Explore every episode of the podcast Modern Marketing Made Simple with Lori Ervin

Sometimes the biggest business transformation has nothing to do with strategy, and everything to do with healing the version of yourself that has been stuck in survival mode for years.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Tammy Perrin to talk about the powerful personal journey that completely changed the way she lives, works, communicates, and connects with others.

Tammy shares how she went from working multiple demanding jobs in the trucking industry while trying to build a side business in Network Marketing - to realizing she had become disconnected from her emotions, her body, and even her ability to feel empathy.

What started as a search for better business skills unexpectedly became a deep healing journey involving therapy, nervous system regulation, subconscious work, and learning how to finally feel safe in her own body again.

Now, Tammy helps women uncover limiting beliefs, regulate emotional triggers, and reconnect with themselves through a combination of nervous system tools, unconscious mind work, and life coaching techniques.

We talk about:
→ What it actually means to regulate your nervous system
→ Why emotional triggers happen in the body before the mind
→ The simple breathing technique Tammy uses to calm anxiety quickly
→ The connection between childhood experiences and limiting beliefs
→ Why suppressing emotions often creates bigger problems later
→ How healing can completely change the way you show up in business and relationships
→ Building safe communities for women who feel alone in their healing journey
→ The power of feeling your emotions instead of avoiding them

This episode is such an important reminder that sometimes the growth we are chasing externally starts with the work we are willing to do internally.

Connect with Tammy:

Facebook: Tammy Perrin
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tammyperrinslife
Facebook Group: Our Porch - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1600426917658778 

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself, emotionally exhausted, constantly triggered, or simply curious about nervous system healing and personal growth, this conversation will leave you with practical tools and a whole new perspective on emotional wellness.

AI doesn't need to run your business to make running your business a whole lot easier. The real opportunity is learning how to use it to save time, simplify your workload, and still sound like you.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Kim Stirling, AI strategist and entrepreneur, to talk about how small business owners can use AI practically without getting caught up in all of the noise, complicated systems, and promises that AI can do everything for you.

Kim shares how her 20-year career in corporate operations taught her to look for efficiencies and smarter ways of getting things done, and how an unexpected change in her family life eventually led her to leave corporate and build a business of her own.

As AI began gaining traction, Kim saw an opportunity to take what she had spent years doing in the corporate world and help entrepreneurs use tools like Claude to save time, reduce overwhelm, and make running their businesses easier.

We talk about why most small business owners don't need all of the AI bells and whistles they're being sold online, why the way you set up your AI matters more than finding the perfect prompt, and how Kim's "Business Brain" helps AI understand your business, offers, goals, brand, and voice so it can actually become a useful tool in your day-to-day work.

We also dive into:

→ What a Business Brain is and why Kim believes it's the best place to start with AI

→ Why most small business owners don't need complicated AI systems or agents

→ How to use AI for content creation without sounding like AI

→ Using AI to simplify client onboarding, SOPs, proposals, agreements, invoices, and emails

→ How Kim turns discovery call transcripts into client proposals in minutes

→ Why AI should support the work you do instead of replacing the human parts of your business

→ How setting up your AI properly can make delegating to a VA or growing your team easier

→ Why giving AI context about your business produces better results than constantly searching for new prompts

→ Finding the tasks in your business that AI can make faster and easier

→ Using AI as an assistant rather than expecting it to run your business for you

Whether you've barely started experimenting with AI, you've been using it but aren't loving the results, or you're feeling overwhelmed by everything you're being told you "should" be doing with it, Kim offers a much simpler way to think about what AI can actually do for your business.

You don't need AI to do everything.

You need it to help you do the right things more efficiently, while keeping you and your expertise at the centre of your business.

Connect with Kim:

Instagram: @thekimstirling

TikTok: @thekimstirling

YouTube: @thekimstirling

If you want to use AI to save time without losing your voice, personality, or the human side of your business, you're going to love Kim's practical approach.

In a world where almost anyone can sell the same thing, your client experience becomes your greatest competitive advantage. 

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Helen King, founder of The Small Ship Collective, which specializes in a high-service approach to small ship ocean, expedition, and river cruising.

Helen shares how a 30-year corporate career, a love of travel, and one impulsive decision to explore the travel industry led her to building a highly specialized travel business in just four years. Instead of competing on price, Helen has built a business around personalization, proactive service, and creating an exceptional experience for her clients from the moment they begin planning their trip.

