Marcela Starkenburg

Mindful Eating by Design founder brings 20 years of expertise in Food, Wellness, and Luxury Hospitality to her role as coach, designer and leader.

Marcela holds a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which led her to serve as a bilingual ambassador for the National Tourism Board in Chile, hosting the World Tourism Organization and was selected to assist Ministers of Tourism from around the world. After several years, she joined elite hospitality companies nationally and internationally. Peter Schoch and Marc Ehrler are among the world-renowned chefs with whom she had the honor to work with and find great inspiration. Also, she was in charge of developing Food & Beverage teams from the ground up at exclusive resorts and golf courses in Arizona while working closely with high-level stakeholders to coordinate PGA Tour events, corporate gatherings, and other major events.

After a well rounded career in the Hospitality Industry, and 4 wonderful children she decided to pursue her passion for health & wellness by completing her training as a Yoga Instructor in Arizona in 2012. While residing in North Scottsdale she had an amazing opportunity to be mentored by Harumi Maejima, Japanese Instructor and Ambassador for the Japanese Culture Club in Arizona. This experience led her to define her approach to Yoga with awareness, compassion, love and devotion. During her personal journey several health challenges arose, struggling with her own health and the inability to eat with confidence. This guided her to explore the fundamental aspects of health and with curiosity understand her own path in life.

Over the last 15 years, she has committed to acquiring personal knowledge and tools to address the unique concept of health. She has obtained several certifications that have brought clarity to her own life and her offerings—most importantly, tools she believes will allow each individual to explore their personal needs and experiences, designing their health through their own lens in life.

As a former Rotary Exchange Student, Marcela learned to respond quickly when needs arise. She has demonstrated sustained community commitment through several initiatives: designing Mundo Kids—a bilingual program promoting integration and diversity at the Friends of the Library; teaching weekly Hatha Yoga classes to hundreds of students at her local YMCA, inviting to integrate meditation, breath-work, and movement in their daily life; and recently joining Fishline's volunteer team to serve those in need.

With a previous role as a Food & Beverage Director she brings other overlapping areas of expertise that have helped make her an incredibly well-rounded coach and instructor. When she is not on the mat, Marcela enjoys spending time with her family, growing food, cooking, designing new dishes, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, and exploring nature.

Her passion for excellence and empowering individuals with tools toward self-awareness drives her dynamic approach to wellness and authentic transformation to life.