Rising Stars: Meet Natasha “Coco” Benitez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha “Coco” Benitez.

Natasha “Coco”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was 278 lbs at my heaviest and most uncomfortable. I was 22, suffered from planer fasciitis in my feet, ate way too much junk food and I hated exercise. But, I knew I wanted to experience living in my body in a different way.

That was in 2007. Today, I am a professional wellness coach in Washington, DC, owner of Coach with Coco Wellness. I lead wellness sessions and staff retreats for global NGO’s, domestic non-profits, and government agencies; I am an adjunct professor at American University, I coach group fitness classes and travel to deliver keynote speeches.

I have always been ambitious in my professional growth; however, when I took control of my mind & body, my ambition pivoted to improving my overall wellbeing and strengthening my mindset.

I believe my God-given purpose is to uplift, motivate and encourage others to live a life of greater abundance, peace, and balance. I enjoy being in nature and sunshine, absorbing podcasts, going to Korean bathhouses to rejuvenate, spending time with my boyfriend, dining out with family and friends, and meditative moments alone in silence. I deeply appreciate people-watching, a good cry, an intense workout, writing out ideas, laughing, eating tasty food, hiking near trees, reading poetry, and continuously aiming for growth.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most of my struggles were internal. Self-doubt, imposter syndrome and questioning my value and my worth played a big role early in my business. They still show up at times, but far less. Early on, I allowed fear to supersede my faith and passed on opportunities that would have challenged me in creative ways.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in engaging people in the workplace; specifically, I coach and guide professionals to better manage stress, honor boundaries and grow personally and professionally by focusing on their total well-being.

My services as a workplace wellness coach include: a.) hosting in-person and virtual staff retreats that engage and inspire teams to connect and collaborate from a place of greater understanding b.) Planning and facilitating virtual wellness sessions and guided meditations for teams c.) Contracting with an array of organizations to lead keynote speeches.

Additionally, I host wellness retreats for women; St. Croix US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bethesda, Md are a few locations and the plan is to expand this service to lead retreats for management teams in the workplace.

I am most proud of my consistency. I started Coach with Coco Wellness in 2018 with ZERO idea of where it would go outside of private sessions. I knew I loved talking to people 1:1 about weight management, eating patterns, sleeping routines, personal habits and relationships, so becoming a certified health & life coach made sense! However, I’m really proud of how I continued to keep an open mind about where my business could expand. Using my time intentionally, staying in conversation with mentors, listening and learning from other people and seeing the value in failing, all contribute to my growth. Fail hard and fail fast is what I embraced, so I could get back in the business of growth!

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe in faith. I believe in asking for what you need. I believe in the combination of confidence and hard work. Anything that occurs in my life, personally or professionally is not luck for me; I give credit to my relationship with God and my belief in Him and his plans for my life.

Pricing:

• Staff retreats $1500- $7,500
• Workplace Wellness sessions – $700-$5,000
• Keynote Speaking – $3,500-$10K

Contact Info:

• Website: coachwithcoco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachwithcoco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashacocobenitez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachwithcoco283
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/coach-with-coco-washington?osq=coach+with+coco