We talk about how systems have transformed her business, why automation can actually allow you to provide a more personalized experience, and how she's using AI behind the scenes to save time without sacrificing authenticity.

We also talk about:

→ Why premium businesses should focus on experience over price
→ Building systems that reduce overwhelm and improve the client experience
→ Creating automated workflows that allow you to deliver high-touch service
→ How AI can support your business without replacing your authentic voice
→ Why your email list is one of the most valuable assets in your business
→ Using real client conversations to create content that actually generates sales
→ The difference between viral content and content that converts
→ Creating CEO time so you can work on your business instead of constantly working in it
→ Building a business that continues to market even while you're travelling or serving clients
→ Why investing in yourself and your business is often an important part of growth

Whether you're a coach, consultant, service provider, social seller, or small business owner, this episode is filled with practical ideas for creating a business that feels more organized, delivers a better client experience, and continues to grow without requiring you to do everything manually.

Connect with Helen:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesmallshipcollective

Website: www.thesmallshipcollective.com

You don't need the perfect business plan before you start. Sometimes you need to put the idea into the world, pay attention to what happens, and be willing to change the plan as you go.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Kim Rusyn, founder of The Milkstains Collective, a curated social community helping moms with young children make connections, discover local businesses, and ultimately find their village.

Kim shares how the idea began during her own maternity leaves, when she found herself craving more opportunities to get out, connect with other moms, and spend time in spaces that actually felt welcoming to women with babies and young children.

What started as an idea she worked on in small pockets of time eventually became The Milkstains Collective, and within just a few months, Kim has built a growing community alongside a network of local businesses and partners.

We talk about what it looks like to launch before everything is figured out, why Kim isn't afraid to change her original business model, and how listening to what her members actually want and watching how they behave has helped her make better decisions about what to build next.

We also dive into:

→ Turning a problem you've personally experienced into a business idea
→ Why you don't need everything figured out before you launch
→ Using customer behaviour and feedback to shape your offers
→ Why your original business model doesn't have to be your forever model
→ Creating strategic partnerships that benefit everyone involved
→ How collaboration can introduce your business to highly relevant new audiences
→ Why the growth strategy you expect to work isn't always the one that does
→ Creating a community where people participate instead of simply consume
→ Staying connected to your original vision while allowing the plan to change
→ Why listening to your customers can be one of your most valuable business strategies

Whether you're sitting on a business idea, building something new, or realizing that what you've already created might need to evolve, Kim's story is a great reminder that you don't have to know exactly what the finished version of your business will look like before you begin.

Start with the vision, listen to the people you're serving, and be willing to build the rest as you go.

Connect with Kim:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/milkstainscollective 

Some business pivots are planned. Others are born from pain, unexpected change, and learning how to rebuild yourself one step at a time.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Leanne Huegel to talk about her journey from network marketing into building a deeply personal brand centered around fibromyalgia, holistic wellness, and helping women feel less alone.

Leanne shares how losing her longtime company forced her into a new chapter, and how she slowly began using social media to openly share her experience living with chronic pain. What started as simple conversations online evolved into coaching, community building, wellness resources, and a mission to support other women navigating invisible illness.

We talk about what it looks like to build a business around your real life, how personal branding creates freedom beyond a company, and why purpose can become such an important part of healing.

We also talk about:

→ Living with fibromyalgia and invisible illness
→ The emotional impact of losing a business unexpectedly
→ Building a personal brand around your own journey
→ Why positivity and encouragement matter in chronic illness spaces
→ Learning to work within new limitations instead of fighting them
→ Creating coaching offers and digital resources from lived experience
→ The power of video and authentic connection online
→ How small habits and gradual progress create long-term change
→ Why personal brands are becoming more important in network marketing

Connect with Leanne:

Struggling with fibromyalgia, or simply want to check out everything Leanne is building?

Instagram: www.instagram.com/leannechuegel
Facebook Group: Thriving with Fibro
Email: leannehuuegel@icloud.com

If you’ve ever felt like life forced you into a new chapter you didn’t ask for, this conversation is a reminder that purpose, growth, and connection can still exist inside the pivot.

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in business don't come from doing more - they come from creating simple systems that give you back your time, your energy, and your peace of mind.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Lisa Duck, systems strategist, email marketing coach, podcast host, and longtime social seller to talk about what it really looks like to build a business that works for you instead of constantly demanding more from you.

Lisa shares how spending over 20 years in direct sales eventually led her to build a coaching business focused on systems, email marketing, and automation. When the company she had spent 15 years building with unexpectedly closed its doors, the side business she had been quietly growing became the foundation for her next chapter.

