Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Kerry Bolton is the CEO and Founder of Caring Lotus, a disability services business that has been operating in Melbourne since 2021. Caring Lotus redefines support for people with disabilities. Through personalized care plans, thoughtful client matching, and engaging social activities, we create real connections that go beyond basic care and build a true sense of belonging, where each client feels valued, empowered, and part of a welcoming community.
Tell us about your background!
It’s funny looking back at where I started because my career began in a completely different world. I started out as a business analyst—focused on processes, systems, and data. It was fast-paced and rewarding in a lot of ways, but something was missing. I wanted to make a difference in a way that was more personal, and more connected.
After moving to the U.S., I worked in a health department, where I managed systems, client data, and upgrades—lots of behind-the-scenes work to make systems run smoother for staff. Later, I joined another firm as a database designer and administrative coordinator, where I streamlined processes and created a database to improve their processes and work with the government billing system making life easier for the staff. I also trained staff on new systems, which was my first taste of how technology could improve people’s day-to-day lives.
Eventually, I moved back to Australia and landed a contract position as a business analyst with an NDIS provider that was an NDIS trial site. I found the work those around me doing rewarding and it opened my eyes up to the NDIS. My right arm began to not work and after tests, I discovered I needed a disc replaced in my neck urgently or I could become a quadriplegic myself. As I needed to work from home for a while I started my own business, Captivating 2 Eyes. I offered consulting, web design, and virtual assistance to small businesses, which gave me a chance to help others build their dreams. But again, I found myself wanting to work on something that felt more meaningful on a human level.
I consulted NDIS providers as a safety compliance manager, working directly in the disability sector. My focus was on setting compliance standards, creating onboarding and management systems, and making sure our policies met strict NDIS guidelines. This role showed me how important it is to have processes in place that genuinely prioritize the safety and well-being of people. It made me realize that there was more to be done—people in the disability sector deserve more than just policies and compliance; they deserve real connection and a sense of belonging.
From there, I took on a role with one of the NDIS providers, and that’s when everything clicked. Working with a company whose clients were people who needed support, I saw firsthand how important it is to create a sense of community and to go beyond simply “meeting needs.” People need more than services—they need to feel valued, understood, and like they truly belong. That realization inspired me to start Caring Lotus.
With Caring Lotus, my goal has been to build something deeply personal and heartfelt—a place where people aren’t just cared for but are seen and appreciated for who they are. Every step of my journey led me to this, and it’s become more than just a job. It’s my mission to create a supportive, connected community that makes a difference in people’s lives.
What inspired you to start Caring Lotus, and how does the lotus flower represent your journey?
The lotus flower holds a special meaning for me—it’s a powerful symbol of resilience, beauty, and hope. Lotuses grow in muddy, challenging conditions, but they still rise up, blooming strong and beautiful above the surface. That’s the essence of what I wanted to create with Caring Lotus. Just like the lotus, many of us face struggles, difficult situations, or obstacles that can feel overwhelming. With the right support, we can rise above those challenges and find strength, purpose, and even beauty in the journey.
Caring Lotus was born out of my desire to build a place where people who may feel they’re “stuck in the mud” of their own circumstances can feel empowered to grow. I wanted to create a community that provides not just care, but a true foundation of support, understanding, and encouragement. To me, Caring Lotus is more than a care organization; it’s a place where people can discover their own resilience, where they’re surrounded by others who care and are ready to help them thrive.
For our clients, many have faced more obstacles than most people realize. I wanted Caring Lotus to be a place where they feel that their challenges don’t define them. Just like the lotus, which grows strong and vibrant despite its environment, I wanted our clients to feel they have the strength to rise above their circumstances. Our role is to be that steady support system—to help lift them up, to help them see their own beauty and strength, and to walk alongside them as they blossom in their own way.
Our mission is to see the best ability in every person. We don’t focus on what someone can’t do; we focus on what makes them unique and amazing. Whether it’s our clients or our team, everyone has something they’re truly brilliant at, a natural talent or strength that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. We’re here to lift people up, encourage them to grow from those strengths and create an environment where everyone feels valued for who they are and what they bring. It’s all about seeing potential and supporting each person’s journey with heart.
