Introducing Bernadette Fredricks, Founder and CEO of Bern & Chris Business Solutions Inc., a full-service marketing firm helping businesses build memorable brands and powerful digital presences.
A proud Chicago native, Bernadette’s passion for the arts, communication, and storytelling began at Curie High School, where she first developed her creative voice. She went on to graduate from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Journalism, building a strong foundation in communication, content creation, and media.
Today, Bernadette brings her diverse background and extensive experience to the leadership of Bern & Chris Business Solutions. The firm works with businesses and professionals across a variety of industries, including sports, mental health, tax and accounting, culinary arts, education, cosmetics, and more.
From website design and digital marketing to content creation, social media management, and brand development, Bern & Chris Business Solutions provides strategic solutions designed to help businesses establish a strong presence, connect with their audiences, and grow.
With more than a decade of experience in communications, marketing, and digital strategy, Bernadette understands that every business has a story worth telling. Her mission is to help clients tell that story effectively and create a digital presence that leaves a lasting impression
Her Latest Article
ForbesBLK
Self-Care Is a Business Strategy:
As entrepreneurs, we are often celebrated for how much we can accomplish. We build businesses, manage clients, create opportunities, solve problems, meet deadlines, and constantly think about what needs to happen next.
But somewhere between the business plan and the next big opportunity, many entrepreneurs forget about the most important asset in their business: themselves.
September 7th was National Self Care Awareness Month, and while self-care is often associated with spa days, vacations, or simply taking a break, I believe it means something much deeper for entrepreneurs.
Self-care is about protecting the person responsible for building the vision.
As the owner of Bern & Chris Business Solutions, I understand firsthand how easy it is to become consumed by your business. When you are passionate about what you do, it can be difficult to separate yourself from the work. There is always another client to serve, another idea to develop, another email to answer, and another goal to pursue.
Entrepreneurship requires dedication. But dedication without balance can eventually become exhaustion.
You Can’t Build From an Empty Tank
One of the biggest lessons I have learned as an entrepreneur is that being busy does not necessarily mean being productive.
When you are mentally exhausted, creativity suffers. Decision-making becomes harder. Patience becomes shorter. Even opportunities that would normally excite you can begin to feel overwhelming.
That is why self-care should not be viewed as taking time away from your business.It is an investment in your ability to run your business effectively.
Sometimes the best business decision isn't working another five hours. Sometimes it is getting some rest, taking a walk, spending time with family, unplugging from your phone, or simply giving yourself permission to do nothing.
So as we recognize National Self Care Awareness Month, I encourage every entrepreneur, business owner, and aspiring founder to ask themselves a simple question:
Am I taking care of the person who is building the vision?