New Story

New Story Institute exists to support the growth and evolution of our clients in ways that are practical, expansive, honoring and fun. We support you in achieving “lasting external change through deep internal transformation”.

We help you to get ‘free’, to transform your life + work, and to shine.

“We are all part of creation, all kings, all poets, all musicians; we
have only to open up, only to discover what is already there.”

~ Henry Miller

About Marla Durden

Marla Durden is an entrepreneur, a coach and mystic. She has a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, and an Entrepreneurial Masters from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)/Entrepreneurs’ Organization Birthing of Giants Program.

She was founder and CEO of the award-winning + innovative wellness product company Beso de Luna, Inc. Marla started the company on her kitchen table with $500 and grew it to a $3.5 million enterprise, serving 5000 retailers in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan, in less than 4 years. She was recognized for her achievement as the 1997 recipient of the Seattle Mayor’s Small Business Award.

Marla has 25 years experience in the field of personal growth and development. She holds certifications in Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Coaching, Spiritual Counseling, Firewalk Instruction, Hypnotherapy and Peerspirit Circle/ Art of Hosting facilitation. She has began studying Reiki in 1985 and has been a Reiki Master for 10 yrs. Marla is also a graduate of the Leadership Initiative of the Institute of Creative Development, the Hoffman Quadrinity Process, Insight Transformational Seminars and Waking Down In Mutuality.

Marla spent 15 years in leadership positions for the YWCA of the USA and the World YWCA, headquartered in Geneva Switzerland. She is the first and only woman under 30 years old from the USA, to be nominated to the 17 member internationally diverse World YWCA Executive Committee in its 100 year history. In her role as a member of the Executive Committee Marla traveled the world widely; working on 5 continents; attending UN and other international conferences; and working with and on behalf of women the world over.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Marla is a whole brain thinker who graduated with honors from the High School for Engineering Professions. She moved to Seattle, WA immediately after college where she lived for 16 years. Family responsibilities brought her back to Houston in 2005, where she now lives happily with her little dog, Rico Suave.

When not working, Marla enjoys making jewelry, walking, sci- fi movies, studying wisdom teachings and music.

“Marla Durden is gifted at helping individuals achieve the changes they seek in themselves and in the world. She is a change agent with a spiritual orientation. Marla’s calm and peaceful manner, complemented by her wisdom, experience, and unique set of skills and talents help her clients achieve lasting external change through deep internal transformation.

As my personal coach, Marla has made a significant contribution to my life. Through my work with her, I am moving through a defining moment, deeply connecting with who I am, and discovering my life’s purpose.”
- Kym King

“Marla is one of the most creative entrepreneurs I have met. She thinks outside of the box and is truly innovative in her approach. To be able to think creatively AND strategically is a rare strength that Marla has, and I would highly recommend working with her!”
- Kristen Chadwick, BIOTONE

“I have been deeply impacted by Marla’s coaching practice. She is a consummate professional with the capacity for visionary creativity. She sees deeply into the heart of her clients and produces exceptional work to rave reviews.”

- Rima Bonario, President, Your Wisdom Works

New Story Consulting

1302 Waugh Dr. #684, Houston, TX 77019

(713) 231-3568