Ms. Sharon 615
Maria Longo
Certified Health & Life Coach
About Maria
Maria Longo's journey is a vibrant patchwork of passion, perseverance, and personal growth, interwoven with threads of culinary expertise and holistic well-being. From her earliest memories of cooking alongside her grandpa to crafting recipes as a teenager, Maria's love for food was unmistakable. Yet, beneath her culinary adventures lay a hidden struggle—a learning disability that often left her doubting herself and questioning her worth.
Undeterred by this challenge, Maria embraced her passion for cooking and enrolled in a renowned culinary arts program during high school. Despite the obstacles she faced, she excelled in the kitchen, earning scholarships through the esteemed Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) and securing a full scholarship to the New York Restaurant School, where she earned an associate degree in culinary arts and Restaurant Management.
As Maria's career progressed, she recognized the toll the culinary industry could take on one's well-being. At the age of 25, she made a bold decision to transition into a management role at a hospital, becoming a board-certified dietary manager (CDM). This shift awakened a desire within her to promote healthy lifestyles and educate others about nutrition, as she witnessed the prevalence of processed foods and the importance of a balanced diet.
Seeking to deepen her understanding of nutrition and wellness, Maria pursued additional education, earning an Associate’s degree of Science in Integrated Nutrition from Huntington University of Health Sciences. Additionally, she obtained a master certificate as a Nutrition and Wellness Coach from Nutritious Life Studio, further enhancing her expertise.
Armed with her newfound knowledge and fortified by her journey of overcoming adversity, Maria founded Start Me Right Health and Wellness. Driven by her passion to empower others to make healthier choices, she embarked on a mission to transform lives through education and support.
Amidst the challenges of the COVID era, Maria faced her greatest trial yet. Working in a hospital during the pandemic tested her mental resilience as she grappled with feelings of depression and fear. However, Maria's unwavering determination shone through as she established the Art Flow Design Studio, using creativity as a tool for healing and self-expression.
As the Art Flow Design Studio evolved, Maria recognized the need for a more comprehensive approach to personal growth and development. Thus, the studio expanded its offerings to include courses in mindset training, personal growth, and development. This expansion marked the birth of Art Flow Mind Body—a place not only for art but also for seekers in search of clarity and community.
At Art Flow Mind Body, you're embarking on a journey towards holistic well-being. Here, we recognize that true wellness extends beyond just the physical aspect – it encompasses the harmony of mind, body, and spirit. If you're seeking guidance on how to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling life, you've come to the right place. We offer a sanctuary where you can explore the transformative power of art, mindfulness, and physical activities. Whether you're looking to relieve stress, enhance creativity, or foster inner peace, our platform provides resources, practices, and inspiration to support your journey.
Throughout her journey, Maria has been committed to bringing awareness to less-spoken areas such as mental health, conservation, human rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights. She actively collaborates with organizations dedicated to these causes and ensures that resources are readily available to support those in need.
Maria Longo's story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, self-discovery, and compassion. She serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that through hard work, resilience, and dedication to making a positive impact, one can overcome obstacles and create a brighter, more nourished world for themselves and others.
Certifications
Huntington University of Health Science
Associate degree in integrated health science
New York Restaurant School / Art Institute of NYC
Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Degree
Nutritious Life Studio
Nutritious Life Master Certified in Nutrition and Wellness Coach
American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)
Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)