For over two decades, Paula Caracappa, founder of the Awaken Wellness Fair, has been a transformative force in the wellness community. Her work is grounded in a deep, unwavering belief that healing and growth are within each individual’s power—and it is her mission to create a space where these possibilities can thrive.

Caracappa’s journey started long before the Awaken Wellness Fair became the respected, highly anticipated event it is today. A former human resources director with a passion for holistic healing, Caracappa stepped into the wellness world with the heart of a healer. As a polarity practitioner, meditation facilitator, EFT teacher, and Reiki master teacher, she intimately understands the challenges that holistic practitioners face when trying to make their work known. It’s this unique perspective that fuels the Awaken Wellness Fair, which began in 2002 with a small gathering of 42 healers in a White Plains medical office building. The interest was electric, the energy palpable, and from that first gathering, Caracappa knew she was onto something special.

“What started as a simple idea—a day of connection, healing, and shared wisdom—quickly blossomed into something far greater,” she recalls. Originally conceived as “Goddess Day,” the event became a sacred space where practitioners could exchange modalities, offer insights, and uplift one another in a spirit of unity. “It was a day filled with inspiration, where conversations flowed effortlessly, and an undeniable sense of possibility filled the air,” affirms Caracappa, who changed the name of the event to Awaken Wellness Fair a few years later, after receiving inquiries from men who also wanted to be involved.

Little did Caracappa know, this intimate gathering was more than just a one-time event—it was the spark that would ignite something much bigger. The seed for the Awaken Wellness Fair had been planted, and from that moment on, it grew with purpose. Year after year, the event expanded, with at least two, but sometimes up to five, events per year. It gathered more seekers, healers, and visionaries, transforming into a beloved hub for holistic wellness throughout the tri-state area.

Today, the Awaken Wellness Fair stands as a guiding light, drawing hundreds of attendees eager to explore new pathways to healing, personal growth, and a deeper connection to mind, body, and spirit. From its early, cozy days in The Oaks, a historic mansion in New Rochelle, to a brief stint at a White Plains convent, Caracappa’s drive to create a space for healing, connection, and growth never wavered.

This spring, the Awaken Wellness Fair returns to the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, where it continues to offer a vibrant platform for over 100 exhibitors, healers, and speakers dedicated to helping individuals live fuller, healthier lives. “Today, more than ever before, more people are looking for non-traditional ways to get and stay healthy,” explains Caracappa. “Our speakers, vendors, and presenters offer products and services that help people live a natural, healthy lifestyle.”

Caracappa’s vision is clear: to provide wellness seekers with the tools and resources they need to reach their fullest potential—be it through physical health, mental clarity, or spiritual growth. She describes the fair as an “impactful experience” where vendors and attendees connect, share, and grow, and according to Caracappa, it’s this community spirit that sets the event apart from others. “I love the people I work with,” she shares. “Some of my exhibitors have been with me for over a decade, and it’s so rewarding to witness the connections we’ve all created over the years.”

The Awaken Wellness Fair isn’t just a marketplace—it’s an invitation to explore new ways of thinking, living, and being. With an inspiring mix of spiritual healers, intuitive readers, and wellness advocates, the fair offers something for everyone, from those just beginning their journey of self-discovery to seasoned practitioners looking for deeper insights. This spring’s fair on March 30 will feature new exhibitors like Baltic Ambers Art, which offers unique amber jewelry from the Baltic Sea, and Rock Your Energy, a company blending quantum physics, frequencies, and technology for wellness optimization. With its rich variety of exhibitors, the Awaken Wellness Fair is the perfect place for anyone looking to deepen their connection to their well-being, all while supporting the incredible, diverse voices that make up the local wellness community.

Caracappa’s commitment to this vision remains steadfast, and as she puts it, “Our goal is to inspire individuals to live with compassion, purpose, and a sense of joy, helping them navigate the challenges of life with tools that are as unique and limitless as each person.”

For more information, call 914-422-1784, email [email protected] or visit AwakenFair.com. 

Erin Lehn is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.