Meet Mariel Santiago | Sex, Love & Relationship Coach for Women

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariel Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was let go from my corporate job in 2019. For the first time in my life I wasn’t bound by visa restrictions. I’m from the UK and my entire ten year career in Australia was restricted by my visa and the kind of roles I could legally do to stay in the country. I felt like I was living my life with a big thumb on my head pushing me down. Whilst I was successful in those confines, I always felt like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. I knew I was meant for more and had a ton of passion to pour into my career but I just didn’t know what that looked like or how to do it.

When I lost my job it felt like a sign; an opportunity. A few weeks before I had attended a women’s empowerment retreat that changed me at a cellular level. I felt awakened. During a manifestation practice I had a strong visual that I would take the path to becoming a Women’s Sex, Love & Relationship coach but kind of shrugged it off as I didn’t see where I would have the time or money to invest in the very demanding year long certification. Without a full time role, I had no excuses anymore.

I’m glad the course took that long to complete as the journey of not just training but “unbecoming” was necessary before I launched my business. Everything I share and ask of my clients I have done many times over myself. I’ve finally found something I love. It lights me up and impacts women’s lives at a deep level. I love being in service and doing my part to help make the world a more kind and accepting place.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

When I discovered this work I realized I was completely and utterly detached from my body. I had no idea that it was its own conscious entity carrying so much residual pain and shame which often revealed itself as fear and anger in my relationships and life.

This work is profound. It’s given me a greater understanding of how my relationship with my parents affected how I lived, what my inner child was yearning for, the stories and lies I had been telling myself and how they were blocking me and holding me back.

I now experience how I feel rather than just talking about it. Instead of looking for answers externally, I turn inward. Through integration and healing, I learned to love and accept parts of me that I was once ashamed of and rejecting. I finally stopped pretending and performing for everyone else and started tuning in to my body’s wisdom around consent, desires, and pleasure.

I experienced the beauty of being seen in the depths of unfiltered intimacy and the bone-tingling pleasure of knowing that I am living in deep alignment with the Universe. That’s what I mean by living a turned-on life!

I use this experience and a unique blend of somatic and tantric healing practices to help other women make sense of their body’s wisdom, uncovering potent messages, and clearing blocks that hold them back from their desires. By integrating lost pieces of their truest self, they can become authentically, confident in their power.

I help women transform from the inside out, and pave the way to thrive in sex, relationships, and life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

For food we’d need to hit up Little Italy (Barbusa), Old Town (Tahona Bar), Solana Beach (Rare Society, ALCE 101 & Station Sushi) and Encinitas (Herb & Sea or Valentina’s).

For wine bars I love Carruth & Solterra Winery & Kitchen.

For entertainment, Don’t Tell Comedy does awesome comedy shows where the venue is a surprise. They release the address the day of the show and most comedians travel down from LA.

I love the beach and have a dog so usually go to dog friendly beaches like Del Mar Dog Beach, Coronado Island or Windandsea

Finally, I love spiritual practices. Gather Encinitas and Four Moons Spa hold events including soundbaths and full moon circles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank my husband. I’m not sure any of this would be possible without him or at least it would have been a hell of a lot harder. This change has been a complete turnaround from the corporate career woman he married. During my studies I was unable to work and it was a large financial investment. He was really holding the fort when it came to being the main bread winner and also leading our path to getting our green cards. He didn’t have the same flexibility and choices I had, yet he supported me in doing something that would make me happy and light me up.

Website: https://www.marielsantiago.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_marielsantiago/

Image Credits
Jenny Lawson