A woman with dark hair and tan skin, wearing a blue and gold dress, sitting at an outdoor restaurant with a thatched roof. She is smiling and posed with her chin resting on her folded hands, adorned with jewelry including a large ring and gold bracelet.

I invite you to join me on this journey toward healing and abundance.

All I ask is that you come with an open mind and an open heart. Together, we can create a brighter future, one beautiful and fabulous soul at a time.

Marcela Paz Salcedo

Founder | Certified Life & Health Coach | Fabulously Sober

Hello You Fabulous Soul!

The journey of my life has been anything but ordinary, filled with triumphant and challenging moments that have shaped me into the renaissance woman I am today.

My name is Marcela Paz, and my story begins in July 1982 in Santiago, Chile, where I was born as the eldest of two children in a loving yet complex family. At the tender age of four, my world was uprooted when my parents made the courageous decision to escape an oppressive government, seeking freedom and opportunity in the United States, leaving my baby brother and I behind. Our reunion in 1988, amidst the vibrant and tumultuous energy of New York, marked the beginning of numerous transformative chapters in my life.

Growing up in the dynamic backdrop of the 80s and 90s, my childhood was a tapestry woven with both adversity and joy. I faced challenges that no child should endure—neglect, sexual abuse, violence, and economic hardship—but there were also countless moments filled with love and laughter shared with my devoted family. Throughout my life, I often amazed mental health professionals with my resilience, insight and managing to function despite the shadows of trauma that loomed over me. Their astonishment sparked curiosity in me. Observant and in awe of our human complexity at thirteen I began my lifelong quest to understand myself and others with the objective to succeed in life.

As I transitioned into my teenage years, I developed a survival strategy that became my shield against the chaos of my surroundings. This involved a balance of partying, substance use, therapeutic exploration, and occasional spiritual practice, all while battling an eating disorder that threatened to consume me. My early twenties led me on an adventurous path through college, more partying and a burgeoning career in the fashion industry in Europe. However, it was during this time that my struggles with food became more pronounced, prompting me to return home and wholeheartedly immerse myself in my recovery.

Emerging from this tumultuous period in my mid-20s, I found a newfound clarity. Despite completing a marketing degree in Paris and achieving success in the fashion realm in London and New York, I felt an undeniable pull towards change and motherhood. At 26, I made a radical decision as a lesbian to embrace the role of a single parent, returning to college to pursue a teaching career that would allow me to fulfill my purpose, utilize my gifts and give me the time to be a mother. Earning a BA in psychology and history, followed by an MA in history and education, marked a pivotal transformation in the awareness of my power, my self-love and confidence—a time I hold dear and cherish.

As I ventured into my late 30s, life presented fresh challenges, including a tumultuous and abusive relationship that I bravely exited for the sake of my daughter and myself, months before our wedding. Just weeks after this difficult decision, I faced the heart-wrenching loss of my best friend and the father of my child in a tragic accident. This profound grief brought me to my knees, and in my darkest moments, I sought solace in alcohol. However, after a few years in numbing survival mode, I realized that the temporary relief alcohol provided only deepened my suffering.

This awakening led me to recommit to my healing journey, blending modern therapeutic practices with traditional wisdom to uncover the universal strategies for healing that had always resided within me: social connection, spiritual practice, physical movement, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Today, first I’m a spiritual being, followed by mother, partner, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, coach, student, the list goes on. Yet, I no longer merely survive; I thrive. My trauma has transformed into a wellspring of love, strength, and wisdom that I am passionate about sharing with others.

As a certified life and health coach, I founded Fabulous Sober, a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing personal growth and supporting individuals on their healing paths. My mission is clear: to guide others in transcending their past wounds, cultivating self-love, and empowering them to lead lives that exceed their wildest dreams.

My Approach

As long as I could remember I have been called to explore the human experience and to empower others.

COACHING CREDENTIALS:

• National Board For Health And Wellness Coaching Certification
• Chopra Life Coach Certification
• Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certification
• Circle Keeper Certification from National Compadres Network
• B.A. History and Psychology from Adelphi University
• M.A. History and Adolescent Education from SUNY Old Westbury • Bilingual Education Extension from College of St. Rose
• New York State Certified Social Studies Teacher w/ Bilingual Extension: Spanish

• My extensive academic credentials and immersive experiences greatly enhance my ability as a health and life coach, allowing me to serve my clients with a well-rounded and holistic approach to health and wellness.

• With a B.A. in History and Psychology and an M.A. in History and Adolescent Education, coupled with your certification as a New York State Social Studies Teacher, I bring a profound understanding of human behavior and the socio-cultural factors that influence mental and emotional health. This foundation enables me to effectively analyze client challenges and create personalized strategies that resonate deeply with their individual backgrounds.

• My certifications from the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, Chopra Life Coach Certification, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certification equip me with evidence-based methodologies and practical tools to guide clients in achieving their health goals. My Circle Keeper Certification, is based on true indigenous restorative practices used as a foundation to create a culture and climate that focuses on relationship-based connections for health and healing in group settings. These credentials demonstrate my commitment to professional growth and the application of best universal practices in coaching.

• Moreover, my immersion in diverse health and healing practices—ranging from psychotherapy settings to indigenous spiritual retreats and Zen Buddhist monasteries—enriches my coaching approach with holistic insights. These experiences cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and understanding, allowing me to address clients' needs from multiple perspectives and facilitate meaningful transformation.

For your convenience, I am fluent in English & Spanish.



DREAM IT, CREATE IT

In essence, my unique blend of academic knowledge and experiential wisdom allows me to offer a comprehensive and compassionate coaching experience, empowering clients to navigate their health journeys with confidence and clarity.