Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Coco Benitez.
Hi Natasha Coco, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My mother convinced me to go to my very first spin class in 2008. I was addicted to the energy and magnetism of group fitness right away! Before long, I changed my mindset about movement and eating, which shifted my physical appearance and made wellness a top priority in my life. I knew I wanted to help others live a happier and healthier life. By 2018 I started Coach with Coco Wellness, built a consistent client base, began virtual group wellness workshops, and eventually started creating and facilitating, organizational retreats. Currently, I manage the wellness program at American University for faculty and staff in Washington, DC and teach Strategies in Stress Management to undergraduates, while continuing to operate Coach with Coco wellness.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anyone who says starting and managing a business is a smooth road should not be trusted! Of course there are obstacles; but, how I think about those obstacles is most important. There was once a time when I would get easily frustrated when my plan was not executed well, or something did not go my way, but I have learned to re-shift my thinking and see these obstacles as purposeful. There’s a reason my plan did not follow through, and I have learned to ebb and flow with the pivots in business and that has helped me tremendously. I’m trying to be more like a river 🙂
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Wellness coach, professor and speaker are the professional roles I identify most with at this moment in life. I’ve thought about why I am here on earth. I always come back to energy–I specialize in bringing magnetic energy to audiences I speak to, students I teach, organizations I coach, and strangers I meet. Energy is profound and I thank God for being blessed with uplifting energy. As the eldest of four daughters, I’ve taken great pride in leading, motivating and delegating, since my youth. I’m proud that I am a visionary that has a clever gift for thinking up an idea and executing wellness experiences for people. I may not always remember the names of everyone I meet, but it is important I make a small memory with them in how I make them feel we are together. I am proud for how I show up in my work–I am fully myself, I am honest, aim to be impecable with my word, and enjoy being a listener and positive addition to a team. I am a natural coach and I love how that energy spills into my personal and professional life. I love to see people win at their dreams 🙂
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My goodness the list of recommendations runs far and wide, so let me practice a little self-discipline with this question! I meditate daily and find Tara Brach’s podcast to be helpful. I also listen to stoic philosophy and old Alan Watts lectures on YouTube as a reminder to pause and look within first before external stories set in. “Think fast, talk smart” is my go to podcast to improve communication skills and help elevate me as a professional speaker. The Ikigai Tribe podcast has been a deep interest lately as I currently have a fascination with Japanese culture and the philosophies that embody living a more meditative, purposeful and joyful life. Every morning, I engage in 15 minutes of Tai Chi as I find it to be incredibly grounding, energetically restorative, and sets the tone for a beautiful day. I leave work at work, so when I go home, I typically plug my cell phone in my bedroom and avoid it unless absolutely necessary. I have been limiting screen time a lot more in my life, reading more romance novels, and psychological thrillers before bed, and all of these practices combined helped me be my most well self so that I can pour into others.
Pricing:
- In person wellness session for organization (45 min- 1 hour) $1,500-3,500
- Virtual lunch & learn for organizations (30 min-1 hour) $250-$2,500)
- Team retreat for org. (3 to 7 hours) $7,000-15,000
- Speaking event (30 min to 1 hour) $5000- 15,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coachwithcoco.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashacocobenitez/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachwithcoco283
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/coach-with-coco-washington-3?osq=coach+with+coco&override_cta=Request+information
