Episode 53: Sara Ottley - You can do whatever you put your mind to

n this episode of the Meet Your Inspiration Podcast, Rich and Meri sit down with Sara Ottley, founder of Camper Van Retreats UK, who shares her extraordinary journey from adventurous bartender in Crete to pioneering firefighter to wellness entrepreneur. Sara's story begins with a one-way ticket to Greece at 19, where what was meant to be one summer turned into a decade of running a successful themed bar. Her return to the UK led her to break barriers as one of only 22 women among over 1000 men in the Liverpool Fire Brigade, an experience that forged her resilience and determination.The conversation explores Sara's transition from public service to entrepreneurship; building Burn It Fitness in London while juggling motherhood and eventually making the brave decision to prioritise family and wellbeing. Her lifelong love of campervans sparked her latest venture - creating unique women-only retreats that combine yoga, sound baths, and community in beautiful private locations across the UK. Sara opens up about her recent breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, sharing how the support of the Stronger Together charity helped save her business and how the experience transformed her perspective on life's precious everyday moments.• Sara's spontaneous move to Crete at 19 led to 10 years of entrepreneurial success abroad• Breaking gender barriers in the fire service taught invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptation• The decision to sell half her fitness business freed her to pursue balance and family• Camper Van Retreats arose from recognising an unmet need for safe, women-only adventure spaces• Private venues and intimate groups create transformative experiences for diverse women• Cancer diagnosis reframed priorities and highlighted the lack of support for self-employed people• The power of community and charity support enabled business survival during treatment• Creating wellness retreats specifically for women navigating recovery and trauma• The importance of routine health checks regardless of genetic markers• Finding beauty in authenticity and strength through vulnerabilityTo contact Sara:https://www.campervanretreats.co.uk/Campervan Retreats are hosted in unique locations around the UK and include a wide variety of activities to nurture the body, mind and soul. ​​All Women are welcome from solo travellers, mums seeking a break, professionals in need of a recharge or retirees with a sense of adventure and wonder lust. You can come along on your own or with a friend and share new experiences, find space to breathe, learn new skills and let go of any stresses or worries. ​​To book:https://www.campervanretreats.co.uk/retreatsOur podcast sponsors:https://www.hempsteadhouse.co.uk/https://whatsoninkent.com/https://theitrustapp.com/Big shout out to https://www.strongertogetherthroughcancer.org/our-angels for all their inredible work and help!If you like what we are doing and would like to support us please buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/MeetYourInspirationIf you would like to sponsor an episode or a season please contact us!And very important reminder - Please check your breast!#CamperVanRetreats, #WomenEmpowerment, #VanLifeAdventures, #WellnessJourney, #BreastCancerWarrior, #EntrepreneurialSpirit, #YogaRetreat, #WomenSupportingWomen, #ResilienceInBusiness, #InspirationalWomen