How have personal challenges influenced your leadership and client care?
Having faced many of my own challenges, I know how powerful it is to feel truly supported. When you’re in a difficult place, even the smallest gesture of kindness or understanding can make a world of difference. I carry that understanding into everything we do at Caring Lotus. I SEE each person and help them feel valued, respected, and appreciated for who they are.
This journey is deeply personal. I try to lead with empathy and a sense of resilience because I know how important it is to feel like someone’s genuinely there for you. I want every client to feel that they’re not just receiving a service—they’re building relationships with people who care about their well-being and are truly invested in their lives. When we match clients with support workers who share their passions or when we gather everyone for a community event, it’s with the intention of creating a support system that feels real, heartfelt, and meaningful.
I’ve learned resilience doesn’t just come from pushing through challenges on your own; it comes from having a community that lifts you up along the way. This perspective shapes everything we do at Caring Lotus - a safe space where clients feel like they’re part of a family, empowered to pursue their passions, and encouraged to see their own strengths. I want our clients to know that we’re by their side, cheering them on and supporting them in a way that’s compassionate and real, because that’s what makes all the difference.
How do you ensure each client feels empowered and part of a community at Caring Lotus?
Our commitment is to make sure every client feels empowered, valued, and genuinely part of a community. To do that, we start with one of the most essential aspects of our approach: client matchmaking. We don’t just assign support workers randomly. Instead, we take the time to get to know each client—their interests, passions, preferences, and even their personality traits. This helps us carefully pair each client with a support worker who shares similar interests, whether it’s a love for art, a passion for cars, or an appreciation for music. Building these natural connections creates relationships that feel less like traditional care and more like genuine friendship and partnership.
Our MUD (Miscommunication, Understanding, Directions) process is about transparency and accountability. If there’s ever a misunderstanding, we don’t just let it slide. We immediately address it, taking time to understand what went wrong, how it impacted the client, and what we can do to make it right. Our MUD forms allow us to document these situations openly and honestly, so we can learn from each experience and prevent similar issues in the future. We even go as far as sending a personal apology card, signed by our whole team, to any client, staff or 3rd party who we feel we let down. We listen. We act.
Every detail of our approach, from matchmaking to the MUD process to community events, is about creating an environment that feels like family. When clients know a community that's honest, transparent, and deeply invested in their happiness supports them, they feel empowered. It’s this sense of belonging that makes our clients feel truly seen, valued, and encouraged to pursue their goals. For us at Caring Lotus, creating this atmosphere of connection, honesty, and community isn’t just our job—it’s our purpose.
Real community isn’t just about organising events; it’s about creating a space where each person feels a genuine sense of belonging, where they can be themselves without feeling like they’re just “fitting in.” For people with disabilities, who often face barriers to connection, this is especially important. Many of our clients have had experiences where they felt isolated, where typical social spaces didn’t welcome them as they are. We’re here to change that by building a community that’s intentionally designed around inclusion, connection, and understanding.
Our weekly arts and crafts sessions, for example, aren’t just a “group activity.” They’re a relaxed, judgement-free space where clients can unwind, work with their hands, and share stories with people who genuinely get them. It’s a chance to laugh together over a game of cards, encourage each other on a new project, and simply feel comfortable in a room full of people who are there for similar reasons. The focus isn’t on doing things a certain way or meeting some standard; it’s on creating a space where everyone feels they can contribute, have fun, and be themselves without pressure.
Our monthly outings are also about building shared experiences that feel natural, not forced. When we organize a trip to the zoo or a visit to an art gallery, we’re creating moments where clients can explore new places, ask questions, and enjoy each other’s company in a way that’s relaxed and supportive. These outings let clients see more of the world, but in a way that feels safe and accessible. It’s not just about “getting out”; it’s about being in a setting where they can feel at ease, where they don’t have to hide who they are, and where they know they’re surrounded by people who care.
