About Katie Sampayo
Life Redesigner Coach | Elite Strategist for Entrepreneurs and High Achievers | Transformational Retreat Leader | #1 Bestselling Author
Hi, I’m Katie!
I don’t just coach a thriving life—I live it. Since 2018, I’ve been fully nomadic, chasing the waves, the slopes, and the kind of freedom most people only dream about. From surfing in Costa Rica to backcountry snowboarding in Utah, I’ve built a life completely on my terms, all while scaling a thriving business and smashing new milestones every single year.
What makes me different? I don’t believe in cookie-cutter coaching. My journey proves that it’s possible to design a life where you don’t have to choose between success and living fully. I’ve made it my mission to help entrepreneurs and high achievers do the same: create lives and businesses that light them up, all without sacrificing the things that matter most (aka having fun).
Whether you’re diving into your vision through my Life Redesign Program, connecting with driven women in my Elevate Mastermind, or experiencing transformation on one of my retreats, my approach combines strategy, self-discovery, and a whole lot of realness. Because thriving isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mold—it’s about building a life that’s as unique and extraordinary as you are.
My Journey
2013
The Start of Something Big
- Was one of eight graduating seniors at Towson University accepted into an exclusive business competition called The Associate (think The Apprentice but for college). This pushed me out of my comfort zone and onto a stage for the first time.
- Graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
- Planned my first big trip outside the U.S., backpacking through seven European countries in just over a month. This trip sparked my love for travel and transformation.
- Started my corporate career at Mariner Finance in the marketing department.
2013
2014
Breakup, Yoga, and Big Beginnings
- After a brutal breakup, I discovered yoga through a 30-day challenge. It became my lifeline and sparked my personal growth journey.
- Earned my barre certification and started teaching fitness classes after work, pursuing my passion for health and wellness
- Launched my first blog and website, katiesampayo.com, to share my journey and inspire others.
2014
2015
Building Wellness and Taking the Leap
- While working at Mariner Finance, I launched a corporate wellness program, teaching fitness classes to employees after hours.
- On December 8, 2015, I earned my personal training certification and officially left the corporate world to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I launched the Live to Thrive brand and began my journey as a personal trainer and wellness expert.
2015
2016
First Lead Magnet, Big Projects, and Solo Adventures
- Released my first lead magnet, Snacking 101: The Ultimate Snack Guide for the Non-Cook, featuring 25 quick and healthy snacks.
- *Started writing my #1 bestselling cookbook, Eat to Thrive: The Anti-Diet Cookbook.
- Built my personal training business to double my corporate salary, proving that taking the leap was the right decision.
- Launched the Bootcamp & Brunch program, creating a fitness and wellness movement in Baltimore City that grew into a thriving community.
- Earned my 200-hour Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga certification during my first solo trip, which was to Bali—a vision board goal that came true in
November 2016. - Ended the year with a month of solo travel through Thailand, exploring, scuba diving, and stepping far outside my comfort zone. This adventure solidified my vision of creating a life of freedom, travel, and impact.
2016
2017
Breakthrough Year
- Published my #1 bestselling book, Eat to Thrive: The
Anti-Diet Cookbook, with a sold-out launch event of
100+ guests and 10 sponsors. - Featured in Inc. Magazine, the cover of Baltimore
Style Magazine, and on every major Baltimore
news station. - Launched the weekly “Live to Thrive” Facebook
series, interviewing top wellness and health experts. - Stayed single for the entire year for the first time in
my adult life, choosing to focus solely on personal
growth and self-discovery. This was a pivotal year of
transformation and reflection.
2017
2018
Going Global
- Broke my ankle while skateboarding, a challenging
start to the year that taught me resilience
and patience. - Hosted a sold-out Going Away Party in Baltimore with
100 guests, raising $1,000 for a local charity that
provides healthy, organic food to the homeless. - Decided to leave the U.S. to recalibrate my life and
explore what was next. I landed in Costa Rica with a
suitcase and a dream of filming a Netflix show, but
life had bigger plans. - Launched Thrive Retreats by hosting my first
international retreat in Costa Rica, combining yoga,
adventure, and community.