What started as a passion for helping entrepreneurs stay organized has evolved into a business that teaches social sellers and small business owners how to simplify their workflows, automate their follow-up, build email lists they actually own, and create businesses that continue working even when they step away.

We talk about why every business needs systems, how email marketing becomes your business insurance policy, the importance of owning your audience instead of borrowing it from social media, and why simplifying your business often leads to greater growth.

Key Takeaways:

→ Why every entrepreneur needs systems - even if they think they're "not organized"

→ How Lisa manages multiple businesses without feeling overwhelmed

→ The follow-up system every social seller should have in place

→ Why email marketing is one of the most valuable assets you can build

→ The difference between owning your audience versus relying on social media

→ How lead magnets help you consistently grow your email list

→ Why automation allows your business to continue working while you're offline

→ The importance of building your own personal brand alongside your company

→ How simplifying your tech stack can save both time and money

→ Lisa's advice for entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed by all the moving pieces in their business

Connect with Lisa:

Website: www.lisaduck.com

Facebook: Lisa Duck

Podcast: The Other 99%

If you've ever felt like you're constantly juggling too many moving pieces, relying too heavily on social media, or wondering how to create a business that doesn't depend on you being online 24/7, this conversation will remind you that the right systems don't make your business more complicated - they create the freedom you've been working so hard to build.

Sometimes the next chapter of your business starts with giving yourself permission to evolve.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Meghan Schrumm, a Registered Social Worker and Certified Holistic Nutritionist, to talk about what it really looks like to reinvent yourself, return to school in midlife, and build a business that reflects who you are becoming.

Meghan shares how her entrepreneurial journey began through network marketing after becoming a stay-at-home mom, and how that experience eventually led her back to a long-standing passion for nutrition. When she turned 40, she made the decision to return to school full-time and earn her diploma in holistic nutrition - a decision that ultimately allowed her to blend her background in social work with her passion for wellness.

What started as a desire to learn more about nutrition evolved into a thriving practice that combines mental health support, nutrition counselling, corporate wellness programs, and menopause education.

We talk about the power of building credibility before you're ready to sell, how sharing your learning journey can create trust and demand, and why sometimes the smartest marketing strategy is simply letting people come along for the ride.

→ Why Meghan chose to return to school at 40 and how it changed her career path

→ The connection between nutrition, stress, sleep, mental health, and overall wellness

→ How sharing her education journey online helped build trust before launching her business

→ The concept of "selling without selling" and creating demand through education

→ Why LinkedIn has become a powerful platform for attracting corporate opportunities

→ How group programs helped her grow her business and reach people beyond Ontario

→ The importance of boundaries, energy management, and avoiding burnout while building something new

→ Why women deserve to pursue goals that fulfill them, even when life feels busy

This episode is a reminder that it's never too late to learn something new, start over, or pursue a passion that keeps calling you. Whether you're considering a career change, building a business, or simply feeling pulled toward something bigger, Meghan's story is proof that growth often begins when we give ourselves permission to take the leap.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/meghanschrumm 
Website: https://meghanschrumm.com/

Website: www.loriervin.com 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theloriervin

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need the reminder that it's never too late to start something new.

Sometimes the biggest business breakthroughs don't come from working more hours. They come from learning how to make the hours you already have count.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Kate Moir, business coach, network marketing leader, and creator of the Coffee Break Formula, to talk about what it really looks like to build a successful business while balancing work, family, and the realities of everyday life.

Kate shares how her entrepreneurial journey began while she was pregnant with her second daughter, working full-time, facing back-to-back maternity leaves, and searching for a way to create more financial stability for her family.

What started as building a business during 15-minute coffee breaks eventually evolved into a coaching business focused on helping women turn their passions into profit without sacrificing their families or burning themselves out.

We talk about why consistency matters more than long hours, how authentic relationships create loyal customers, and why simple systems often outperform complicated ones.

We also dive into:
→ The Coffee Break Formula and how to build a business in small pockets of time
→ Why customer retention is often more valuable than constantly chasing new customers
→ Simple follow-up systems that make clients feel appreciated
→ The power of handwritten thank-you cards
→ Why authenticity will always outperform perfection
→ How to build trust before trying to sell
→ Creating systems that actually fit your personality and lifestyle
→ Why "done" will always beat "perfect"
→ Building a business around your passion instead of chasing quick money
→ The importance of serving people before selling to them

Whether you're building a business alongside a full-time job, raising young children, or simply trying to create more consistency in your marketing, Kate shares practical strategies that prove you don't need endless hours to create meaningful results.

