Hidden Gems: Meet Dana (Cara-Mel) Holmes of Manifest Now Coaching, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana (Cara-Mel) Holmes

Hi Dana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
On the wellness side, I go by Coach D, and I’ve been a dedicated trainer since 2005, helping individuals achieve better health and well-being. With over 20 years of experience in fitness, I’ve had the honor of working with people of all ages worldwide, including my oldest participant—a 90-year-old in my very first Senior Boot Camp class in the early 2000s. She amazed us all by doing wall push-ups with ease by the end of the program!

While I work with both the general population and senior citizens, my focus shifted after my second battle with breast cancer. I now specialize in breast cancer wellness, alongside my deep knowledge of aging health and chronic illness management. My areas of expertise include diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, PCOS, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphedema, cancer recovery, and limited mobility due to surgery or obesity.

What sets me apart is my innovative approach to wellness. I don’t just cater to the general population; I create customized wellness programs for individuals facing unique health challenges—groups that are often overlooked. My patience and understanding allow me to guide people toward better health management and get them back on track.
That’s why I founded Manifest Now Coaching, LLC—a company dedicated to providing wellness programs for both corporate organizations and individuals globally. Whether it’s developing a tailored wellness program for staff at a specific organization or offering live, virtual classes and one-on-one health coaching for that person that feels lost, my team and I are here to support you with just the click of a button no matter an individual’s location.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After an employment injury in late 2023, where a piece of plywood hit my chest, I knew it was time for a change. That event, combined with the return of lymphedema in my left arm due to this injury, made it clear that my chapter at that job needed to end. In November 2023, I left while still recovering, and unfortunately, the injury caused several delays, preventing me from physically pursuing my fitness career to its full capacity at the time due to the need for specialized medical equipment.
Though I’m back in a compression sleeve as we enter 2025, I remain optimistic that just as God healed me post-mastectomy, He will do it again. However, I am a true believer that things happen for a reason as this setback forced me to rethink my business model and find other innovative ways to move forward. That’s when I created the virtual Manifest Fitness Challenge; a wellness program that caters to both the public and corporate sector. I conducted my first fitness trial of this program back in June 2024; where it consisted of only about 10 people. In fact, that first group collectively lost over 109 pounds. Since, progress has been gradual; however the program is now gaining traction; as my most recent corporate clientele consist of over 300+ employees at AWS (a division of Amazon) since the start of February in 2025.

We’ve been impressed with Manifest Now Coaching, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Manifest Now Coaching is not just for the general population, but it is dedicated to offering inclusive, accessible, and empowering fitness solutions for communities worldwide. Our programs stand out because they cater specifically to special populations often underserved in traditional fitness environments.

We offer specialized classes, and live virtual/in-person workshops designed for breast cancer warriors, providing tailored fitness experiences that enhance not only physical well-being but also emotional health and community support. While our classes are open to everyone, they are particularly designed for individuals with physical limitations, such as seniors, those recovering from surgery or illness, and individuals with disabilities.

Classes like Seated Boot Camp and Chair Fuzion enable participants to engage in full-body workouts from a seated position, focusing on building strength, endurance, and flexibility in a safe and supportive environment. Our Tranquility Spill class emphasizes mindfulness, gentle/power movements, and stress relief to support both mental and physical relaxation.

At Manifest, we understand that fitness is more than just physical health—it’s also about mental and emotional well-being, essential components of a balanced and fulfilling life. This is why we offer specialized workshops, a free monthly online cancer support group, and wellness classes, specifically designed to support both men/women breast cancer survivors and warriors. Our programs aim to complement medical treatments while promoting holistic recovery and healing.

All too often, special populations are overlooked in traditional fitness programs, left with limited options. Manifest Now is here to change that. We empower individuals facing challenges like breast cancer, PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, renal disease, lymphedema, and more. With my background as a 2x breast cancer survivor and past lymphedema challenges, our programs will provide the guidance and support needed for those ready to make a lifestyle change. In addition, we provide great programs like one-on-one health coaching, life after divorce as well as develop and implement programs for employees within a corporate wellness setting.

What I would like to be known is that anyone can schedule a FREE 15-minute wellness consultation with me to see how I can assist them on this new journey to better health! It’s time to say “YES” to life!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Many people aren’t aware, but depending on the industry or field you’re building your business in, you can find a mentor through the SCORE program. I wanted to share that valuable nugget of information. Additionally, when it comes to networking, it’s essential to align yourself with like-minded individuals throughout the process to ensure you’re building meaningful and supportive connections.

Pricing:

• Manifest Group Exercise Program-$9.95 monthly
• Covenant Strong Cancer Community-$10.95 monthly
• One-On-One Breast Cancer Wellness Coaching-$39.95 monthly
• One-on-One (6-Week Coach D) Health Coaching (On Sale)-$395.95
• Life After Divorce 60-Day “Re-Invent Me” Program (One Sale)-$495.95

Contact Info:

• Website: https://manifestnowcoaching.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifestnowcoaching
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@manifestnowcoaching
• Other: https://manifestnowcoaching.com/contact-us