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 Dreamwood
• Why organic growth and word-of-mouth marketing can be incredibly powerful
• How to build a business around strong values and a clear mission
• The importance of creating an inclusive community where kids can see themselves in others
• How Ashley pivoted during COVID and found new ways to keep her community connected
• Why seasonal businesses need thoughtful planning and consistent revenue strategies
• How sponsorship programs can create greater access and diversity
• What it means to grow a business mindfully without sacrificing community
• How Ashley's health journey shaped her purpose and perspective
• Why a strong "why" can help you keep moving through difficult seasons

Whether 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

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