Throughout your lifetime, you’re bound to hear someone tell you about finding your purpose. Some people even make a living off teaching others how to find it. But the true question remains, what does that journey look like?
It’s hard to say because we all come from different walks of life. Some of our journeys are outwardly treacherous where there’s no hiding the resilience, while the journey of others may seem more effortless, especially if there’s a path already laid out. Bernie Lawrence-Watkins’ path is rooted in passion and perseverance. From immigrating to the United States when she was a young child, to building a successful career for herself as a top-rated attorney in the entertainment industry.
Bernie’s journey starts with humble beginnings. Born to Caribbean, Black parents, who were in pursuit of the “American Dream,” they decided to leave some of their children behind in the Commonwealth of Dominica, while they got settled in the United States. During this time, Bernie stayed in the Dominica with her grandmother. Over several years, eight of her eleven siblings made their way to the United States with Bernie eventually reuniting with her family in New York at the age of four.
“The American Dream to my parents was getting a great education and then finding a job with benefits, where you can retire with a pension,” reveals Bernie.
To Bernie, it doesn’t just stop with a good job with great benefits. To her, the American Dream is having total autonomy and peace in everything that she does. From traveling to maintaining control over her schedule, Bernie’s dream starts and stops with freedom.
“I am in a place where I’m financially secure. I have my own business, so I don’t have to worry about being laid off. That’s freedom. So yes, I have achieved the American Dream,” says Bernie.
One of her sources of freedom is her career as an entertainment lawyer. Bernie’s interest in entertainment started as a little girl performing in talent shows. She had her sights set on being the next pop star. It was Bernie’s experience at the performing arts high school Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, in New York City, that gave her a jolt of reality — she wasn’t the only talented person there.
“They would talk to us about the struggles that you experience as a talent. And you have to be cut out for it. To be honest, that created a lot of doubt,” says Bernie. “I don’t know if I’m up for missing meals, or not being able to pay my rent, or sleeping in my car.”
Her self-doubt wasn’t just due to the fear of the unknown in a lifestyle of performing, but it brought her back to the lessons and values her parents instilled in her … college. There was no question that she had to pursue a higher education. Her parents hadn’t worked hard to get Bernie and her siblings to the United States for nothing. To Bernie, the choice was simple. Get an education and then dive into the world of entertainment. So, after following in the footsteps of some of her siblings, Bernie became a Howard University Bison, where she studied Marketing, and reunited with her passion for entertainment.
Aside from her love for entertainment, Bernie’s introduction to entertainment law was a personal one. After she witnessed her brother receive and then lose his record deal, Bernie knew she needed to go to law school. Bernie wanted to be a person of authority and respect for artists when securing the best possible deals.
“Lawyers are people others turn to when they have questions. I wanted to be that person. I wanted to be that person who can help someone achieve their goal. Because I love music so much. I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer,” says Bernie.
Bernie was not just hungry for the career of being an entertainment lawyer, but hungry for as much information she could gain about the profession. From attending continuing legal education courses to reading music business books, Bernie worked tirelessly to be the best and to sharpen her skills. Early in her career, she started the “Ask Bernie” column, which focused on issues in the music industry.
Even with so much knowledge and passion, adversity has a way of rearing its ugly head at the most unexpected moments. In February 1996, right when Bernie was studying to take the bar exam, she learned her father passed away. All alone in Atlanta, with just her dog, Bernie experienced one of the most painful moments of her life, days before she took the exam that could shape her future. Although she didn’t pass the bar on the first try, it was her father’s memory and the lessons her parents taught her that got her through such a challenging time.
“That didn’t affect me from becoming a lawyer. Because when you go through challenges, you have to understand it’s part of life. Life’s going to throw you a curveball,” says Bernie. “I’m so thankful for having strong parents who taught me through the ages that you just got to keep pushing.”
Bernie’s life has been filled with many trials that have tested her character, her passion, and her pursuit for happiness. One of the most important lessons she’s learned is that no matter what happens, we’re not always in control of things that upset us; it’s how we deal with them that truly matters. She’s kept this lesson at the forefront of finding her purpose.
Bernie believes that with a positive attitude and the drive to continue moving forward, there’s no way that you can’t win.
“You know, we’re taught to just pick a career and make a lot of money. But you have so many people out there who are making a lot of money, who have this big career, but they’re not happy,” says Bernie. “In my opinion, joy comes from how you make people feel, and if you can touch, move, and inspire them, you’ve found your purpose.”
Bernie’s story is a beacon of hope and a reminder that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
To stay connected to Bernie Lawrence-Watkins:
Website: BLWAPC.com
Instagram: @berniegetsyoupaid
