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

Hi Claudia, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve made was choosing to stop homeschooling my three children to pursue a career as a real estate agent. As a dedicated homeschool mom, accepting that I wasn’t able to provide everything my children needed was incredibly challenging. The thought of sacrificing the precious time I spent with them to focus on studying for the real estate exam and being apart from them because of work weighed heavily on my heart.

But I knew that passing the exam and embarking on this new career would not only change my life but also theirs. Enrolling them in school was a major shift, and it was a decision that required deep reflection and prayer. I asked God for guidance, and the answer I received was clear: to truly make my family happy and secure a better future for all of us, I needed to find happiness and fulfillment in my own life.

Once I made this decision in my heart and mind, everything else began to fall into place. I became confident in answering any questions and conducting interviews with brokerages, knowing that I was on the right path. I now feel ready to reach out to prospective clients and build a successful career that will benefit my family in the long run.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and faith, and it’s shaped who I am both personally and professionally. What sets me apart from others is the unique combination of my experiences—as a homeschool mom, an entrepreneur, and now a licensed real estate agent. Each role has taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me in every client interaction and business decision.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the creation of TGC FASHION, at tgcfashion.com, a brand I developed during my homeschooling years. TGC Fashion was born out of a desire to offer minimalistic, efficient, and bold fashion options for modern women, with a commitment to ethically created quality clothing. This brand was created with a vision to bring God into the fashion industry and encouraging women to feel comfort in their own skin. TGC which stands for Trust God Claudia, was also my own journey to trust God along one of the most difficult times of my life. Losing my hair and what I thought defined my beauty placed me in a crucial and defining moment where I needed to look skin deep and find my true inner beauty and strength. This entrepreneurial venture and life challenges not only allowed me to express my creativity but also taught me the importance of resilience, market research, and customer satisfaction—skills that are essential in real estate and the world.

Transitioning from a full-time homeschool mom to a real estate agent wasn’t easy. The most difficult decision I had to make was stopping homeschooling my three children to pursue a career in real estate. Accepting that I wasn’t able to provide everything they needed was a tough realization. Sacrificing the time I had with them to study for the exam, and then enrolling them in school, was a significant challenge. However, I knew it was necessary for both their growth and mine. I prayed for guidance and came to understand that in order to make my family happy and secure a better future for us all, I needed to find happiness and fulfillment in my own life.

The challenges I faced in making this transition taught me the importance of self-awareness, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the power of faith. My sister, Ana Fernandez, and my mother, Leticia Fernandez, were instrumental in this process. They encouraged me to pursue this new path because they knew what I was capable of achieving, even when I doubted myself. Their support and tough love helped me realize that I needed to make a change to truly be in charge of my destiny and that of my family.

As a real estate agent, I am excited to bring the same dedication, patience, and commitment that I applied to homeschooling and entrepreneurship. My bilingual skills in Spanish and English allow me to serve a diverse range of clients, helping them find their dream homes or sell their properties. I’m proud to serve the Brazos Valley including Burleson County, Caldwell, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Austin and surrounding areas, and I am passionate about making my clients’ real estate dreams a reality with a seamless and memorable experience.

The world should know that my brand and my story are rooted in a deep love for family, a commitment to excellence, and a belief that with faith and determination, anything is possible. My journey has been anything but easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the professional I am today. I’m excited about this new chapter and look forward to helping others find their own path to happiness and success. I am excited to start my real estate journey with Home & Ranch Real Estate a brokerage for homes, farms, ranches, commercial properties and everything in between.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, here’s how I’d plan an unforgettable trip in Caldwell and College Station:

Day 1 Friday: Arrival and Relaxation
– Morning: Start with a relaxed breakfast at Sip and Soup in downtown Caldwell. Enjoy their cozy atmosphere and hearty options.
– Afternoon: Explore Davison Creek Park. Take a stroll around the park, feed the ducks, and maybe cast a line in the pond for some fishing.
– Evening: Have dinner at The Rodney’s with outside patio, live music, and delicious fresh ingredients options. Enjoy some local favorites and soak in the friendly atmosphere.

Day 2 Saturday: Local Culture and Fun
– Morning: Visit the Caldwell Farmers Market. Browse through the artisanal goods and fresh produce, and chat with local vendors.
– Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk-through downtown Caldwell, exploring its quaint shops and local boutiques.
– Evening: Head to a live concert in Caldwell’s summer series. Enjoy live music from local bands, sample food from vendors, and check out the works of local artisans.

Day 3 Sunday: Exploring Caldwell
– Morning: In Caldwell we are big on spending time with God, recommend visiting one of the local churches for a wonderful service.
– Afternoon: Visit any other local attractions in Somerville Lake or take a scenic drive around the area to appreciate the countryside.
– Evening: Return to downtown Caldwell for a relaxing evening. Maybe catch a local event or simply enjoy a quiet dinner at a favorite spot.

Day 4 Monday: College Station Adventure
– Morning: Drive to College Station (about 30 minutes away) and start your day with a visit to the Texas A&M University campus. Walk around campus for a full experience.
– Afternoon: Explore Fusion Peru for an unforgettable South American meal. After lunch, check out the local malls and retail options for shopping.
– Evening: Visit one of College Station’s museums or libraries to dive into some local culture and history.

Day 5 Tuesday: More College Station
– Morning: Have breakfast at a trendy café in College Station.
– Afternoon: Explore the vibrant college atmosphere, enjoy some sports events or check out the arts scene. If there’s a game or event, that’s a must-see!,
– Evening: Wind down with a nice dinner at one of the city’s top Hibachi Japanese Cuisine dining spots.

Day 6 Wednesday: Outdoor and Relaxation
– Morning: Return to Caldwell for a relaxing morning at Davison Creek Park.
– Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch and perhaps take part in any local activities or workshops.
– Evening: Spend a calm evening at one of Caldwell’s local eateries or cafes.

Day 7 Thursday: Farewell
– Morning: Have a final breakfast at your favorite spot in Caldwell or College Station.
– Afternoon: Do some last-minute shopping or explore any missed attractions before heading out.

This itinerary blends the best of small-town charm of Caldwell with the vibrant energy of College Station, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable visit!

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to two incredible women who have played a pivotal role in my journey: my sister, Ana Fernandez, and my mother, Leticia Fernandez. These are the ladies in my life whom I look up to and respect deeply. They were the ones who encouraged me to make a life-changing decision to become a real estate agent, knowing that I was capable of so much more than I was allowing myself to achieve.

They supported my decision wholeheartedly because they recognized that I wasn’t living up to my potential by staying at home, even though they valued the dedication I had for my children. They could see that, deep down, I wasn’t truly happy, even though I tried to justify my situation to myself. They’ve known me all my life, and they could see the toll it was taking on my health. Through the years, as my health started to decline, they knew that the problem went deeper than I was willing to admit.

With tough love and unwavering support, they helped me realize that I needed to make a change to take control of my destiny—and my family’s destiny. I am forever grateful for the encouragement and unconditional love they have given me, and I truly couldn’t have made this transformation without them.

Website: https://tgcfashion.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiabridges.realestateagent

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiarealestateagent

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realestateagent.claudia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tgcfashion

Other: https://www.instagram.com/realestateagent.claudia

Image Credits
Timothy Bridges

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