Rebuilding Confidence Through Language Learning – Exclusive Interview with Sarah Dessert
- Brainz Magazine
- Jan 12
- 6 min read
I’m a French teacher, coach, and the founder of Sweet French Learning, where I help English-speaking adults rebuild confidence and reconnect with their ability to learn. Over the years, my work has evolved beyond language instruction into a broader reflection on how learning experiences shape self-trust, motivation, and identity. At the core of my mission is a simple truth: everyone can learn when the environment honours who they are. I believe that learning should feel respectful, supportive, and deeply human – not rushed, intimidating, or shame-based. Through my teaching, writing, and long-term vision for training and speaking, my goal is to contribute to more ethical, confidence-first approaches to learning, both for learners and for educators.
Sarah Dessert, Founder, French Instructor, Coach
Who is Sarah Dessert? Introduce yourself, your hobbies, your favourites, you at home and in business – tell us something interesting about you.
I was born and raised in France, and I now live in Canada. For a long time, I felt torn between those two identities, but today I fully embrace them and see them as a strength. My French roots shape my expertise, and my life in Canada has allowed me to grow, expand, and fully step into my potential.
Outside of teaching, dancing is my passion. It’s a powerful way for me to express myself and feel fully alive. I also love singing and creating songs. Watching movies is what I enjoy the most to relax and take a break from everything else.
I’m also a writer, with several books currently in progress in both French and English. Writing has been so fun and watching how my characters evolve or how the story unfolds is always very interesting to me. I’m eager to publish my first book.
At home and in business, I value kindness, integrity, and authenticity. These values guide how I show up in my life, in my work, and in my relationships.
What inspired you to start Sweet French Learning and focus on teaching French to English speakers?
The real turning point for me was watching students give up on French when I could clearly see their potential. Again and again, I realized it wasn’t the language that was the problem – it was everything surrounding it.
Many of my students were carrying discouraging school experiences, shame, or fear that had nothing to do with their ability to learn. Traditional systems weren’t addressing that emotional layer, and adult education often repeated the same patterns.
I couldn’t accept seeing people quit not because they couldn’t learn, but because they weren’t being supported properly. Sweet French Learning was created to change that experience – to offer a space where learners feel respected, capable, and encouraged so the language can actually unlock itself.
What specific challenges do your clients face when learning French – and how do you help them overcome those?
The biggest challenge my clients face is fear – fear of speaking, fear of making mistakes, and fear rooted in past school experiences. Many don’t know where to start, or they restart over and over again without building confidence.
My approach focuses on emotional safety and confidence-building. Instead of comparison or pressure, we focus on progress. We celebrate every step, no matter how small, and we build trust in the learning process.
Once learners feel supported and respected, the fear goes away and real progress becomes possible.
Can you describe your unique approach to teaching French and how it differs from traditional language courses?
What makes my approach different is that I prioritize emotional safety as much as structure. Learning happens best when people feel supported, not judged.
Rather than focusing on perfection, we focus on clarity, repetition, and momentum. Progress is visible and measurable, and confidence grows naturally as learners see themselves succeed.
For those who want more than language instruction, my work also includes a coaching dimension that addresses mindset and self-love – helping learners release long-standing learning insecurities and move forward not only in French, but in all areas of life.
What kind of results or transformations do your clients typically experience?
The most common transformation my clients experience is a deep shift in confidence. Many come to me believing they “can’t learn languages” or feeling afraid to speak, and over time that fear fades. They begin speaking French more freely, trusting themselves, and actually enjoying the process.
Clients often tell me that learning no longer feels overwhelming or intimidating. Lessons feel safe, supportive, and even fun – to the point where some say they forget they’re learning at all. They notice steady progress and they feel motivated rather than pressured.
Beyond the language itself, many rediscover a sense of self-belief. Rebuilding confidence as a learner often impacts other parts of life: work, personal projects, travel, or learning something entirely new. Once someone truly understands that they can learn, that belief doesn’t stay limited to French. It stays with them, changing their inner dialogue forever.
Watching this transformation happen is the greatest reward of all, and exactly why I continue to do this.
How do you support clients who are nervous or afraid to speak French?
I create a clear, structured, and compassionate learning environment where clients know what they are working on and where they are going. Structure reduces anxiety, especially for learners who have had discouraging experiences in the past.
Patience is a key part of my work. I don’t rush people or push them before they’re ready. If a learner feels resistance around a concept or an activity, we pause, adjust, and circle back to it later. Learning is not about forcing progress – it’s about respecting each person’s rhythm and profile.
There is no shaming or humiliation in my classes. Clients are encouraged to try, make mistakes, and ask questions without fear of judgment. This respectful approach allows learners to rebuild trust in themselves and in the learning process.
Who is your ideal client? Who would benefit most from working with you?
My ideal client is someone who has always dreamed of speaking French but feels held back by fear or past school experiences. They may be restarting as an adult or beginning for the first time and want a safe, supportive space to grow.
They value personal growth, want to feel empowered, and are ready to invest in themselves. They’re not just looking for lessons – they’re looking for connection, guidance, and a learning experience that feels meaningful.
This work isn’t for everyone, and that’s intentional. It’s for people who are ready to move forward and believe something better is possible.
What is a common misconception about learning French that you often encounter?
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is: “I’m too old.” There is no such thing as “old” when it comes to learning.
In 2024, I had an 82-year-old student in one of my classes. He started learning French at 71, and he became fluent. Age is never the barrier – mindset is. I always say: “Change your perspective, change your life.”
Another common belief is that French is “too hard”. I sometimes compare learning a language to learning how to drive. You don’t start by driving on the highway. You learn step by step: how the car works, how to steer, when to shift gears. With the right guidance, complexity becomes manageable. Language learning works the same way.
How can someone get started with you?
The first step is to book a Meet & Greet. It’s a video call where we talk about goals, challenges, and the best way to move forward. From there, we choose the most supportive path – whether that’s private lessons, group learning, or my program Learn French & Thrive.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Sweet French Learning?
Moving forward, I want to continue expanding the impact of Learn French & Thrive, especially through small group formats that foster connection, confidence, and shared growth. My goal is to bring this approach to a wider audience, starting across North America and eventually beyond.
Long term, I also envision retreats, trainings, and speaking opportunities that allow me to share this confidence-first, emotionally supportive approach not only with learners, but also with teachers and educators around the world – whether they work within school systems or in private education. Many of the obstacles people struggle with are rooted in the way languages are taught, and I believe it’s possible to change those patterns. The challenges people face when learning don’t stop at borders, and neither should the support.
At its core, Sweet French Learning is about restoring joy, confidence, and hope in learning – in French and in life. My intention is to keep growing in a way that allows more people to feel capable, empowered, and hopeful about what’s possible for them.
If you’re curious about learning French in a way that feels supportive and empowering, you’re invited to book a meet & greet.
And if you simply want to learn more, you can explore my work and follow along as Sweet French Learning continues to grow.
Read more from Sarah Dessert