2018
2019
A Year of Expansion and Epic Adventures
- Led retreats in Peru, Colorado, and Spain, building
my retreat company to six figures. - Checked off bucket-list adventures like hiking Machu
Picchu and exploring the Peruvian jungle, all while
navigating unexpected challenges like food
poisoning and tarantulas
2019
2020
Pivoting with Purpose
- Adapted to the pandemic by creating Thrive
Coaching and pivoting to virtual events, including my
first online summit with over 900 attendees. - Started building out my one-on-one coaching
practice, working with my first-ever coaching clients
and laying the foundation for what would become my
signature programs. - Hosted two sold-out retreats in Utah and Sedona,
exploring domestic locations for the first time. - Invested in multiple high-ticket coaching programs to
get clear on my next move after most of my retreats
were shut down at the beginning of the year. Despite
having no income coming in, I made the bold decision
to invest over $25,000 into coaching—the most I had
ever invested in myself—to rebuild and expand my
vision for the future. - Achieved my first six-figure year in coaching, a
milestone that set the stage for even bigger growth.
2020
2021
Scaling and Stretching Beyond Limits
- Launched the Life Redesign Group Coaching
Program, a six-month program helping high
achievers realign their goals. - Continued to expand my retreat business, hosting
retreats in Utah, Sedona, Charleston, South Carolina,
Costa Rica, and Greece. - Achieved $240,000 in revenue across coaching and
retreats, more than doubling the previous
year’s income.
2021
2022
Laying the Foundation and Expanding Retreats
- Hosted back-to-back retreats in Costa Rica, Greece,
Sedona, and Utah, totaling five retreats for the year. - Pushed through personal challenges, using surfing
big waves in El Salvador and learning wing foiling in
La Ventana, Mexico, as ways to channel resilience. - Took my coaching business to the next level, earning
approximately $375,000 in combined sales from
coaching programs and retreats.
2022
2023
Big Investments and Big Rewards
- Joined a $60,000 high-level mastermind, marking a
major turning point in my personal and
professional growth. - Finally launched my long-awaited Bali retreat, a full-
circle moment after earning my yoga certification
there years earlier. - Led a client-only retreat in Costa Rica, building
retreats into the Life Redesign Costa Rica program. - Achieved $750,000 in revenue, solidifying 2023 as my
biggest year yet.
2023
2024
Building a Legacy
- Expanded my team to include coaches, project
managers, and support staff, creating the
infrastructure for long-term growth. - Rebranded and expanded the Life Redesign Program
into a year-long program with built-in retreats. - Hosted four retreats across Costa Rica and Mexico,
including a VIP client experience. - Competed in my first all-women’s surf competition in
Mexico, a major personal milestone. - Ended the year by stepping on stage for the first time
to deliver a live talk to 85+ entrepreneurs, conquering
my fear of public speaking.
2024
Fun & Personal Favorites
A few things you might not know about me…
Favorite Place I’ve Surfed
San Jose, Baja California, Mexico
Life Motto
If it’s not a f*ck yes, it’s a no.
Dream Adventure
Surfing in Mentawai (off a boat!) or snowboarding in Japan’s epic powder
Hidden Passion
Singing karaoke (what started as a way to project my voice has turned into a favorite way to let loose)
Go-To Workout
Surfing, snowboarding, or wing foiling—anything outdoors that challenges me and connects me with nature
New Love
Salsa dancing and feeling free on the dance floor—a huge shift from the self-conscious girl I used to be
Want to See What’s Next?
I’m always chasing the next adventure, whether it’s riding waves, hosting retreats, or helping entrepreneurs like you design lives they love. Follow along on Instagram and other social channels to catch my latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and epic adventures!
Real Transformations
from Real People
Here’s what some of my incredible clients have said about working with me.
Ready to Start Your Transformation?
Wherever you are in your journey, I have something for you
Life ReDesign
Life ReDesign
A year-long coaching experience to align your life and business.
Elevate Mastermind
Elevate Mastermind
A high-level mastermind for driven women to elevate every area of life.
Transformational Retreats
Transformational Retreats
Transformational retreats designed to recharge, realign, and elevate your life.
