We had the good fortune of connecting with Rayonna Rutland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rayonna, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first started my business and even years in, every family/friend activity also included me working. Now I take days off and enjoy the one thing that I can’t make more of. Time

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own a natural hair care company called Natural Kids Rock too. I make hair products that are not only practical, but they’re also unique, have fun names, and smell great.

I’m most excited about our growth. After 7 years, I created a product line for adults. Because of the business name, a lot of adults asked if they could also use the products. Even though the answer was always yes, we created a new line that has more grownup packaging and scents.

The growth of the business allowed me to create other businesses which are under an umbrella I call Ray Runs It.

I got where I am today by being consistent. Not giving up when there were zero sales. Creating new products that were useful to my customers during covid. The hardest part is sacrificing money, vacations, and time with family and friends for a vision only I can see.

Overcoming the challenges is a daily affirmations. “Ray you Run It, It does not run you!” Take the break so you can regroup. Self care is everything.

A few lessons: 1. You can not do all of this by yourself and expect to grow. 2. People say never quit, But some things aren’t meant for you. Some times you have to move on from business ideas that aren’t working. 3. You can make more money, and more products but not more time. 4. Find a balance. (This was a hard one). Don’t be so busy and unavailable that you have no one to celebrate the wins and understand the losses with. 5. You are the co-creator of your life. Make it worth living

I can’t wait for the world to know that I have some of the best hair growth oil on the market. Not just because of the ingredients, but also because of the good energy and passion I put into every bottle.

Girl power is my mission. No not just a fancy brunch or women empowerment seminar. I’m thankful for my chance to build an empire where I can educate, work with, and employ other women, all while reaching my hand out to pull some mini moguls ahead with me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a hard one because since covid I’m a home body! I also love quality time. You can find me and my bestie at a food hall trying a bunch of different places in one setting. Taking a cooking class like how to make pasta. Not a meal but the actual pasta. Where are my small black business owners stores/boutiques at? That’s where we’re shopping and networking. After all that, it’s wine o’clock at a hotel downtown to enjoy the views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family! Many business owners say that your family is not your target audience. I have to disagree. My family has supported all of my businesses, booked me, hired me, and recommended me and or my products. They keep me going.

Website: Naturalkidsrocktoo.com

Instagram: RayRunsIt

Facebook: Rayonna Runs-It

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