Premium Branding & Squarespace Website Design

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with RuthAnn Rafiq, Founder of R Artspace, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is called R Artspace, and we are a small branding and website design studio serving women coaches and service-based business owners who want to uplevel their online presence. Hence, it's a better reflection of them and their service, so they can work less and grow their income.

Tell us about yourself.

I never wanted to own my own business... but what happened was... I worked downtown for several years after college at a small printing company and found myself incredibly bored. I wanted to do something with art and design (I DID get my BA in Graphic Design), so I stumbled across a blog of a designer doing EXACTLY what I wanted to do. From home, in her PJs. I had no idea that was possible, but I put my mind to figuring out how to do that for myself.

I wanted the creativity, the freedom, and the income, and I thought, "If they can do it, why can't I?" After three years of side hustles, I went full-time in 2019. I have my dream job. I work with incredible women on their brands and websites and help them grow their businesses. I'm able to be creative, and I'm able to grow my family while working part-time hours. It's not all butterflies and rainbows, but it's everything I hoped for back then.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I go in many directions with this answer, but the main one I'm proud of is having my business be a part of my life but not my whole life. That was important to me when I began this journey. I never wanted to work away at my computer at all hours of the night in an unhappy marriage or with an unfulfilling life.

And I've done an excellent job of prioritizing my marriage, my family, and my son and making time for myself. While you'll have seasons of putting more hours in at times, I love that my focus has been on the people around me rather than a screen.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

It may be online. It's both a blessing and a curse. I used to love working with my coworkers at my day job. We would chat about what podcasts we were listening to and grab lunch. I miss the human level of connection, like seeing people in person and meeting up with people.

An online business owner can get lonely, but there are ways to find community. I've done an excellent job at creating that for myself, because having that support, friendship, and understanding is so important!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Give yourself grace and credit for the ambitious task of starting a business. It's not for the faint of heart! And we need to be more encouraging and supportive of ourselves.
Know your version of "success" and keep that as your focus. Try to stay focused on other people's versions of success. Just know what's important to you and focus on that.
Think long-term. For many people, growing a business takes time and perseverance, so don't expect to hit a million dollars in your first year. Be optimistic yet realistic, knowing that the level of success you desire takes time, and you will get there if you don't give up!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rartspace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rartspace
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r_artspace/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthann-rafiq-788056137/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.