Connect with Kate:
Podcast: Mama's Making Commas
Facebook: Kate Moir

Sometimes the biggest shift in your business isn't learning another strategy. It's learning who you're meant to serve - and having the confidence to build your business around them.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Adriana King, Travel Advisor and founder of King Lux Travel, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business around aligned clients, strong boundaries, and long-term relationships instead of chasing every opportunity that comes your way.

Adriana shares how she transitioned from a successful home staging business into the travel industry after realizing there was an opportunity to deliver a higher level of service than she had personally experienced. What began as saying yes to every inquiry has evolved into a premium travel business built around consultation calls, intentional client selection, and creating unforgettable travel experiences from the very first conversation.

We talk about how implementing better systems has helped her eliminate tire kickers, why charging a research and concierge fee has completely changed the quality of her clients, and the simple marketing strategies that continue to bring her consistent business month after month.

We also talk about:

→ Why identifying your ideal client changes everything

→ Creating boundaries that protect your time, energy, and profitability

→ How consultation calls help you attract more committed clients

→ Why saying no often creates space for better opportunities

→ The power of charging for your expertise instead of giving it away for free

→ Why consistency matters more than perfection in your marketing

→ Building an email list that becomes one of your most valuable business assets

→ Why weekly newsletters continue to generate clients long after you hit send

→ The importance of networking and building real relationships within your local community

→ How showing up authentically helps people trust you long before they're ready to buy

Whether you're a coach, consultant, service provider, social seller, or small business owner, this episode is filled with practical advice on creating stronger boundaries, attracting better clients, and building a business that feels more aligned with the life you want to live.

Connect with Adriana:

Website: https://kingluxetravel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingluxetravel

Facebook Group: Luxury Vacations by Adriana - Cruises, Group Travel, Europe Travel

Sometimes the biggest breakthrough in your business doesn't come from working harder, it comes from learning when to slow down, listen, and trust yourself.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Lauren Spencer, founder of Divine Reality, to talk about feminine leadership, intuition, and why building a successful business isn't just about strategy - it's about learning to balance structure with trust.

Lauren shares how her journey from mental health therapist into yoga, Reiki, women's retreats, Watsu therapy, and Mayan abdominal massage led her to help women reconnect with themselves, regulate their nervous systems, and build businesses from a place of alignment instead of overwhelm.

We dive into what feminine leadership actually means, why intuition often gets confused with fear, how overthinking keeps entrepreneurs stuck, and why the strongest businesses are often built by women who learn to trust both their vision and their ability to take action.

We also talk about:

→ The difference between feminine and masculine leadership

→ Why intuition feels like a gentle nudge instead of fear

→ How to stop overthinking and start taking action

→ The role your nervous system plays in creativity and decision-making

→ Why ideas alone don't build businesses

→ How to balance creativity with structure

→ The connection between personal growth and business growth

→ Why your business will continually ask you to become a new version of yourself

→ How women's monthly cycles can influence creativity, confidence, and productivity

→ Lauren's Women of the Waters retreats and how they help women reconnect with themselves

Whether you're building a business, navigating personal growth, or simply trying to trust yourself a little more, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what leadership can really look like.

Connect with Lauren:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/divine_reality

Website: www.divinereality.net 

Building a business doesn’t always start with a strategy, sometimes it starts with solving a problem you are personally living through.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Michele Hooper-Latin, the founder behind Mom Sidekick, to talk about how she turned her own overwhelm as a mom into a business that now supports families and helps other women create flexible income doing meaningful work.

Michele shares the story behind becoming a “mother’s helper,” how the idea was inspired by superheroes and sidekicks, and why so many families today are craving more support at home. We also dive into how she is now teaching other women to build their own mother’s helper businesses through simple, practical systems and guidance.

In the second half of the episode, we shift into a powerful conversation around entrepreneurship and ADHD. Michele openly shares how she has learned to build a business that works with her brain instead of against it, including the systems, tools, and mindset shifts that have helped her succeed over the last eight years.

