I’m a proud veteran wife, mom of two growing boys, an independent meeting planner and a business owner.
Combining my two decades of marketing experience in global prestige brands and hospitality space, with my deep love and passion for yoga, I founded Happy M.E. LLC,
a marketing & events company in 2022.
At Happy ME, we specialize in providing comprehensive wellness solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our corporate partners. From invigorating two-hour yoga and mindfulness workshops to rejuvenating multi-day retreats set in stunning destinations, we specialize in co-creating bespoke experiences that foster a positive team culture and promote holistic wellness. Our approach involves collaborating with carefully vetted wellness experts to deliver engaging events and transformative workshops.
As the chief curator at www.HappyME.yoga, my mission is to support like-minded women in their holistic approach to well-being and create a vibrant community. I’m passionate about curating the ultimate self-care holiday where vacation meets transformation like the retreat in Encinitas at the beginning of the year and Bali this summer.
My passion for yoga and meditation practice has not only contributed to my personal growth but has also become a cornerstone in shaping the ethos of Happy ME. I obtained certification in teaching yoga and meditation in the summer of 2022, and I continually pursue advanced classes in Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda.
Last but not least, I enjoy volunteering in my community through my alumni non-profit in the US. In addition, I lead the Community and Philanthropy outreach at the International Association of Women (IAW), San Diego Chapter where we partner with local non-profit organizations that we can highlight in our community and help spread awareness of their cause.
Relocating from Manila to San Diego at the age of 30 to establish my family and business has been a privileged journey. Having lived in this vibrant city for over a decade, I look forward to another decade of contributing to its community and growth.
About Kellie Sabas
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
With a rich background in marketing for global brands and creative agencies, I have successfully orchestrated product launches, press events, and brand campaigns for various renowned brands. Transitioning from corporate roles, I ventured into entrepreneurship, offering my expertise as a marketing consultant. I help clients with their marketing strategy with an emphasis on digital marketing, social media, and paid advertising. For a decade, I’ve been an independent meeting planner partnering with HelmsBriscoe, the world’s largest meeting procurement company. I specialize in securing optimal hotel venues at NO extra cost to the client. My role extends from researching venues to negotiating the best overall value for my clients’ group meetings, incentives, conventions, and events (MICE). This strategic collaboration ensures my clients shine as rockstars within their companies. After an enlightening moment, it dawned on me that I could harmonize my professional expertise with my newfound passion for wellness. This realization gave birth to my passion project, Happy Body, Mind, and Soul Retreats, three years ago now. Throughout this journey, I’ve had the pleasure of encountering incredible individuals who have been pillars of support, both in my wellness and entrepreneurial endeavors. It feels as though everything fell into place effortlessly, with new opportunities emerging consistently, including the opportunity for this interview. The Hera Hub community, a female co-working space, has been particularly instrumental in connecting me with like-minded individuals who resonate with my entrepreneurial journey. Being a member of this vibrant community has been a catalyst for my growth in the past year. What I love most is collaborating with wellness experts to champion holistic well-being in the community and the workplace. Among them are doctors, coaches, therapists, healers, teachers, best-selling authors, and speakers, each bringing a diverse background and unique programs for our clients. The support from my partners and fellow yogis at my yoga school Yogamu, has been a constant source of motivation as well.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice is to never stop learning and pursuing your passion. Always believe in yourself and find people who will help you reach your goals. They can be a friend or a colleague you admire, a mentor, or a coach. They are your tribe who will help you succeed. Your people. Having a supportive community plays an important role in your success.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Looking ahead, five years from now, I see myself leading more retreats and promoting a healthier and stress-free environment in the workplace in collaboration with other coaches and leaders in the companies. In a decade, I see HappyME.yoga solidifying its position as the go-to platform for wellness retreats worldwide—a space where vacation meets transformation, fostering a global community committed to well-being.
Kellie Sabas & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My boys love the usual Panera and Olive Garden so we visit those a lot. To satisfy my cravings, my personal favorite is the Filipino-owned restaurant Orient Valley in Carmel Mountain and Luna’s Lunpia in Poway. I also love going to other Asian restaurants and trying different dishes. My favorites are Thai and Japanese cuisine.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We’ve lived 5 years in Escondido and 5 years in Penasquitos/Scripps.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hera Hub founder Felena Hanson. Hands down. I love her inspiring story and her mission to help female entrepreneurs launch their businesses and provide a community where they can thrive.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
What I love about Scripps Ranch (home), and Los Penasquitos (school), and neighboring communities are the variety of restaurants and boba places. I can have Italian and American food for my family and I can have my Asian fix for myself.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would like to have lunch with Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva. Not only because she is a highly successful female entrepreneur but we also share the same heritage. I would take her to Cafe 86 in Mira Mesa because their Ube HaloHalo is amazing!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I tend to watch historical TV series like Alexander, and Spartacus with my husband but I also enjoy watching girl power shows like Emily in Paris and Just Like That by myself.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I was handpicked by a famous European hairstylist Hugo Ratzel during L’Oreal spring/summer in Manila. I was still in college and I never colored my hair before that show.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Ube upside down Halo-Halo (shaved ice Filipino dessert) by Cafe 86
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I admire and support Women Empowerment Inc. and Bluestar Families.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Just be ME.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Scripps Ranch
What I love about my Neighborhood:
We love our peaceful neighborhood and the proximity to almost anything, food, beach, parks, etc.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
An ideal San Diego weekend is going out with my family to the beach or hiking with groups of people and meeting new friends.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
LOVE
