Unemployed & Afraid
Kim Kerton
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 7, 2023 • 48min
“There will be an idea every now and then that won’t leave you, you'll think about it endlessly and realize that you're solving a real pain point,” Pleasant State Co-Founders Ami Bateman and Sian Murray
This is the story of Ami and Sian, co-founders of Pleasant State, who if you haven’t heard of yet you definitely should get to know. This episode feels like a masterclass in vision, purpose, grit and excellent brand marketing – all the things needed for a thriving business. We talk about: Being a bootstrapped and crowd-funded business - getting real about how the financing works and why tight cashflow management is pivotal The value of the right business partners and how to find them The importance of market research for product development How to build a community using the tools as your fingertips, an aspect of business that simply cannot be overlooked. And both the value and balance between showing up as a face of your brand while keeping your own sense of identity If you’re anything like me you’ll be taking notes throughout the episode, because my guests today are so generous with their story, which uplifts and motivates us all in this business gig. Check out Pleasant State Online where you can shop their game-changing products and follow on IG (both linked here but if you can’t click straight through from your podcast app just google “Pleasant State”) And if you’re interested in being part of their exciting business through investing, head to their website and be sure to subscribe for updates as it's launching very soon! And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 30, 2023 • 46min
“I had a feeling that I had more to offer, I just wasn't sure when I'd get the opportunity to explore that.” Founder of Copywriting Studio Hunter & I Amber Hunter
Ever had the feeling that you were meant to be doing something else, like you had more to offer, but just didn’t know what? Our guest in today’s episode, Amber Hunter – Founder of copywriting studio Hunter and I - dives into so many topics that are always poignant in the business-building process, from the early day thoughts that you’re just meant to do and create something for yourself, to the very important topic of living how you need to in order to get there (read: frugally). We talk about: + Following the sparks of inspiration and allowing them to ignite as they’re meant to + Staying open to opportunity you didn’t plan for + The challenges of pricing yourself in client service (not to mention the inevitable challenge of their feedback) + And why giving something a go is always worth it. Amber has a beautiful storytelling manner, unsurprising given her wonderful way with the written word! I hope you enjoy our chat. Check out the Hunter and I website. And the IG And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 23, 2023 • 1h 8min
“It's about the people you have around you," Founders of PPHH Store Chris and Carlan Pickings,
Chris and Carlan Pickings, founders of PPHH Store, have built a business that supersedes selling fashion. They’ve created a destination shopping experience built around a culture of quality self-expression and connection – a business that reflects who they are and the lives they want to lead – not just what they know, and they’ve done it without backgrounds in fashion. In this episode we talk about: The value of building and tapping into your community when you want to create something. The reality of managing finances in vs out and why you should fall in love with understanding cashflow. Finding ways to build what you love into what you do. And how long you need to stick with it to see the fruits of your efforts. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to start the business idea that’s been kicking around in the back of your mind, this story of passion, grit and going for it might just cure you of that doubt once and for all. Find PPHH Store at Shop 3/166 Gertrude Street Fitzroy VIC Online at PPHH And on IG And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 16, 2023 • 40min
“No one creates a brand which is perfect from the start… you just need to do it. You learn on the go, and yeah it is stressful,” Founder of Wet Dog & Co. Nelly Pytlak
If you’re a business-builder in the start-up to scale-up phase, and want to ensure your business is sustainable for the planet, this episode is for you. My guest Nelly, founder of Wet Dog & Co (who create eco-conscious matching gear for wet-dogs and people) has an incredible energy, and a unique ability to hold a big vision while not missing the joy in the start-up slow build phase. She reminds us that taking small steps is sometimes exactly what you need. We get real about starting a product-based business with not a lot of money to play with, and the unfair constraints and extra challenges put on small businesses who want to create their business sustainably. We also touch on why it’s important to make sure you don’t forget to represent what your brand is all about because you got too busy building it, and so much more. Connect with Wet Dog & Co via their Website and IG And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 9, 2023 • 43min
“To reinvent and build something from nothing is hard. No matter how much experience you've had,” Director of Mediafitz, Mike Fitzpatrick
There are plenty ways you can find yourself in the midst of chaos that is building your own brand and business. Our guest today found his way there after spending over 2 decades in an industry - working for others at the one company – until the role he had there disappeared. That’s an intense place to find yourself. Mike Fitzpatrick, Director of Mediafitz, will share with you exactly what happened next. We talk about: - How job-hunting can be the very thing that pushes you towards your own business - Why conversations with your network can spark thinking you didn’t know was in there - Getting over worrying about what other people think - And how just one small business idea leads to the next big thing in your life Connect with Mike on LinkedIn and check out the Mediafitz Website and IG And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 7, 2023 • 39min
“Growing up I was scared to take any risks, I always followed the rules, and now there’s no rules for me to follow,” Founder of Studio Eclectics Yan Lim