We also talk about:

→ Why modern motherhood feels heavier than ever
→ The growing need for “mother’s helpers” in today’s families
→ Building a flexible service-based business from scratch
→ Why traditional business advice does not always work for ADHD entrepreneurs
→ The importance of outsourcing and asking for help
→ Simple systems that reduce overwhelm and create consistency
→ Creating routines that support your energy instead of perfection
→ Why “good enough” is sometimes the key to moving forward

Connect with Michele:

Instagram: Mom Sidekick - www.instagram.com/mom_sidekick
Podcast: The MOM Sidekick Podcast

This episode is such an honest reminder that support is not a luxury - it is often the thing that allows families, businesses, and women themselves to thrive.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Diana, founder of Be Empowered with Diana, to talk about two incredibly important topics for women in business right now: building a coaching business rooted in trust and clarity, and navigating entrepreneurship during midlife and menopause.

Diana shares how she created her signature CLEAR Method to help women better understand what is happening in their bodies during menopause and how to create sustainable wellness habits that actually fit their real lives. We also dive into the business side of building a coaching brand - from creating a signature framework to using one-on-one calls and educational content to build trust and connection online.

Then we shift into a very honest conversation about what it feels like to run a business while navigating hormonal shifts, stress, brain fog, exhaustion, and the mental load so many women carry every single day. Diana shares practical strategies for protecting your energy, reducing decision fatigue, improving sleep, and building systems that support you during this season of life.

We also talk about:

→ Why creating your own framework instantly builds authority in your business
→ The power of one-on-one connection calls in service-based businesses
→ How blogs and educational content can build trust and visibility online
→ Why women in midlife struggle more with stress and decision fatigue
→ Protecting your peak energy windows as an entrepreneur
→ Simple systems that reduce overwhelm at home and in business
→ Why sleep becomes even more important during menopause
→ Learning to let go of perfection and unrealistic expectations
→ Why midlife can actually become one of the most empowering seasons for women

Connect with Diana:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bempowered_withdiana
Website: https://dianaempowered.ca/

If you are building a business while also trying to take care of yourself through midlife, this episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and supported.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Kathy, the founder of Sassy Kathy’s Vanilla Shop, to talk about what it really looks like to build a product-based business through creativity, pivots, and persistence.

What started during the pandemic as a simple experiment making homemade vanilla quickly turned into a growing business built around pure ingredients, thoughtful gifting, and supporting other small businesses along the way. Kathy shares how she went from corporate life and homeschooling three young children to building a business that now includes vanilla, infused honey and maple syrup, custom favours, cookie kits, gift baskets, and more.

We talk about the realities of running a handmade product business, learning through trial and error, navigating markets and seasonality, and how collaborations and community have played a huge role in her growth. Kathy also shares how she approaches creativity, networking, repeat customers, and building a business that works for her family and lifestyle.

We also talk about:
→ Starting a business during the pandemic
→ Why pure, high-quality ingredients matter
→ Expanding from one product into multiple revenue streams
→ Learning what works (and what doesn’t) through markets
→ Collaborating with other small businesses to grow your audience
→ Building relationships that lead to repeat customers and referrals
→ The challenges of shipping handmade products
→ Why flexibility and pivots are essential in entrepreneurship
→ Creating a business that fits around family life

Connect with Kathy:

Instagram: Sassy Kathy’s Vanilla Shop - https://www.instagram.com/sassy_kathys_vanilla_shoppe
Website: https://www.sassykathysvanillashoppe.com/ 

If you love hearing honest conversations about building businesses in real life, this episode will remind you that growth often comes from trying new things, staying open, and continuing to evolve.

Sometimes the thing you're meant to build isn't what you started building at all.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Amanda Otterman, registered nurse, personal trainer, and menopause coach to talk about what it really looks like to follow the unexpected path your experience creates for you.

Amanda shares how burnout in frontline nursing led her to explore entrepreneurship through fitness coaching, only to discover an entirely different calling helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause with evidence-based education, fitness, and lifestyle support.

What started as a few conversations with women her own age quickly evolved into workshops, speaking opportunities, online coaching, a thriving Instagram community, and most recently, a book deal to write the next edition of Menopause For Dummies.

We talk about the power of authenticity, overcoming imposter syndrome, building a personal brand around your expertise, and why sometimes the opportunities that change your life start with simply giving yourself permission to be in the room.

