Behind Pearful
Fuelled by my love for social impact and a deep understanding of my personal Cosmic Human Design and Gene Keys, I took a leap of faith and became a Freelance Grant & Tender Writer in 2019. Since then, I’ve secured over AU$40 million in funding for charities and for-purpose initiatives across Australia.
After years of searching, I found my passion and purpose and established a thriving business, Grantful. In hindsight, the signposts were clearly outlined in my Human Design and Gene Keys when I transitioned to using my true sidereal designs. Imagine if your talents, strengths and purpose are waiting for you, too.
Meet Barbara
The founder behind Pearlful
My professional training in Dr Gabor Mate's Compassionate Inquiry approach to understanding our behaviours and underlying emotional pain heavily influences my approach to life and work. This training also emphasises empathy and understanding and applies a trauma-informed lens to my communication and mentoring. It complements my qualification as a Counsellor.
My Human Design & Gene Keys Journey
Human Design: Splenic Projector 1/3 RAX Penetration 2 (53/54/51/57)
Gene Keys: Life’s Work 53/Evolution 54/Radiance 51/ Purpose 57
Nine years ago, I stumbled upon Human Design, and discovering I was a Projector energy type changed everything for me. It set me on a journey of self-acceptance and discovery, a path that felt like it finally made sense. Yet, even with this newfound understanding, I kept hitting roadblocks when launching my business or sharing my ideas. Halfway through a Gene Keys course aimed at uncovering my Genius Pathway, I felt lost. I couldn’t see myself in the gifts it claimed I had—not even dormant ones. It was as if they were describing someone else entirely.
At that point, I didn’t realise that mainstream Human Design and Gene Keys were based on tropical astrology. I had little knowledge of astrology (and still don’t know much!). However I learned that tropical astrology doesn’t reflect the current physical placements of the planets and stars. I then came across true sidereal astrology, which uses the visible sky—the actual positions of the stars and planets. This felt right, deep in my bones. When Richard Mason launched Cosmic Human Design, and I received my charts calculated using his methods, it was as if someone had opened the pages of my most private journal. My innermost thoughts, dreams, and struggles were suddenly laid bare. It was the clarity I had been searching for.
I began living in alignment with this new design and paired it with deep therapeutic work, and everything shifted. My business took off. I found my purpose, shared my gifts, and finally received the recognition I sought.
So, I leaned into my natural talent for translating complex ideas into simple, clear language and rewrote all 64 human design gates and gene keys in a personal and approachable way—as if writing diary notes to myself. They are crafted to help you connect with the hidden parts of yourself to understand your talents, attributes, and blind spots more profoundly. Each guide is available for just AU$15 to ensure accessibility for everyone who seeks them. Plus, 10% of each sale is given back to Richard Mason in recognition of his wisdom and courage in offering this new perspective.
I may have written these guides, but they are meant for all of us. Perhaps they will help you find a part of yourself that you’ve been searching for, whatever that may be.