I’m a proud veteran wife, mom of two growing boys, an independent meeting planner and a business owner.
Combining two decades of marketing experience in global prestige brands and hospitality industry as well as my passion for yoga, I founded Happy M.E. LLC, a marketing & events company in 2022, and launched my wellness platform www.HappyME.yoga that same year.
At Happy ME, we’re passionate about curating experiential events, from invigorating one-hour yoga and wellness workshops to transformative multi-day retreats in stunning destinations, we specialize in curating tailored experiences that foster positive team culture and promote work-life harmony. Our approach involves collaborating with vetted wellness experts from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to deliver engaging events and transformative workshops.
As the retreat curator at HappyME.yoga, my mission is to support like-minded women in their holistic approach to well-being and create a vibrant community connecting teachers and students. I’m passionate about curating the ultimate self-care holiday where vacation meets transformation in beautiful destinations. I design, coordinate, and co-lead transformative wellness retreats across diverse global destinations, including San Diego, Bali, Indonesia, the Philippines, Egypt, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, and Greece. Additionally, I provide expert consulting services to established coaches, helping them develop 90-day launch plans for their own retreats. Through strategic partnerships with industry specialists, I assist in bringing unique retreat concepts to fruition.
My passion for wellness 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. Today, I teach at events and collaborate with brands to bring wellness to their customers and employees as well.
In addition, I enjoy volunteering in my community through my university alumni nonprofit, UPAA San Diego where I lead the scholarship committee. I also lead the community and philanthropy outreach at International Association of Women or IAW San Diego Chapter. We partner with local nonprofit organizations and help in spreading awareness on their cause within our vast network.
Relocating from Manila to San Diego at the age of 29, I’ve been privileged and grateful to build a career that I love and take care of my family. Having lived in this vibrant city for 13 years now, I look forward to more decades of contributing to the community and living the California dream.
About Kellie
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Leveraging extensive hands-on experience in marketing for global companies and boutique creative agencies, I have successfully orchestrated product launches, press events, and multi-channel brand campaigns. After transitioning from corporate roles, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, leveraging my extensive corporate experience to become an independent consultant. My focus lies in assisting clients with various aspects of their business, including marketing strategy, project management, digital marketing, social media, influencer marketing, and paid advertising. For more than a decade, I’ve worked as an independent meeting planner in collaboration with HelmsBriscoe, the world’s largest meeting procurement company. My expertise lies in securing top-tier hotel venues for clients, all without any additional cost. From meticulous venue research to skillful negotiation, I ensure the best overall value for group meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions—commonly known as MICE in the events industry. This strategic partnership allows my clients to shine like rock stars within their organizations, securing optimal venues while saving valuable time and resources. The lightbulb moment came when I realized 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, where I curate virtual retreats during the pandemic. Along this journey, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with incredible like-minded individuals who have become pillars of support in both my wellness and entrepreneurial endeavors. Everything seems to align effortlessly, with new opportunities unfolding one after another—including the chance for this interview. What I love most is collaborating with diverse wellness experts to champion holistic well-being in the community and in the workplace. My wellness partners include doctors, coaches, therapists, healers, teachers, best selling authors and speakers, each bringing a diverse background and unique programs for our clients at Happy ME. The Hera Hub community, a female co-working space, has been instrumental in connecting me with like-minded entrepreneurial women here in San Diego. Being an ambassador of this vibrant community of female leaders and business owners has been powerful. The support from my family, wellness partners and fellow yogis at my yoga school Yogamu, have 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 achieve 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 and cheer you along the way. Your people. Cultivating a strong, supportive community is pivotal for success. And above all, prioritize your wellness. Nourish every aspect of yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—so you can be your best version and serve others
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Looking ahead, five years from now, I see myself leading more wellness and corporate retreats and promoting a healthier and stress-free environment in the workplace in collaboration with other wellness experts 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. Ultimately, my goal is to guide empowered women towards a state of holistic health and happiness. This mission – my ‘WHY’ – drives everything we do at happyME.yoga, and I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead and the positive ripples it will create in the homes, workplaces, businesses and the community.
Kellie & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My growing boys love to go to Panera and Olive Garden when we eat out. 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?
I’ve lived in Scripps Ranch for three years and four years in Rancho Penasquitos.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Felena Hanson, founder of Hera Hub.
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 tea 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 also love to meet Marianne Williamson in person as I admire her writings and teachings from The Course. I would take them to Cafe 86 in Mira Mesa because their Ube halo-halo is amazing!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I like period pieces or historical file as well as light rom-com…Among my favorites are 300 and Gladiator for films. For TV shows it would be Game of Thrones and Emily and Paris.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My friends here don’t know that I did a hair show for L’Oreal Paris. 2002 Hugo Ratzel. It was just for fun while attending the university.
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 boys, Troy and Drake.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I support my university alumni, UPAA-SD where we give scholarships to needy students in the Philippines as well as high school and college students in San Diego.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Love yourself. Respect others.
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 strolling with family at Seaport village, going 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?
Home is where love and generosity begin.
