Every small business starts with a spark—a vision, a purpose, a dream. But somewhere along the way, many find themselves stuck. The tools they rely on, the agencies they hire, and the strategies they adopt don’t propel them forward. Instead, these systems trap them, turning what should be empowering into a source of frustration. Courtney Hurley and Kelly Evans saw this happen again and again. So, they asked: what if there’s a better way?
This isn’t just another story about marketing. It’s about agency—not the kind you hire, but the kind you reclaim. Hurley and Evans didn’t set out to build a business that perpetuates dependence. They created Screws + Stilettos to give small business owners their freedom back. Their 8-week workshop, “Market Like A CMO,” isn’t just a course; it’s a movement.
Breaking Free from the Agency Cycle
Traditional marketing agencies sell a promise: sleek websites, perfectly worded campaigns, and rising profits. But what they don’t tell you is how they hold the keys. Every tweak, every pivot, every fresh idea comes at a cost—not just financial, but strategic. The agency owns the assets, the process, and, ultimately, the success. For small businesses, this isn’t a partnership. It’s a handcuff.
Hurley and Evans reject this system. They know that real growth doesn’t come from outsourcing control—it comes from owning it. Their workshop teaches small businesses how to set up, manage, and optimize their marketing without relying on anyone else. It’s about giving back what was always yours to begin with: autonomy.
The Power of Flow in Marketing and Beyond
But autonomy alone isn’t enough. Freedom without direction leads to chaos. That’s why Hurley and Evans weave neuroscience into their marketing framework. They understand that small business owners don’t just need strategies—they need the energy, focus, and creativity to execute them.
Enter flow. This isn’t a buzzword; it’s the state where productivity and creativity collide. Research shows that flow can increase performance by up to 500%. Hurley and Evans teach participants how to tap into this mindset, leveraging science-backed techniques like single-tasking, time blocking, and identifying flow triggers. When you’re in flow, work isn’t just efficient—it’s fulfilling.
A Synergy of Marketing Independence and Peak Performance
What makes “Market Like A CMO” so transformative is its holistic approach. Hurley and Evans understand that marketing success and personal productivity aren’t separate; they’re deeply intertwined. When small business owners reclaim their marketing, they reduce stress and regain clarity. When they enter flow states, they maximize focus and unlock creativity. Together, these elements create a synergy that fuels sustainable growth.
This isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better. It’s about aligning your work with your purpose, building systems that support your goals, and creating space to thrive.
Tools for Sustainable Growth
Hurley and Evans don’t just hand over a playbook—they teach you how to use it. Their workshop includes actionable practices like crafting marketing strategies that align with your brand, managing digital assets effectively, and optimizing campaigns for maximum ROI.
But they also go deeper. Participants learn how to recognize burnout and implement recovery techniques. They design environments that foster creativity and focus. They discover how to structure their days to make the most of their mental energy. These aren’t just business tools; they’re life tools.
Results That Speak Volumes
This approach isn’t theoretical—it works. Take the story of a 30-year-old retailer struggling to survive during the pandemic. With no online presence and dwindling sales, the odds were stacked against them. Hurley and Evans didn’t swoop in with quick fixes. They empowered the business to build a strategy it could own. The result? A 55% increase in leads and a 51% rise in revenue. More importantly, the owner gained the confidence to adapt and grow independently.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Small Businesses
At its core, “Market Like A CMO” is about more than marketing. It’s about reshaping how small businesses operate. Hurley and Evans believe that success shouldn’t come at the cost of control, balance, or well-being. They envision a future where small businesses aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving, driven by purpose and powered by autonomy.
The Invitation
This is your moment. If you’re tired of being stuck in the agency cycle, if you’re ready to reclaim your time and creativity, if you want to build a business that reflects your vision—Courtney Hurley and Kelly Evans are here to guide you.
“Market Like A CMO” isn’t a quick fix. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s for those who believe in better—better strategies, better systems, and a better way to work. Visit their workshop page to take the first step toward marketing independence and personal mastery.
Because the truth is, small business success isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint. It’s about creating your own.
