Built on a Dream with Ashley Duarte-Devlin

What happens when a simple dream turns into a thriving business built around belonging, inclusion, and community?In this episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim sits down with Ashley Duarte Devlin, owner and director of Camp Dreamwood, an inclusive overnight summer camp in Ontario. Ashley shares how a dream at age 20 became a camp serving kids from all walks of life, why organic growth and word of mouth have been at the heart of Dreamwood's success, and how she has built a business without losing sight of the community that makes it special.Ashley also opens up about navigating a lupus diagnosis while running a seasonal business, the importance of finding a deeper "why," and why growing bigger isn't always the best measure of success.In this episode, you'll learn:How a simple dream became Camp DreamwoodWhy organic growth and word-of-mouth marketing can be incredibly powerfulHow to build a business around strong values and a clear missionThe importance of creating an inclusive community where kids can see themselves in othersHow Ashley pivoted during COVID and found new ways to keep her community connectedWhy seasonal businesses need thoughtful planning and consistent revenue strategiesHow sponsorship programs can create greater access and diversityWhat it means to grow a business mindfully without sacrificing communityHow Ashley's health journey shaped her purpose and perspectiveWhy a strong "why" can help you keep moving through difficult seasonsWhether you're a business owner thinking about sustainable growth, a parent looking for meaningful experiences for your children, or someone navigating an unexpected challenge, this episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't always about becoming bigger. Sometimes, it's about building something meaningful and creating a community that people never want to leave.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:00 – Meet Ashley Duarte Devlin and Camp Dreamwood 01:00 – What makes Dreamwood different 03:00 – How Ashley came up with the idea for an overnight camp 05:00 – The origin of the name Dreamwood 06:00 – Growing from a small camp into a full-time business 07:00 – Navigating COVID and unexpected business challenges 09:00 – Turning a setback into an opportunity for growth 10:00 – The power of word-of-mouth marketing 12:00 – How powerful storytelling and video can sell an experience 14:00 – Keeping campers connected during the off-season 15:00 – How COVID inspired new ways to build community 17:00 – Creating year-round revenue for a seasonal business 18:00 – Why early registration matters 20:00 – The return of Dreamwood's annual fundraiser 21:00 – Sponsoring 24 campers through community support 23:00 – Why inclusion and diversity matter at camp 24:00 – Creating opportunities for campers to become leaders 26:00 – Ashley's lupus diagnosis and health journey 28:00 – Finding a deeper "why" during difficult seasons 30:00 – Grieving the life you thought you would have 31:00 – Motherhood, adoption, and unexpected blessings 32:00 – What's next for Camp Dreamwood 34:00 – Why bigger isn't always better 35:00 – Growing a business mindfully and organically 36:00 – The power of Color Wars and creating memorable experiences 37:00 – Why Dreamwood is a screen-free camp 38:00 – Building connection in an increasingly disconnected world 40:00 – Where to find Camp Dreamwood 41:00 – The power of community and finding your village—‌Connect with me:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach  Instagram: @liannekimcoachJoin the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandcoPodcasting support:https://theultimatecreative.com