A Tale Of Perseverance, Transformation, And Empowerment – Exclusive Interview With Gabriela Barclay
- Dec 27, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 28, 2023
Gabriela's story is one of perseverance, transformation, and hope. She started working in the casinos 25 years ago and quickly rose to a management position in Egypt, making her one of the first women to do so. Her unhappy marriage led her to leave with very few possessions and no money, which left her feeling depressed and unworthy. She survived her story, learned to transform herself and be in her power. Now, as a mother, holistic coach, and casino manager, Gabriela is passionate about empowering women to heal, thrive, stand in their power, see their awesomeness, embrace their authenticity and reclaim their magnificence, embodying her values of kindness, integrity, respect, love, trust, and spirituality.
Gabriela Barclay, Holistic Coach
Tell us about yourself. What was your journey, and how did it shape your approach to helping women on their transformational path?
My name is Gabriela, and I am a mother to a remarkable 12-year-old boy. My journey from Romania to Ireland taught me a lot about myself, and I discovered my incredible powers of resilience, self-discovery, self-love, courage, and capacity to redefine myself. With a background in psychology and extensive 25-year experience in casino operations, customer service, and management, I have dedicated myself to delivering exceptional service levels and helping people achieve their goals. I have honed my skills through experiences in Romania, Egypt, cruise ships, the UK, and Ireland.
Despite various challenges, I have learned to overcome obstacles and embrace change. Although leaving an unhealthy relationship was a difficult decision, it marked the beginning of a profound transformation in my life. I sought ways to heal and grow, which ultimately led me to dedicate myself to empowering and supporting women on their transformation journey. I help them rediscover themselves authentically, reclaim their power, find their voice, define their purpose, and see their magnificence. Every woman has the potential to grow into the truth of who she is, recognise her awesomeness and uniqueness, and embrace her authentic self. My journey has taught me that we all have the power within ourselves to overcome obstacles, embrace change, step into our power, and become the best version of ourselves.
I have witnessed amazing transformations in the women I work with and feel inspired and motivated by their stories.
What is your business? What does Evolve represent?
Evolve Holistic Coaching empowers women to rediscover themselves, reclaim power, find their voice, define purpose, recognise magnificence, and embark on a heroic journey of self-discovery with courage.
The EVOLVE acronym represents a holistic approach to personal growth and transformation.
The holistic meaning of EVOLVE promotes a balanced approach to personal growth.
It emphasises the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and the importance of self-care, mindset, and personal empowerment.
From a spiritual approach, the EVOLVE acronym inspires people to embark on a transformative journey towards spiritual growth and connect with the divine essence within and around them.
It highlights the importance of love, unity, and alignment with higher vibrations for personal and collective spiritual evolution.
What inspired you to embark on the journey of building your holistic coaching business?
My journey towards starting a holistic coaching business began with profound personal transformation and self-discovery. As I delved into the depths of my being and sought to understand who I truly was, I saw life in a different light. I realised that my external identity did not define me, and I needed to find my true self and embrace it fully. Finally, I trusted myself to reinvent myself.
A new phase of healing and growth began. I was determined to be courageous and believe in myself. I saw setbacks as opportunities, found my voice, reclaimed my power, and recognised my potential. Believing in my process helped me overcome challenges and see my greatness. Integrating the principles of holistic coaching into my own life ignited a profound transformation, empowering me to grow, evolve, and savour every aspect of life. With an unwavering belief in the power of personal growth, I felt called to share this gift with others.
Today, as a holistic coach, I am fully dedicated to guiding and supporting women on their transformative journeys. Together, we embark on an adventure of self-discovery, unlocking the fullness of life's potential and embracing the magic within each of us. My holistic coaching business is a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation for those beginning their soul-stirring, heroic journey.
What sets holistic coaching apart from other coaching methods?
Holistic coaching is a unique and powerful approach to personal growth, self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation.
Holistic coaching considers the person's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects – the whole person. It recognises that all these dimensions are interconnected and influence each other. It emphasises the importance of integrating these dimensions to create well-being and balance. It empowers us to unlock our full potential by addressing each level of our well-being.
By embracing the interconnectedness of our inner and outer worlds, we can experience increased energy and mental clarity, reduced stress, and a profound sense of well-being. This comprehensive approach to personal growth and self-discovery helps us break free from limiting beliefs and patterns to tap into our innate power and achieve our goals.
Holistic coaching provides a safe, healing, non-judgmental, and sacred space for transformative experiences. It helps us develop deeper self-awareness and empowerment, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. By recognising the interconnectedness of our well-being, we can create meaningful and fulfilling lives, realise our full potential, see our awesomeness, and become the best versions of ourselves.
What fills your heart with the most incredible sense of fulfillment in your coaching career?
The most rewarding aspect of my coaching career is the opportunity to witness the transformative journey of women. I am privileged to support them in rediscovering their true selves and recognising their magnificence, uniqueness, and awesomeness. Witnessing soul-nourishing experiences and seeing women embrace their power and heal is truly fulfilling. Seeing their growth and the positive impact on their lives brings a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose to my coaching career. It is a privilege to be part of their journeys and contribute to their happiness, empowerment, and overall well-being.
You mentioned earlier that you wanted to reclaim your power and discover who you are. Which questions do you find inspiring for self-discovery and personal growth?
"Who am I?" This question that ignites deep reflection and introspection, inviting us to explore the depths of our existence and know more about the core of our being.
"How can I evolve into a higher way of being?" This question helps us elevate our mindset, behaviours, and actions, empowering us to reach our fullest potential and live fulfilling lives.
"Who do I choose to be?" This question helps us transform ourselves and shape our identities, enabling us to become who we truly desire to be.
"What does my heart say?" This question encourages us to connect with our intuition and inner wisdom, enabling us to make decisions and choices that align with our authentic selves.
By embracing these powerful coaching questions, we can achieve self-discovery and personal growth, aligning our actions with our true essence.
These are very powerful questions! Thank you for sharing them.
What is your work inspired by?
The profound privilege I experience in seeing women heal and embrace their power inspires my work as a holistic coach. I find it truly awe-inspiring to be a part of their journey as they uncover layers of their true selves and recognise the magnificence, uniqueness, and awesomeness that resides within them. Witnessing the transformation of women who have struggled, doubted themselves, and felt disconnected from their potential is a humbling experience. Every step they take towards healing, self-discovery, and self-love fuels my passion to guide them towards holistic well-being and empowerment. It is a profound honour to play a role in their growth and witness their limitless potential unleashed.
Considering your remarkable journey, what would you say to people facing challenging times, seeking personal growth, and striving to transform their lives?
The most important advice is always to be true to yourself, dream big, and never doubt your awesomeness and magnificence. Stand in your power, be courageous in embracing change, and embark on a transformational journey of self-discovery to unlock your potential. Listen to your heart and discover what is essential, truthful, and meaningful. Believe in the magic and beauty within yourself and fully embrace your greatness. Don't be afraid to stand out; be seen and heard with the confidence of knowing who you truly are! You've got this!
Thank you, Gabriela, for this interview. How can people connect with you?
