In this episode of Creating the World's Best Client Experiences, Alison dives deep into the world of intentional wellness with Zoa Conner, the owner of Intentional Vitality Retreats and a brick-and-mortar studio on the East Coast.
Zoa begins by sharing her fascinating journey from ballet dancer to physicist, and eventually to a holistic health practitioner. This diverse background allows her to approach wellness from both a scientific and intuitive angle. She highlights her desire to empower women to reclaim their vitality, blending personal experiences with a solid foundation in science.
Alison and Zoa explore the concept of crafting retreat experiences that go beyond mere relaxation; they're about real, meaningful change. Zoa articulates how each retreat is curated to maximize the vibrancy, nourishment, and healing of participants by offering unique environments suited to their needs and desires. By utilizing different perspectives in the wellness field—such as Ayurveda and functional wellness—she teaches individuals to understand their bodies deeply and implement actionable changes in their lifestyles.
Throughout their discussion, they unpack the common pitfalls that many clients face, including the reliance on quick fixes that provide temporary relief without addressing the root causes. Zoa emphasizes that true wellness requires patience, understanding, and a personalized roadmap—akin to using a GPS to navigate one's health journey.
Zoa’s approach incorporates a blend of self-care, education, and practical strategies that empower individuals to draw from their experiences and knowledge. Alison and Zoa also tackle common misconceptions surrounding wellness routines, shedding light on the importance of prioritizing self-care and the necessity for ongoing support beyond the retreat experience.
Towards the end of their conversation, they discuss the transformative power of retreats—and the importance of not returning to old habits after such life-altering experiences. Zoa stresses the need for a sustainable integration of new practices into daily life, encouraging clients to continuously nurture their well-being rather than seeing retreats as a one-off escape from reality.
