Ash Vallis, Designer and Founder of Summi Summi, is super real, funny and nails the vibe of what it means to go after something that’s speaking to you, no matter how messy it gets along the way, and shows how much the mess is worth it.

This episode had me lol’ing away and nodding furiously when I was packaging it up for you, we chat about how a creative spark can start one way then end up very differently, how the people you need to help you on the journey have an uncanny way of appearing just when you need them, and why it’s important to embrace the lows just as much as the highs – both of which are inevitable when you’re on this epic journey.  

Connect with Ash via the Summi Summi Instagram

And check out the Summi Summi website to add the new collection to cart

And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn

Join our Facebook Group

You can reach your host on email via kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au

On IG and on LinkedIn

Ash Vallis, Designer and Founder of Summi Summi, is super real, funny and nails the vibe of what it means to go after something that’s speaking to you, no matter how messy it gets along the way, and shows how much the mess is worth it.
This episode had me lol’ing away and nodding furiously when I was packaging it up for you, we chat about how a creative spark can start one way then end up very differently, how the people you need to help you on the journey have an uncanny way of appearing just when you need them, and why it’s important to embrace the lows just as much as the highs – both of which are inevitable when you’re on this epic journey.  
Connect with Ash via the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/summisummi_/">Summi Summi Instagram</a>
And check out the <a href="https://summisummi.com.au/">Summi Summi website</a> to add the new collection to cart
And don’t forget to follow Unemployed &amp; Afraid on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unemployedandafraid/?hl=en">IG</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/unemployed-afraid">LinkedIn</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/unemployedandafraid">Join our Facebook Group</a>
You can reach your host on email via <a href="mailto:kim@unemployedandafraid.com">kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au</a>
On <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goodsideofthebed_/?hl=en">IG</a> and on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kerton/">LinkedIn</a>

A business podcast for the brave self-employed.

Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It’s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.

We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.

Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.

Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams. 

This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod

Get in touch at unemployedandafraid.com.au to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).

Connect on the socials @unemployedandafraid on IG and @unemployedandafraidpod on TikTok

 

A business podcast for the brave self-employed.
Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It&rsquo;s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.
We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.
Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.
Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams.&nbsp;
This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod">buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod</a>
Get in touch at <a href="https://www.unemployedandafraid.com.au/">unemployedandafraid.com.au</a> to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).
Connect on the socials <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unemployedandafraid/">@unemployedandafraid</a> on IG and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@unemployedandafraidpod">@unemployedandafraidpod</a> on TikTok
&nbsp;

Unemployed & Afraid

A business podcast for the brave self-employed.

Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It’s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.

We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.

Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.

Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams. 

This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod

Get in touch at unemployedandafraid.com.au to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).

Connect on the socials @unemployedandafraid on IG and @unemployedandafraidpod on TikTok

A business podcast for the brave self-employed.
Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It&rsquo;s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.
We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.
Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.
Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams.&nbsp;
This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod">buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod</a>
Get in touch at <a href="https://www.unemployedandafraid.com.au/">unemployedandafraid.com.au</a> to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).
Connect on the socials <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unemployedandafraid/">@unemployedandafraid</a> on IG and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@unemployedandafraidpod">@unemployedandafraidpod</a> on TikTok

“I feel like I could have quit at least five times by now, but there's a voice in my head that's just like, nope, you're not, you'll fix it and you'll get back up,” Designer and Founder of Summi Summi Ashleigh Vallis

What if the riskiest move isn’t going all in, but walking away when something no longer fits? 

This is a very special episode I’m sharing with you today, it’s a conversation I recorded with the wonderful Andrea Marquez from the This Is Small Business Podcast

I didn’t originally leave my media career with a clear plan. I left because I knew something wasn’t right at the time. What followed was a search for a business idea that took me through yoga, ceramics, and creative experiments in remote Tasmania, all of which eventually led to my podcast and business, Unemployed and Afraid. 

Host Andrea Marquez unpacks how I redefined risk not as betting it all on one big idea, but as giving myself permission to experiment, try, pivot and start again. You’ll hear how I used creative detours to find clarity, why walking away can be the smartest move and how I turned vulnerability into my growth strategy. If you’re stuck waiting for the perfect idea, this episode will show you how experimentation can be a powerful and intentional part of building something meaningful.

The This Is Small Business podcast, where this episode is originally from, is doing wonderful things for small business builders all over the world - consider this a hard recommendation to, when you’ve finished listening to it, follow This Is Small Business wherever you’re listening via this link below. 

