We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Marcell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
The year 2020 was a defining year, to say the least, but I did not know what all would come out of it at the time. Now nearly four years later, I am amazed at all that has unfolded since then. I already had a counseling background and had graduated from grad school with a MA in Ministerial Leadership 2018 which included Biblical counseling. It wasn’t until 2020 that the trajectory of my life and career shifted and came into much clearer view. 2020 was marked by big things we all experienced, like a global pandemic, but also some personal things, like a family member passing away of cancer, another having major surgery, and my husband leaving his career of 22 years. All of these experiences really made us examine our lives, what was important to us, what our values were, and what we are meant to do to have an impact on the world. Health has always been important to me, but that was never more clear than in 2020. I started researching health and nutrition, devouring studies, books, seminars, podcasts, etc. – all things that focused on evidence based nutrition, how to eat to beat or reverse disease, and to improve quality of life. That passion and knowledge led me to want to share it with others. As a Cajun from South Louisiana, good food is very important to me. I wanted to show others how they can eat nutritiously, improving their health in a variety of ways, while still enjoying delicious food that left them feeling satisfied. I started an Instagram blog account to help me accomplish that task called PlantLovingCajun where we focus on a plant forward way of eating. I also got certified in Life Coaching because I believe the model of coaching can be more accessible, empowering, and hands-on than the traditional model of counseling. As your coach, I am your ally, your sounding board, your cheerleader, and fellow brainstormer.
I started my own coaching practice named Planted Life Coaching where people from all walks of life or backgrounds can come when they need coaching in any area of life (both virtually or in person), but I do have a special love for helping people with their health and wellness. I believe if you can get that in order, many of the other things in your life will fall into place.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m passionate about helping individuals cultivate a fulfilling and purposeful life, while nourishing their mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re looking to enhance your relationships, manage your finances, optimize your health and nutrition, navigate life transitions, or just need help getting “unstuck,” I’m here to help. We’ll work together to cultivate a life you love in one on one coaching.
One of the other things I am most passionate and excited about that I have started this year is putting on Weekend Wellness Retreats. Right now they are only open to women but looking to offer other options in the future. It is a place were women of all ages and fitness levels can gather together to focus on holistic health. You can join me for a 3 night getaway where you will experience a holistic health immersion with a whole food plant-based menu, wellness workshops, interactive cooking demonstrations, movement classes, exploring, one on one coaching, and more! Come away with total refreshment and equipped to implement these wellness practices into your everyday life. Whether you are brand new on your health journey or a seasoned wellness guru, there is something to gain in getting away and focusing on your health holistically (and making new friends while you do!)
We just did our first retreat in November in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. It was a huge success and a whole lot of fun. The next one will take place in April of 2024 in the iconic Outer Banks of North Carolina. There is still time to join! Attendance is limited though so I wouldn’t wait to secure your spot. It makes for a great Christmas or birthday gift and also makes for a great mother/daughter or BFF trip!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
For all of my adult life, I thought I could never be a salesman of any kind. It just wasn’t my gifting. I am naturally introverted and private. I am now working on unlearning the thought that someone like me could never be a “salesman.” As a business owner, no matter what kind of business or industry you are in, you have to sell yourself first before any product or service you offer. People need to get to know you, learn to trust you, and like you! Only then will they be willing to partake in what your business has to offer. It has been a journey of getting out of my comfort zone but I am loving it and proud of what I have been able to accomplish so far. I have learned that when you are truly passionate and believe in your business and what you offer, like I do with Planted Life Coaching, advocating for it comes really easily and naturally. I believe coaching helps people, I have seen it do so. I believe helping people reach their wellness goals with practical lifestyle changes and accountability is life changing. I believe this business has an important place in the marketplace and I am unapologetic about it!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Kind of like the instruction on an airplane to first secure your own air mask before helping others to secure theirs, the same concept is true in Life Coaching, especially in the health and wellness space. I am not perfect, and never would claim to be, but I understand that I must continue to work on myself before trying to help others. I know that I will always have to be “practicing what I’m preaching.” I acknowledge and accept that standard for this career. It is also okay to be vulnerable. Life is a journey and trials, setbacks, and heartaches come for everyone. In learning to navigate my own tribulations, I can better empathize and understand my clients who come to me with a variety of issues.
It is a balance of striving to be someone who has “got it together” enough to show others the way, while also being vulnerable with clients in order to relate and sympathize with where they are on their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: planted-life-coacing.com
- Instagram: plantlovingcajun
- Facebook: plantlovingcajun
Image Credits
Hannah Cole Photography