Meet Valerie Marston of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Marston.

Hi Valerie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My coaching journey began in 2018, when a colleague in corporate HR who was training to become certified offered to coach me. At the time, I was feeling stuck in my career and unsure how to move forward internally at our company. I eagerly accepted her offer—not realizing just how transformative the experience would be. What started as a way to navigate a job change became a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Through coaching, I reconnected with who I was, what I valued, and the unique contributions I had to offer. I learned how to articulate my goals in ways that created real momentum.

That firsthand experience lit a spark in me. When I later heard about a local program offering an ICF (International Coach Federation) certification, I knew I had to pursue it. I became certified in 2019 and began coaching in the areas of mindset and mindfulness—both of which had been pivotal in my own inner journey and felt like a natural way to support others. I coached both within and outside of my corporate HR role for several years and began noticing a recurring theme: many of my clients wanted to discuss health and wellness challenges. I found myself deeply intrigued by this space. While I had plenty of personal experience to draw from, I wanted to deepen my knowledge and provide more structured support. That led me to pursue a Health Coach certification, which I completed in December 2024 through ACE (American Council on Exercise).

In January, I joined Roundabout Fitness, LLC—a woman-owned small business—as a part-time health and mindset coach. In this role, I not only support clients in achieving their wellness goals, but also lead the planning, creation, and management of our social media content. This opportunity has allowed me to blend creativity with coaching, and I’ve truly enjoyed sharing knowledge and tips that inspire and engage our online community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Looking back, I can now see how every part of my journey prepared me for this work—but in the moment, it didn’t feel that way. For years, I struggled with self-doubt and negative self-talk. Questions like, “Am I good enough?”, “What if I’m not cut out for this?”, and, “How do I prove my worth?” played on repeat. Much of this was rooted in my people-pleasing tendencies and perfectionism, which surfaced especially during difficult health challenges.

My body felt like a trap for a long time. From scoliosis surgery at age 13 that led to years of physical therapy, to an 8-year battle with an eating disorder, to a GI condition that took 2 years and countless doctors to identify, to being diagnosed with anxiety following a traumatic loss, and most recently having hip surgery—each challenge forced me to confront discomfort, pain, and vulnerability. And yet, I wouldn’t trade those experiences. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of letting go of what we can’t control. I’ve learned to connect with my body in a new, more compassionate way—and that mindset shift has been a true gift. It’s one I now aim to share with others through coaching.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Although my career started in a traditional corporate setting, I no longer define myself by that path. What I’m most proud of today is having had the courage to pivot—listening to my heart, doing the inner work, and taking steps toward a career that aligns with my strengths and values.

I specialize in what I call ‘clarity coaching’: helping people dig deep into their habits, values, and goals to better understand who they are and what they want. Together, we create a clear and realistic plan to help them step into that version of themselves. I’m known for helping others make their personal and health goals both attainable and sustainable—so they can live with greater confidence, joy, and peace.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m excited to transition into full-time coaching. I’ve already begun taking concrete steps in that direction and feel energized and hopeful about what lies ahead. Becoming a full-time coach feels like the natural next step—and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vmclaritycoaching.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vm.clarityandwellbeing/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcmarston/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/valerie-marston-clarity-coaching-raleigh-2
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/roundaboutfitness/