→ How Amanda transitioned from nursing into entrepreneurship

→ The moment she realized there was a huge gap in menopause education and support

→ Why finding the right rooms and communities can change everything

→ The mindset shift that helped her overcome imposter syndrome

→ The viral Instagram Reel that grew her audience from 7,000 to over 70,000+ followers

→ Why authenticity is one of the most powerful marketing tools available

→ How social media opened doors to speaking opportunities, collaborations, and national recognition

→ The surprising story behind landing a book deal with Menopause For Dummies

→ Why women deserve better support during perimenopause and menopause

→ Amanda's advice for anyone struggling to put themselves out there online

Instagram: @menohealthnurse 

Website: www.menohealthnurse.com

If you've ever questioned whether you belong in the room, whether you're qualified enough to share your expertise, or whether it's too late to build something meaningful, Amanda's story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop trying to fit into someone else's path and start fully stepping into your own.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with naturopathic doctor Dr. Margot Lattanzi to talk about what it really looks like to build a modern personal brand while running a service-based business.

Dr. Margot shares how moving her business from Hamilton to Toronto forced her to rebuild, reassess, and ultimately elevate her brand in ways she never expected. We talk about the realities of starting over, the power of branding and aesthetics online, and why your brand should actually attract the right people into your world.

This conversation also dives into how she uses AI as a brainstorming tool for content, branding, blogs, newsletters, and SEO, while still keeping her voice authentic and personal.

We also talk about:
→ Why branding photos can completely change your business presence
→ How to use AI without losing your authenticity
→ Creating a simple brand guide that saves time and money
→ Turning one piece of content into blogs, newsletters, Instagram posts, and LinkedIn content
→ Why consistency matters more than perfection
→ Building passive income streams through digital resources and freebies
→ The importance of creating content that “warms people up” before they work with you
→ Cortisol, burnout, and why entrepreneurs often live in fight-or-flight mode
→ Creating treatment plans that actually work in real life
→ Learning to simplify instead of trying to do everything at once

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to grow your business online, or wondered how to create a brand that genuinely feels like you, this episode is packed with practical insights and refreshing honesty.

Connect with Dr. Margot:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/doctormargotnd
Website: www.doctormargotnd.com 

Whether you’re building a business, navigating burnout, or simply trying to feel better in your everyday life, Dr. Margot’s approach is approachable, realistic, and deeply empowering.

Building a business doesn’t always start with a plan… sometimes it starts with a feeling that the life you’re living no longer fully fits who you are becoming.

In this episode of Modern Marketing Made Simple, I sit down with Laura Cocuzzi, the founder behind Divine Fem Healer, to talk about what it really looks like to navigate identity shifts, build a business from the inside out, and create a life that feels aligned with who you truly are.

Laura shares her journey from a successful corporate leadership career into the world of wellness, retreats, mentorship, and soul-led entrepreneurship. But what makes her story so powerful is that she didn’t simply walk away from one world to enter another. Instead, she intentionally built a bridge between the two.

Through years of planning, self-discovery, and learning to trust herself, Laura created a life that allows her to combine consulting, wellness work, international retreats, and remote living between Canada and Italy.

We talk openly about the fears that come with being seen, the imposter syndrome so many entrepreneurs face, and how difficult it can feel to admit that you want something different for your life.

We also talk about:
→ Why identity shifts are often the hardest part of entrepreneurship
→ The fear of being seen when starting something new
→ Learning to trust your intuition and follow what lights you up
→ Building a business while still working full-time
→ How Laura intentionally created a remote lifestyle that aligned with her vision
→ Why community and support matter so much during periods of growth
→ The emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship
→ Letting go of old versions of yourself to step into something new
→ The power of retreats, healing spaces, and transformation work
→ Why personal growth never really “ends”

This conversation is such a beautiful reminder that entrepreneurship is not only about building a business - it is also about becoming the person capable of building the life you truly want.

Connect with Laura:

Instagram: Divine Fem Healer - www.instagram.com/divinefemhealer
Instagram: Retreats With Laura - www.instagram.com/retreatswithlaura
Website: retreatswithlaura.com

Laura’s work is centred around helping people navigate transformation, reconnect with themselves, and create space for healing, growth, and possibility in every season of life.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Shannon, the owner of Smithery Style, to talk about what it really looks like to acquire a business, rebuild community trust, and innovate during challenging economic times.

After experiencing corporate burnout following a long career in PR and marketing, Shannon stepped into entrepreneurship through acquisition and took over a fashion business she had actually been a customer of for years. What followed was not just learning retail, but learning how to build loyalty, connection, and sustainable growth in a completely new chapter of life.

