Conversations with the Inspiring Andrea Fortenberry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Fortenberry.

Andrea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been a lover of words. Reading and writing have been passions of mine since elementary school.
I have my bachelor’s degree in journalism and worked on my college newspaper and magazine. When I graduated, my first job was writing and corporate communications for an engineering firm. I, then, worked for my dad’s business, environment health and safety consulting, handling communications and wearing many other hats.

After having my second child, I stayed home full-time to take care of my children. This is by far the hardest job I’ve ever had, but I’m so thankful for that time with them. While at home, I continued to write and started speaking to moms’ groups and women’s ministries at local churches.

Now, I have my own business and write and speak full-time. In addition to speaking, I also provide writing and editing services.

I have been very involved with women’s ministry at my own church, Cornerstone, for many years and teach Bible study. It’s so rewarding to help women grow in their faith.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Over the years, I’ve struggled with expectations, mine and those of other people. Because I was a high achiever in high school and college, I expected that as an adult, I would reach certain milestones by a certain age. I believed that everyone expected me to go to graduate school and I felt guilty for not making that happen.

When I became a stay-at-home mom, I struggled with my identity because my days became centered around diapers, Sesame Street, and nap schedules. I often felt guilty for wanting a break. It took me several years to realize that it was good and healthy for me to have other interests and passions and need time to myself. Writing, blogging, and teaching was and still is a life-giving outlet for me.

My advice to younger women starting out is to always be your most authentic self. Don’t compare or compete with anyone, just be you. Don’t live under the weight of other people’s expectations (or your own). Don’t live in fear and don’t be afraid to take risks. Use your gifts and talents to make a difference in this world.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in encouraging women with biblical truth. I am a regular speaker for moms’ groups, retreats, and church events. I also host my own events, including an annual conference called Restore: Soul Care for Moms.

I write and speak about marriage, motherhood, friendship, and faith. One of my most popular topics is about overcoming perfectionism.

I also provide writing and editing services. It’s fun to provide content for companies doing meaningful work and to help other writers polish their prose.

What makes me most proud of the work I do is when people let me know how it has made a difference in their life. Sometimes, after I speak, someone will approach me and say, “That was exactly what I needed to hear today.” That’s when I know I’m doing what God made me do.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom has always been my biggest inspiration. Since becoming a mom, I often say to her, “Mom, how did you do it all?” She worked full-time, she ran my brother and me around to our many activities, and she loved us so well.

She has also been a mentor to me in my faith and she encourages me in so many ways. She has recently walked through difficult circumstances with courage and grace. I’m so proud of her.

Another woman who inspires me is my friend, Georglyn. She’s in heaven now, but she poured into me and encouraged me in my calling to write and speak. She mentored me and shared about her own life, both her triumphs and mistakes. She was a woman of great faith. She died of breast cancer several years ago, but I have cards and e-mails from her that I look at often. They are treasures to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andreafortenberry.com/
• Phone: 4804422362
• Email: andrea@andreafortenberry.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/andreafortenberry
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/andreabfortenberry
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/restoresoulcareformoms/

Image Credit:
Josh and Jennifer Photography, Liz Taylor Creative, Chicken Soup for the Soul

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.