Meet Dana (Cara-Mel) Holmes | Music Entertainer & Life/Health Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana (Cara-Mel) Holmes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana (Cara-Mel), we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For many of my day ones who know me on my Cara-Mel music side; they are very much aware of my health and wellness knowledge (being a certified fitness professional since 2005) as well as my personal breast cancer challenges/struggles over the years. In fact, in 2015 when I was diagnosed the first time with breast cancer that was the spark that lit the fuse to return back to the music industry; due to regret of not pursuing it.

Soon after, I put out the underground buzz song “Broke” and later followed up with the mixtape “Racial Profile,” which discussed the social injustice that was going on in the city of Baltimore and the world. It was also during that time; individuals were just being introduced to my music but were unaware of my cancer story. And honestly, it did take some time for me to start sharing this personal journey to my audience on social media because I am a private person. But, eventually I began to share a few things here and there advocating the importance of getting mammograms and doing self-monthly check ups.

However, even though my music career was elevating, there was so much going on behind the scenes in my life that challenged my psyche. From the 2019 mastectomy to a finalized divorce in 2022; it were those additional life changing events in between that led me to start my coaching business, “Manifest Now Coaching, LLC.” This business formulation is a judgment free zone which provides services/programs that inspire others to believe what is possible. Being a walking testimony myself, I am grateful that God has allowed me to demonstrate to others that there is no cancer bigger than him, that you can take back your health, there’s life after divorce, and that you are worthy of nothing but the best!

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?

In 2015, when I was diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer; I didn’t realize that this life changing event would embark me on a journey of personal development & growth within myself. In addition, through my own life experiences, struggles, and meeting others; I recognize how many people are truly broken and have a sense of unworthiness. With this in mind, Manifest was created as a wellness coaching company; where individuals from all walks of life can have a sense of freedom to speak their mind in a confidential environment while being of service in assisting them with services needed.

Manifest Now Coaching, LLC’s mission is to inspire others to believe what is possible. Given our mission, we feel what sets us apart from other businesses is our unique coaching style and specific programs that cater to the individual (no one size fits all). Our services range from holistic health coaching, virtual one-on-one personal training, veganism transitioning (for those that need a helping hand into a vegan lifestyle), self-discovery coaching (for those who need help finding their purpose, meeting a goal, or to learn how to cope with life after divorce), as well as setting up corporate wellness programs with businesses/organizations/churches just to name a few things.

In fact, one program we are highly excited about is our breast cancer wellness coaching program. This particular form of coaching caters to men/women dealing with breast cancer. We here at Manifest understand what a Pink Warrior/Soldier goes through when they hear the word cancer. With this in mind, the breast cancer wellness coach assists patients through their journey and continues to hold their hands as they return back to daily life post-operative cancer surgery. It is the assigned coach during the post-op stage, which will create a customized wellness plan to whip patients back into shape at a realistic pace. And the amazing part about all our programs I mentioned, we can work with anyone across the globe virtually in the comfort of their own home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When it comes to the Tennessee area there are just so many beautiful places to check out when an individual chooses to visit. First Off, I would suggest that my bestfriend and/or anyone to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center for the week. As this is like one of the most amazing places that expand over about nine acres of land that include garden atriums, award-winning eateries, a world-class spa and much more.

Some additional places I would include on the itinerary are the following to visit in Nashville, Tennessee; except one location is outside of the Nashville area. They are the following:

The Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour

The National Museum of African American Music

The Grand Ole Opry

Zipline Forest Forest

The Ruby Falls (Chattanooga, TN)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are quite a few cheerleaders who have been in my corner for a while now. So, I hope they don’t mind being mentioned. I won’t go into a bunch of details; but they are worth a shoutout because they truly have helped me grow whether as a person, musician, and so much more:

First off, I want to shout out and say thank you to my beautiful family and friends (in particular my mother/father, Bernadette/Willie Dupree, Lisa Powell, Shorty Lou, V, Osha, Carnelita Holmes & the rest of the Holmes Family).

Also, I can’t leave out my dope/talented band mates (from Cara-Mel & The Cook Up Crew). Thank you for all you do. We just getting started! Shout out to Leonard Jones (Drummer), Curt Broadie (Bassist), Chris Beasley (Lead Guitar), and Ray Baker (Keys).

And finally, I want to give a special thanks and shout out to all my supporters across the globe, especially my day ones. I appreciate you all joining me on this musical journey. There is a lot more to come.

Website: https://manifestnowcoaching.com/

Instagram: @manifestnowcoaching

Twitter: @manifestnwcoach

Facebook: @manifestnowcoaching

Other: Cara-Mel Official Music Website: https://www.iamcara-mel.com/