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Quiet rooms, patient questions, real people
We are a small coaching studio in Berlin Mitte. Our work is rooted in long conversations, ongoing study and a genuine love for the simple act of sharing a meal.
Built from years of listening
The studio was founded by Marlene Hawthorne after a decade of group facilitation and one-to-one coaching. The pattern she kept seeing was familiar: people were busy, distracted at the table and quietly tired of food rules.
Strainyoung began as a small Saturday workshop in a borrowed kitchen. Today it is a calm, well-lit studio where two coaches meet clients individually and in pairs, in three languages, throughout the year.
We are independent, not affiliated with any meal-plan brand, and our advice is informed by ongoing professional training and supervision.
Two coaches, one shared way of working
Marlene Hawthorne — Founder & Lead Coach
Marlene has coached individuals and small groups since 2014. She holds an advanced certificate in coaching practice and continues training in mindfulness-based facilitation each year.
Devin Calloway — Coach & Programme Designer
Devin designs the weekly practices and journaling prompts used across our programmes. His background combines hospitality, group facilitation and behavioural coaching.
How the studio grew
First Saturday workshops hosted in a community kitchen in Kreuzberg.
Move to the current quiet studio on Brunnenstraße and launch of the six-week cycle.
Online coaching opens for clients across Europe and the Americas.
Two coaches, three languages, and an active community of around two hundred current clients.