Follow This Is Small Business

Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod 

Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE 

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn

What if the riskiest move isn&rsquo;t going all in, but walking away when something no longer fits?&nbsp;
This is a very special episode I&rsquo;m sharing with you today, it&rsquo;s a conversation I recorded with the wonderful Andrea Marquez from the This Is Small Business Podcast
I didn&rsquo;t originally leave my media career with a clear plan. I left because I knew something wasn&rsquo;t right at the time. What followed was a search for a business idea that took me through yoga, ceramics, and creative experiments in remote Tasmania, all of which eventually led to my podcast and business, Unemployed and Afraid.&nbsp;
Host Andrea Marquez unpacks how I redefined risk not as betting it all on one big idea, but as giving myself permission to experiment, try, pivot and start again. You&rsquo;ll hear how I used creative detours to find clarity, why walking away can be the smartest move and how I turned vulnerability into my growth strategy. If you&rsquo;re stuck waiting for the perfect idea, this episode will show you how experimentation can be a powerful and intentional part of building something meaningful.
The This Is Small Business podcast, where this episode is originally from, is doing wonderful things for small business builders all over the world - consider this a hard recommendation to, when you&rsquo;ve finished listening to it, follow This Is Small Business wherever you&rsquo;re listening via this link below.&nbsp;
<a href="https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/447bcb8a-ce36-47e5-b89a-1faca5244dc1?d=sJeB3sAWM">Follow This Is Small Business</a>
Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at<a href="http://buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod"> buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod</a>&nbsp;
Subscribe to the U&amp;A Substack by clicking<a href="https://unemployedandafraid.substack.com/"> HERE&nbsp;</a>
Connect with Kim on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kerton/"> LinkedIn</a>

The Business of Reinvention: Why Experimenting is a Superpower

Is this the right thing for me? Is it time to push, or let go? Is it time for yet another pivot? 

What happens if I just keep going? 

There’s a stack of confessions in this episode that will touch the hearts and minds of anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit - the fear of what others think, the reality of what they think (awkward), and everything it takes to grow your business and the business of you. 

It’s also a timely update on the future of the Unemployed & Afraid podcast and what it really means to follow your self-belief and find yourself through the work you do as an Entrepreneur, an Employee or any other professional label. 

If you’re into experimentation in business, backing yourself, and being a proper tall poppy no matter how awful it feels trying - then there’s something in here for you. 

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn 

Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod 

Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE 

Is this the right thing for me? Is it time to push, or let go? Is it time for yet another pivot?&nbsp;
What happens if I just keep going?&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s a stack of confessions in this episode that will touch the hearts and minds of anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit - the fear of what others think, the reality of what they think (awkward), and everything it takes to grow your business and the business of you.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also a timely update on the future of the Unemployed &amp; Afraid podcast and what it really means to follow your self-belief and find yourself through the work you do as an Entrepreneur, an Employee or any other professional label.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re into experimentation in business, backing yourself, and being a proper tall poppy no matter how awful it feels trying - then there&rsquo;s something in here for you.&nbsp;
Connect with Kim on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kerton/"> LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;
Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at<a href="http://buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod"> buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod</a>&nbsp;
Subscribe to the U&amp;A Substack by clicking<a href="https://unemployedandafraid.substack.com/"> HERE&nbsp;</a>

Change is inevitable - this is a big one. 

Stump & Co is a very successful candle business, so why is its owner Tegan closing it down? Spoiler alert: it’s not because of finances.

Business is exciting – the brand building, the launch, the growth – and it’s also challenging. Through it, we rarely consider what walking away from it might feel like.

In this episode Tegan Brennan, Founder of Stump & Co, shares her story of building a successful candle business, fulfilling her wildest dreams, and what happened next.

You’ll hear about:
Grappling with growth options
How to know when to stop
Going viral for the wrong reasons
ADHD and Dyslexia in business
And personal growth in every step of your business

Tegan has been a guest on this show before and so if you want the full back story, check out her original chat with me here on Apple or Spotify.

Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn

Subscribe to the U&A Substack

Join our Facebook Group

And please do show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod

You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn

or via unemployedandafraid.com.au

Stump &amp; Co is a very successful candle business, so why is its owner Tegan closing it down? Spoiler alert: it&rsquo;s not because of finances.
Business is exciting &ndash; the brand building, the launch, the growth &ndash; and it&rsquo;s also challenging. Through it, we rarely consider what walking away from it might feel like.
In this episode Tegan Brennan, Founder of Stump &amp; Co, shares her story of building a successful candle business, fulfilling her wildest dreams, and what happened next.
You&rsquo;ll hear about:
<ul>
<li>Grappling with growth options</li>
<li>How to know when to stop</li>
<li>Going viral for the wrong reasons</li>
<li>ADHD and Dyslexia in business</li>
<li>And personal growth in every step of your business</li>
</ul>
Tegan has been a guest on this show before and so if you want the full back story, check out her original chat with me here on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-lot-of-times-what-you-want-in-life-means-that/id1598847931?i=1000597130905">Apple</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/55Yc2HqjN45NMzHPMyKbjZ">Spotify</a>.
Follow Unemployed &amp; Afraid on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unemployedandafraid/?hl=en">IG</a> , <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@unemployedandafraidpod">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/unemployed-afraid">LinkedIn</a>
Subscribe to the U&amp;A <a href="https://unemployedandafraid.substack.com/">Substack</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/unemployedandafraid">Join our Facebook Group</a>
And please do show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod">buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod</a>
You can reach your host on email <a href="mailto:kim@unemployedandafraid.com">kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au</a> on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goodsideofthebed_/?hl=en">IG</a> on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kerton/">LinkedIn</a>
or via <a href="https://www.unemployedandafraid.com.au/">unemployedandafraid.com.au</a>

“I feel like I could have quit at least five times by now, but there's a voice in my head that's just like, nope, you're not, you'll fix it and you'll get back up,” Designer and Founder of Summi Summi Ashleigh Vallis

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