Letter 62: Be a Part of Something

When we make connections ~ Limitless Women Series #2, Ruthy

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Good morning!

Welcome to Week Two of our series on Limitless Women! I was thrilled to kick off the series last week by sharing the joy that is Sam Johnson with each of you. We are so fortunate because we will see more of her words in this space soon!

Our next featured interviewee is Ruthy Taylor, an incredible entrepreneur and real estate leader in the Puget Sound of Washington. A mother of two, Ruthy does an incredible job sharing the difficulty and joys of balancing the many hats she wears. She is transparent and authentic and does a tremendous job of showing the behind-the-scenes of a true hustle, all while still placing her family and herself at the core of what’s important. —Molly

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You’re raising two young women: What are two guiding principles in raising them?

We reiterate kindness and honesty in our daily lives.  When the girls come home from school and share tough scenarios, we discuss those scenarios through the lens of kindness and truth-telling. I feel as they grow and mature, if people describe my girls as honest and kind, then I did a good job!

Andy took the girls road tripping/adventuring/camping. I met up with them in Phoenix.

You’ve become a fearless leader in the real estate space—what has your journey taught you about yourself and how to lead others?

Nobody does anything alone. No one is self-made. My success rests on the shoulders of other people who have helped me get where I am. If you help enough people get what they want…you will get what you want. Leadership is not something you are born with. You have to fail over and over as a leader to get better.  I’ve made mistakes and made apologies. I’ve also had my name slandered, had my integrity questioned, and lost relationships.  Leadership is hard. Being held accountable and held to a higher standard is hard.  But helping impact lives is pretty dang fulfilling. 

You’ve really learned (and now, model) how to intelligently use social media for good. Explain two things social media has taught you about being a businesswoman and an entrepreneur.

Everything I post is through this lens:

• Will it make people laugh?

• Will it encourage people?

• Will it educate/teach them something? 

If not, I don’t post it. There is enough negativity in the world! What I love most about social media is the connections I’ve made with people across the globe. The biggest benefit as an entrepreneur has been the ability to collaborate with people in different locations.  Most of my speaking engagements across the US began with a conversation on Instagram! 

For me, I’ve always noticed that you place community at the core of all you do. From where does this value system originate?

We all want to be part of something. Belonging is a core desire. Whether it’s a small business owner, a new mom, or a new home buyer–I want to be a connector of people. I love highlighting small businesses, neighborhoods, and community members with the point of bringing awareness to something others may have not known about to create new connections in neighborhoods and communities. 

My favorite small businesses include Paper Luxe, Sage Interior + Designs, and V2 Origins.

Celebrating the community of women with whom I work

We all know that marriage isn’t easy and it takes patience and effort. We also don’t work with our husbands, as you do. In your marriage, what three pieces do you place at the center and how do you work together to sustain a healthy marriage?

Trust is at the core.  If there isn’t trust, that is what must be rebuilt in my opinion for a marriage to be successful.  Forgiveness is also up there. We are human; we will inevitably say something we regret. True forgiveness is essential. Finally, praying together.  Spirituality is often so individual, but prayer is so powerful when people pray together. 

Being a mixed-race woman may be a difficult sphere for some in 2022, in light of the last few years. Can you share how your heritage sustains you?

There is a lot of ignorance/lack of knowledge about people of different backgrounds and cultures.  For the most part, people have no control over where they were raised and what cultures they were or were not exposed to. I find diversity beautiful and interesting because I grew up amongst it in mostly military towns.

I know others can be fearful or simply lack awareness because they have never been around diversity or have never experienced being a minority.  I think both ends of the spectrum need more grace towards each other.  I’ve been discriminated against and bullied because of my race; I’ve gone through seasons in my formative years hating the way I looked.  Having some life experience under my belt, I now have nothing but pride in my Korean roots. Diversity is of high value in our household. We have hosted foreign exchange students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and more because I want my children to be exposed to more than just our household. 

You inspire MANY. But what inspires you?

People’s stories of overcoming. I think our pain/trials/hardships can be used for good. 

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Rapid-Fire Questions with Ruthy

• Favorite food?

  I could eat a good cheeseburger every day. My preferred toppings are grilled onions, a tasty aioli or ketchup, and bacon on a brioche bun. 

• You’re with your best friend, how do you spend your time together?

  Eating. My favorite thing to do is try out new restaurants. These are my top three favorite restaurants right now: Wooden City, The Table, and Asado.

• Describe your dream home.

  One that I can invite a hundred people to for a party. This means I need ample parking and a huge yard. I love having people over. I don’t need anything fancy….just space for people to gather. 

• Favorite podcast/book/magazine right now?

  My favorite podcasts are Tim Keller’s “Gospel in Life” podcast (I enjoy Tim’s sermons and perspective) and How I Built This (I love learning how businesses came to be). 

• Favorite guilty pleasure?

  Instagram

• How do you practice self-care?

  LOL…I need to work on this.  I’m a workaholic so I don’t really do well with “down time” unless I’m on vacation.  What does recharge me is just hanging out with friends over a meal.  

Thank you, Ruthy!

Ruthy Taylor

P.S. Finding meaning in the little things, the importance of curiosity, and focusing on hope.