We talk about how Shannon has built one of the most thoughtful customer loyalty systems I’ve seen, from private “Inner Circle” communities using Instagram Close Friends, to exclusive time-bound offers, in-person shopping experiences, and creating “Smithery Staples” to simplify online shopping for busy women.

We also dive into navigating uncertainty as a product-based business owner, finding creative ways to adapt in a difficult economy, and why empathy, innovation, and community matter more than ever in business right now.

→ Why customer loyalty should be treated like a layered community, not just a mailing list
→ How Shannon uses Instagram Close Friends as a real-time focus group for her business
→ The power of creating “ownable events” instead of constantly paying to attend other people’s events
→ Why time-bound offers work so well for online businesses
→ The importance of building and protecting your email list
→ How to innovate during hard economic seasons instead of waiting for things to “go back to normal”
→ Why simplifying buying decisions can actually increase sales
→ The mindset shift from scaling quickly to surviving and adapting strategically
→ How empathy can become one of your strongest business strategies

Follow along and support Smithery Style:

Instagram: Smithery Style - https://www.instagram.com/smitherystyle/
Website: https://www.smitherystyle.com

If you are a woman looking for thoughtfully curated fashion, body-shape focused styling, and a more intentional shopping experience, Shannon and her team are building something truly special.

In this episode, I am sitting down with Rebecca Ogilvie, the founder behind The Detour Co., to talk about what it really looks like to build a business that evolves alongside your life, your values, and your family.

Rebecca shares how her entrepreneurial journey began with women’s retreats, meditation, and wellness work before unexpectedly pivoting into natural skincare after becoming frustrated with the lack of truly natural products available for her family. What started as handmade body butter and bug spray at local farmers markets has evolved into a growing Canadian skincare brand focused on helping women bring their skin back into balance naturally.

We talk about the realities of building a handmade product-based business while raising young children, how she tested and refined her products through real conversations with customers, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs in business come from allowing yourself to pivot. Rebecca also opens up about walking away from products that no longer aligned with her vision, redefining success on her own terms, and building a slower, more intentional business that supports both her family and her values.

This conversation is filled with honest insight for small business owners, especially those navigating growth, change, and the tension between scaling and staying aligned.

Key Takeaways:

→ Why testing your products in real life conversations can shape your brand faster than perfection ever will
→ How Rebecca used farmers markets to gather feedback, build community, and refine her product line
→ The importance of allowing your business to evolve as your life changes
→ Why fast scaling is not the only definition of success
→ How to make difficult decisions about products, pivots, and brand direction using both intuition and numbers
→ The role of face care and self-care in reconnecting women back to themselves
→ Why getting your products in front of real people matters more than relying only on social media
→ The power of collaborations and strategic partnerships for small business growth
→ What Rebecca believes women over 40 are truly looking for in skincare and self-care today

Connect with Rebecca:

Follow along and support The Detour Co.:

Instagram: @thedetourco.muskoka

Website: thedetourco.com

If you are navigating your own detours in business or life, this episode is such a beautiful reminder that sometimes the unexpected path ends up becoming exactly where you were meant to go.

Some women build businesses …and some women build rooms that change other women’s businesses. And today we’re talking to someone who is doing both.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Sandra Lisi, the founder behind The Azzura Collection and the community ‘She Means Business’, to talk about what it really looks like to build multiple layers of a business… without waiting for perfect.

Sandra brings over 30 years of corporate leadership experience into everything she’s building today, from a European-inspired jewelry brand to a growing community of women entrepreneurs across Canada.

What started as a love for Italy and accessories turned into The Azzura Collection - a curated, affordable jewelry brand designed to make women feel like they’re living their everyday lives with a touch of European luxury.

But this conversation goes far beyond product.

We talk about how Sandra built a thriving women’s networking community from scratch, why she believes you don’t have to be “just one thing,” and how she’s stepping into a new chapter of her life by going all-in on what she’s truly meant to build.

If you’ve ever felt pulled in multiple directions, unsure where to start, or like you’re waiting for the “right time”… this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to move forward.

Key Takeaways:

→ You don’t have to be just one thing - you can build multiple aligned paths
→ Stop waiting for perfect - momentum comes from action
→ Community is one of the most powerful growth strategies in business
→ If you have multiple ideas, pick your top 3 and prioritize them
→ Identify the problem your business solves before anything else
→ Outsourcing can unlock your next level of growth
→ There is a difference between a hobby and a business - and clarity matters
→ The most successful women are willing to do things imperfectly

Connect with Sandra:

Follow along and support Azzura Collection and She Means Business:

The Azzura Collection:

 www.instagram.com/the.azzura.collection
www.theazzuracollection.ca 

Sandra in the City:

www.instagram.com/sandrainthesity_thecoach 

Sandra is building more than a brand - she’s creating spaces where women can connect, collaborate, and grow together. Follow along to be a part of it.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Vinnie Rose, the founder of Vinnie Rose Designs, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business from scratch after leaving a 25-year corporate career.

