! My mom always taught me that prayer is not the last resort but my first step in everything. I was never the same after that! 

I began to really talk to God about everything and invited Him into every aspect of my life. This does not mean that I was perfect. I made MANY mistakes but my mom taught me to be honest with the Lord. I do not have to do life alone. He is there when no one else is. This has been foundational to my success in every aspect of my life: my marriage, my corporate career, my transition to entrepreneurship and even my parenting.

My mom reminded me I shouldn’t treat God as a secondary option, but I should see Him as a vital necessity to my life. What my mom taught me has carried me through many of life’s challenges. I love my mom!

Website: https://latrecebartley.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purposefullylive/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purposefully-living-with-la-trece-3061a1185/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefullylivingwithlatrecebartley

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCGjAGbI_jevD5HCugdwpw

Image Credits:
Sarah Hedden