What happens when you combine marketing strategy with radical empathy?

In this episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing, Hayley Bohan sits down with Kerri Carroll, founder of KC’s Clutter Cure, to explore how real connection, clear differentiation, and genuine purpose can drive a business forward even in the most non-traditional of niches.

Kerri didn’t set out to become a decluttering expert. But through a background in psych nursing, a passion for people, and a curiosity about human behaviour, she built a business that helps clients navigate hoarding and squalor with compassion and strategy. And she did it all in her 50s, by leading with service, leaning into visibility marketing, and identifying a differentiator most others would avoid.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify a market gap and confidently niche into it even if it's emotionally sensitive
• What it really means to build a trauma-informed, service-based brand
• Why word-of-mouth and visibility are still your best marketing tools
• What to do when someone disses your clients on social media (or disses you)
• The mindset shift every solopreneur needs when starting later in life
• How in the depths of despair, you too can rise.

This isn’t a “build your business in 30 days” kind of episode. It’s a real, honest look at what it means to show up for your clients, build trust, and stand out in a deeply human way.

Meet Kerri Carroll Founder | Speaker | Coach | Advocate for Transformational Change

Kerri Carroll is the founder of KC’s Clutter Cure, a professional organizing and coaching business that helps people move beyond physical, emotional, and lifestyle clutter. With a background in psych nursing and executive leadership, and a sharp eye for human behaviour, she brings empathy and practicality to one of the most overlooked service sectors in small business.

KC’s Clutter Cure specializes in hoarding, squalor, and chronic disorganization — but what Kerri really helps her clients declutter is shame. And she’s building a standout brand while doing it.

Learn more on Kerri's Facebook page.

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Hayley’s Book: Brand-Worth-Loving: How to Build an Authentic Small-Business Brand that Inspires
2. Build Your Buyer Persona Course

Takeaway Thought: If you’ve ever wondered whether your business is “different” in a way that might make it harder to market, this episode will show you how that difference can become your greatest strength.

Would you ever believe that worms and laughter could be the foundation of a successful business—and a killer marketing strategy?

In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with Cathy Nesbitt, founder of Cathy’s Crawly Composters, to dig into the dirt (literally!) on unconventional marketing, media magnetism, and how staying rooted in purpose can power your brand visibility.

Guest Introduction: Cathy Nesbitt is a health and sustainability advocate, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and the founder of three eco-minded ventures: Cathy’s Crawly Composters, Cathy’s Sprouters, and Cathy’s Laughter Club. Based just north of Toronto, Cathy has been transforming perceptions of composting for over 23 years—and she’s been featured in over 300 media stories for her efforts.

Summary: Cathy shares her incredible marketing journey, from launching a worm composting business nobody wanted to touch, to becoming a sought-after media source and workshop leader. She dives into:

• How she used timely press releases and current events (like the 2002 Toronto garbage strike) to generate buzz.
• Why educating through schools became her gateway strategy.
• How laughter yoga helped her combat burnout—and became her next marketing tool.
• Her grassroots approach to visibility: showing up everywhere, pitching creatively, and saying “yes” to media.

Marketing Takeaways:

• The power of press releases in positioning yourself as a solution.
• Why passion-fueled persistence outperforms polished strategies.
• How leveraging personal quirks and authenticity makes your business magnetic.

Resources & Links:

1. Cathy's Crawly Composters Website
2. Free Laughter Yoga Tuesdays
3. Cathy's YouTube Channel

4. Cathy's Linked In

5. Marketing On Purpose

Got an unconventional business idea? This episode will convince you to stop hiding and start pitching! Subscribe, leave a review, and join our marketing community over at Marketing On Purpose.

Welcome to another episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing. In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with Sean Casey, a seasoned entrepreneur and Professional Golf Association of Canada coach, who shares his journey of building BurlOak Indoor Golf—an innovative, full-service golf facility catering to golfers year-round.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Taking the Plunge: Sean emphasizes the importance of committing fully to your vision, even when the path is uncertain. His journey from concept to opening Burloak Indoor Golf highlights the need for perseverance and adaptability.
2. Navigating Challenges: Learn how Sean overcame the hurdles of COVID-19 shutdowns and the unexpected closure of his previous academy, leading to the birth of a new business that not only survived but thrived.
3. Creating a Premium Experience: Discover the thought process behind creating a high-end golf facility, from selecting the right location to designing an unforgettable customer experience. Sean’s focus on quality—from the technology used to the ambiance—sets Burloak apart in a competitive market.
4. Balancing Work and Life: Sean opens up about the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while running a demanding business. He shares practical advice on stress management and the importance of staying passionate about your work.

Resources & Links:

Burloak Indoor Golf – Check out Sean’s golf facility in Burlington, Ontario.

HeartMath – A tool mentioned by Sean for managing stress through mindfulness and heart rate variability.

Getting Started- Check out the Marketing On Purpose Academy and set the foundation for consistent and more predictable revenue.

Feeling inspired to turn your passion into a thriving business? Tune in to hear Sean’s journey and take the first step towards making your dream a reality.