Vinnie shares how being packaged out of her role at Canadian Tire led her to explore something new, and how that eventually turned into a growing business centred around thoughtful, personalized gifting.

We talk about how her business has evolved over time, from starting with balloons to focusing on curated gift baskets, succulent planters, and seasonal designs. We also dive into how she has built her business through word of mouth, relationships, and a strong focus on customer experience.

If you’ve ever found yourself starting over or wondering how to turn something you enjoy into a business, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and inspired to keep going.

Key Takeaways:

→ Why starting before you feel ready matters
→ How word of mouth can still be your most powerful marketing tool
→ The role of community and collaboration in business growth
→ How to stand out through personalization and customer experience
→ Why consistency and belief in yourself matter more than perfection

Follow along and support Vinnie Rose Designs:
Instagram - www.instagram.com/vinnierosedesigns

If you are someone who loves thoughtful gifting, supporting small businesses, or creating meaningful moments for the people in your life, you are going to feel right at home in her world.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Natalie, the founder of Rinkside Mom, to talk about what it really looks like to build a brand rooted in community, connection, and real life.

Natalie shares how life at the rink inspired her to create something just for hockey moms, and how that idea quickly grew into a recognizable and fast-growing brand. What started as relatable content turned into a business built on shared experiences, viral moments, and a deep understanding of her audience.

We talk about the power of niching down, creating content that actually connects, and why building a community first will always outperform trying to sell.

If you’re building a brand, creating content, or trying to grow something online, this episode will show you what happens when you stop overthinking and start speaking directly to your people.

Key Takeaways:

• Why going “a mile deep” is more powerful than trying to reach everyone
• How relatable content creates connection and growth
• The difference between building a community vs. chasing sales
• Why imperfect content often performs better
• How to use collaborations and giveaways to grow organically
• The mindset shift that helps you trust your instincts in business

Connect with Natalie:

Follow along and support Rinkside Mom:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rinksidemomco
• Website: www.rinksidemomco.com

If you are a hockey mom, or even just someone building a brand rooted in real life, you are going to feel right at home in her world.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jaime, the founder of Common Moms, to talk about what it really looks like to build a community from the ground up while navigating real life, motherhood, and the everyday demands that come with it.

Jaime shares how a simple idea to bring moms together turned into something more, and how that has grown into a community that hosts in-person events for moms and their young children to connect, build friendships, and feel supported.

We talk about getting started without a perfect plan, the power of creating what you wish existed, and how she built Common Moms through connection, consistency, and showing up in real life. We also dive into the realities of building something alongside motherhood and what it takes to keep going when things feel overwhelming.

If you’ve ever felt the need for more connection in your day to day life, or you’re thinking about starting something of your own, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and inspired to take that next step.

Key Takeaways:

• Why creating simple spaces for connection can have a powerful impact
• How starting before you feel ready can lead to meaningful growth
• The importance of building community in real life, not just online
• Why consistency and showing up matter more than having a perfect plan

Connect with Jaime:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecommonmoms 
Website: https://www.thecommonmoms.com/ 

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Fharas, the founder and maker behind A1 Rituals, to talk about what it really looks like to build a product-based business from the ground up while navigating real life, motherhood, and a busy blended family.

Fharas shares how starting a candle course during a difficult pregnancy quickly turned into something more, and how that has evolved into a growing business known for its luxury, nostalgic, and deeply personal candle experiences.

We talk about getting started without a perfect plan, the power of giving before selling, and how she built A1 Rituals through connection, storytelling, and in-person markets. We also dive into the realities of running a business behind the scenes and what it takes to keep going when things feel overwhelming.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a business or you’re currently building one while balancing real life, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and inspired to keep going.

Key Takeaways:

• Why giving your product away in the beginning can lead to real sales
• How in-person markets can become your most powerful growth strategy
• The importance of selling yourself, not just your product
• Why connection and storytelling matter more than a perfect brand

Connect with Fharas:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/a1ritualsbyfharas
Website: www.a1rituals.com 
YouTube: A1 Rituals Candles