One of our favorite events is the diversity potluck, where each person can bring a dish that holds personal meaning to them. Here, it’s not about impressing anyone—it’s about sharing a part of yourself in a way that others can genuinely appreciate. Clients and staff get to learn about each other’s lives, cultures, and experiences, all over a shared meal. For some, it’s the first time they’ve felt truly “seen” in a social setting. These gatherings create connections that run deeper than small talk—they allow people to celebrate their uniqueness while connecting with others who value and respect them.
You’re a finalist for four Stevie Awards and heading to New York. How does this recognition impact your vision for Caring Lotus globally?
It feels surreal to be recognized on this scale! It reminds me that the work we’re doing resonates and that there’s a real need for compassionate, community-centered care not just here in Australia, but everywhere. People value a model of care that goes beyond tasks and checklists, one that’s rooted in true connection and genuine support.
This recognition makes me dream even bigger. It’s not just about Caring Lotus growing here; it’s about imagining how we can bring this approach to other communities around the world. I believe that people everywhere deserve to feel valued, supported, and connected in a way that empowers them to live fulfilling lives. Caring Lotus has the potential to show what compassionate care can look like, and that’s an incredibly exciting possibility.
It’s also a chance to learn, connect, and bring fresh ideas back to our team. We’re always looking for ways to grow and improve, and being surrounded by such a diverse, inspiring group of leaders will only strengthen our vision for the future. I feel so grateful for this recognition and am more motivated than ever to see how far we can go, how many lives we can touch, and the lasting impact we can create.
What’s the most rewarding part of working with supporting clients’ goals?
Working with clients to support their goals is seeing them blossom in ways that even they might not have thought possible. It’s those moments when a client reaches a milestone, no matter how big or small, that remind us of why we do what we do. There’s nothing quite like watching someone’s confidence grow, seeing them discover new passions, or watching them reconnect with things they love but may have drifted from.
I love how we help people uncover their potential and feel empowered in their journey. Sometimes it’s as simple as helping a client pursue a hobby or skill, but the impact is always profound. Seeing a client’s face light up when they accomplish something meaningful or experience a new joy is incredibly fulfilling. We get to be a part of their journey, cheering them on and celebrating every victory, and every bit of progress.
Supporting clients' goals is about being part of a shared journey toward a fuller, more connected life. When a client feels more confident, capable, and connected, it ripples out to their families and friends and enriches the whole community.
What drives your passion for helping others, and how do you see your role in shaping a better community through Caring Lotus?
It comes from knowing how transformative true support can be. I've been in situations where someone’s kindness, encouragement, or simply being there made all the difference in the world. That experience taught me how powerful it is to feel genuinely seen and valued, especially in moments when life feels heavy. I started Caring Lotus because I wanted to create that same sense of belonging and support for others—a place where compassion isn’t just a value; it’s something we live by every single day.
We’re building more than a care service for people with disabilities; we’re creating a community where people genuinely connect and support one another. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the difference that kindness and understanding make, not only in our clients’ lives but in our team’s lives too. When we see a client light up because they feel understood, or a staff member feel uplifted by the work they do, it creates a ripple effect. When someone feels truly supported, they carry that out into the world, sharing that warmth and openness with others. Every small act of compassion has the power to shape a kinder, more connected community.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about helping one person at a time; it’s about creating a world where compassion, connection, and resilience are at the center. Caring Lotus is our way of contributing to that vision, one relationship, one moment of care, at a time. Together, we can inspire a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we might ever see—a wave of kindness that makes our community stronger and more compassionate for everyone.
What are your future goals for Caring Lotus?
I want us to touch even more lives across Australia—and globally. I see us expanding our programs to reach more people who need genuine, personalized support and building more opportunities for connection through community events that bring people together in ways that feel like family. I want Caring Lotus to be a place where anyone who walks through our doors feels understood, valued, and part of a larger community.
Technology will play a big role in this journey, as we look at ways to make our support even more accessible and personalized through innovative tools. It’s about using every resource we have to bring care closer to those who need it, without ever losing the personal touch that makes us unique.
Caring Lotus will be a model of what compassionate, connected care can and should be—a place where people don’t just get the help they need but where they feel empowered to thrive. We’ll set a new standard for care that’s all about empathy, community, and respect, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to approach care with the same heart and dedication. We’re building something lasting, something that uplifts people.
