Colchester Business Hosts Inaugural Women’s Empowerment Retreat

Sara Heard’s Path from Education to Empowerment

At 54, Sara Heard’s life story reflects a non-linear journey. Originally from Leeds, she relocated to Colchester 11 years ago and made it her home.

Much of her time was devoted to home-schooling her son. Over the years, she explored various roles—managing a supper club, operating a festival business, and hosting through Airbnb.

Sara Heard (Image: Public) However, the onset of the pandemic turned her world upside down.

“I lost all my businesses overnight,” she explained. “Everything I did was in hospitality, all people-facing. I had to stop and ask myself, ‘What now?’”

This reflection redirected her focus to a core passion: assisting others in transforming their lives.

On Saturday, March 8, aligning with International Women’s Day, Sara plans to channel this passion into the ‘Awaken Your Power’ retreat at the Tree Room in Colchester.

The retreat aims to empower women by helping them regain self-confidence, clarity, and leadership skills through immersive experiences and expert-led workshops.

Sara in her ‘dojo’ – her garden haven where she works (Image: Public) Sara’s career path to life coaching has been multifaceted.

Initially training in play therapy, she served in children’s services for nearly twenty years, eventually leaving due to her dissatisfaction with a system that prioritized bureaucratic agendas over true personal growth.

“I felt like I lost myself,” she remarked, realizing during the pandemic what genuinely brought her happiness.

She began connecting with individuals as a mindful gardener, transforming gardens and, simultaneously, lives.

Her foray into nutrition eventually highlighted a deeper truth: “it’s not what you put in your mouth that’s the issue—it’s what’s in your mind.”

This revelation prompted her to pursue training as a life coach dedicated to aiding individuals in reframing their mindsets to unlock their potential.

At the core of Blue Conker Coaching, the enterprise Sara founded, is this philosophy of empowering women to embark on their personal journeys.

“The name isn’t about me,” she stated. “It’s about creating a vessel for women to reclaim their winning mentality. The word ‘conker’ derives from ‘conquer’—which deeply resonates with me.”

The forthcoming ‘Awaken Your Power’ retreat upholds this transformative spirit, featuring talks from hypnotherapist Anne Thornton-Patterson, energy healer Trevor Hamlett, and Sara herself. The event aims to explore neuroscience, psychology, and holistic coaching for overcoming limiting beliefs.

“I’m all about breaking chains,” Sara noted. “There are patterns that keep us stuck—we need to observe them and then change them.”

Attendees can look forward to guided hypnosis, immersive audio meditations, and group coaching within a nurturing environment.

“This retreat isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about real, lasting transformation,” she expressed.

Sara anticipates at least 20 participants, certain that those present will undergo significant personal change.

She added, “What I’m doing now makes me feel at home in my purpose. I’ve never felt so sure of what I’m meant to do. Things feel so aligned for me, and I want to support other women in finding that same alignment.”

Tickets are scarce, with early bird options available for $99 (regular price $125).