So glad you’re here business-builder because we have another inspiring story of growing, trialing, and error-ing on the journey of working for yourself. And let me just say that if you’re feeling a little tired, run-down, flat, all the things – I feel you. We’re pushing hard in this self-employed business-building gig, which is why it’s extra sweet that our storyteller today is a breath of fresh air. We talk about how you never have to stay tied to who you were, the ongoing, evolving battle with imposter syndrome, why you should just keep saying yes to yourself, and in an extra bonus we hear some very insightful branding tips for ensuring your brand embraces its quirks to stand out from the rest. You’ll love this episode - make sure to connect with Yan and Studio Eclectics via their Website and Instagram And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 2, 2023 • 33min
“What's the worst that can happen? It doesn't work and we go to something else, we pivot,” Co-Founder of Joyrolla Marissa Mills
Meet Marissa Mills, a woman on the cusp of launching her brand-new business Joyrolla, and she’s sharing all of the exhilarating and terrifying feels of going for it. You’re going to hear about how sometimes realising your why, the thing you didn’t realise was driving you, happens well after you’ve started the journey. About the manufacturing process of creating a physical product that, until now, is just a figment of your imagination. The benefits of slowing down the creation process when starting your business, how it influences what you create when you have time to think it through. And how a lifestyle change often plays a key role in the creation of your business, whether it be to clear up finances, headspace, or simply a shift in perspective. We also talk about a funny phenomenon, how other business pursuits (and income streams) tend to organically reveal themselves once you take a bet on yourself to start the business you thought might be your everything. It’s the beginning of April for this episode, with pre-orders for Marissa’s beautiful product set to open later this month – what a time! Please enjoy this inspiring business-building chat, and make sure to check Joyrolla out on… IG @joyrolla Facebook @joyrolla And Online joyrolla.com And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 26, 2023 • 54min
“When I first started, I thought I was going to be 25 years ahead of where I am now, because we over anticipate what we can do in a year and then under anticipate what we can do in 10 years,” Tara Hurster Founder of The TARA Clinic
Sometimes circumstance pushes you into business for yourself - and you realise it’s where you were always meant to be. That was the case for our guest in this episode, Tara Hurster, Founder of the TARA Clinic, where TARA stands for “Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance.” We talk about: The creation of her business and its pivot away from service-based to online Why investing in yourself through coaching and self-development is always worth it And how taking the time to understand your purpose within your business unlocks its potential. Alongside all that she’ll make you think deeply about the role of and spectrum of addiction, and how understanding where you go in times of stress is hugely beneficial in the process of smashing your goals. If you’re keen to learn more, we have an amazing opportunity for Unemployed & Afraid listeners, a 50% off code for the TARA Clinic Recovery Toolkit Membership - the accessible and informative path to recovery that you’ve been looking for. Simply click here and the discount code is already applied: https://www.thetaraclinic.com/offers/FFNC2qeX?coupon_code=UANDA50 VALID Until EOFY 2023 (Code is UANDA50 in case you do end up needing it) Check out the TARA Clinic Website and IG And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 19, 2023 • 57min
“If you think in your gut that what you are doing solves a problem or a pain point for someone, or adds value to someone's life, then I really think that you have a business to work with,” Founder and CEO of Adorn Cosmetics
In this episode you’ll hear from the incredible Briony Kennedy, Founder and CEO of Adorn Cosmetics and be. Health, who has built a beauty empire. We talk about: The importance of reframing why you sell something to a consumer so you can get out of your own way and get it done Why you should fight the feeling that you have to already be a serious and well-known expert in something in order to create a business around it The battle with self-doubt we have when starting something new – and how easy it is for well-meaning friends and family to reinforce that feeling The realness of what you might need to forgo when you’re going after something you want And exactly what it’s like becoming the face of your brand when it was never the plan, and why if you haven’t, you should consider it… Strap in for a big, inspiring conversation - and as always, thank you for listening and taking the time to invest in yourself and your own thriving business. Follow Briony Kennedy, be. Health and Adorn on Instagram Listen to Briony’s Podcast Check out the Adorn Cosmetics Website 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 LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 12, 2023 • 37min
“It can no longer be about purely capitalism and making money to the detriment of other people, we need to flip the thinking to what positive impact can I have while still making some money for myself,” Founder of Volta Consulting Narelle Wilson
Small business is big business, no matter which way you look at it. This episode with Narelle Wilson, founder of Volta Consulting, is all about giving you the real, relatable, vulnerable experience of making small to medium businesses you love, so that you’re hyped to keep smashing it. We talk about: The realities of stepping away from a long held corporate career, in particular within male dominated environments, and the sneaky glory of a slow goodbye when doing so Studying for the sheer passion of it, whether for the first time or 5th, at any damn age you like Mitigating start-up mode risk – some very valuable advice on that And considering the legacy you might be able to leave with the work that you do, a particular area of interest for me and anyone else who may be living a life childfree. It’s encouragement to lean into your core, developed skills to bridge you into the new space you want to be in while learning new skills along the way. There is so much goodness in the sharing of this incredible woman’s business building story, if you’re aligning a business o your values, this episode is for you. Connect with Narelle on LinkedIn Follow Volta Consulting on IG Check out the Volta Consulting Website to learn more Also, that random stat I mentioned in the episode? Here it is... Gen Z will average 18 jobs and 6 careers in a life time (Aus Post, 2022) – seeing your work in volumes rather than chapters is the norm and we’re here for it. 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 LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
