Meet Marivel Sotelo | The People’s Coach ( you can decide )

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marivel Sotelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marivel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success, and the success of my brand, has always been putting people’s feelings first. I don’t care how tired I may be, if someone has paid me for a service, it’s my duty to serve them at the highest level.

That mindset is what built my credit repair company from scratch, inspired the creation of my credit repair academy, and shaped my work as a coach. I’ve never wanted to blend into the massive majority. I strive every single day to be in the 1% of my industry. That commitment to excellence, and to genuinely caring for the people I serve, is what has set me apart.

What should our readers know about your business?
I built my business completely from scratch , no handouts, no shortcuts. What sets me apart is simple from my perspective, I put people first. In an industry where many coaches or credit repair companies focus on the money, I’ve always focused on the person. When someone invests in me, I take that seriously. I don’t care how tired I am, they paid me for a service, and I will show up. That’s what makes me proud, knowing I’ve built a reputation for service and results.

This dedication paid off in 2023 when Yahoo featured my business being a leader in the triad which consists of 4 cities to as the number one service provider. In 2025 My business was recognized by Business Rater as #1 in Western North Carolina.

Has it hasn’t been easy? No, I was a heroin addict and heavy alcoholic. I had 4 kids before the age of 21 and slept at a park with my kids. I invested over $180,000 in mentorships that failed me before I created my own system. Most people would’ve quit, but those setbacks became my fuel. They taught me what not to do and gave me the clarity to build something real, something that actually serves people. Out of those lessons, I created not only a credit repair company, but also a Credit Repair coaching platform that helps others create financial freedom while building their own businesses.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is Success is not about avoiding failure, it’s about refusing to quit when you fail. Every obstacle I faced became a building block.

What I want the world to know about my brand is, I’m not here to be part of the massive majority. I’m here to set the standard, to lead as the 1%, and to show others that they can rise too. My story is proof that you can start from nothing, serve people with integrity, and build something powerful that changes lives

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best mix of food, culture, fun, and relaxation.

We’d enjoy great restaurants, (and by great I mean DELICIOUS FOOD), explore local hidden places, soak up some adventure outdoors, and end the trip with moments of peace like a spa day or sunset views.

For me, the best trips aren’t just about places, they’re about creating memories and laughter that last long after the week is over. Plus not to mention my Best friend has been my best friend since we were 4! She has been through my bad, my worst, and definitely deserves my best!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes first to my clients and students, the people who trusted me when I was just getting started. Their faith in me pushed me to keep learning, growing, and showing up no matter how tired I was. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the chance to prove that I could build something from scratch and turn it into a massive empire that was just a dream once upon a time.

I also want to recognize the mentors I had along the way, even the ones who let me down or overcharged me. Spending over $180,000 on mentorship that didn’t deliver could’ve broken me, but instead it shaped me into the coach I am today. It taught me exactly what NOT to do and fueled my promise to always put people’s feelings and success first.

And last but not least, I owe credit to my family and loved ones, Mainly my children who encouraged me to keep going when things got heavy. Their love and belief kept me focused on the bigger picture: serving people, raising the standard in this industry, and proving that you can rise from nothing and still become the 1%.

Website: https://www.blacksheepeducation.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marivelmia_sotelo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marivel.sotelo.2025

Image Credits
Daniel Rosen