We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Esther Ruggles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Esther, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
The Blox- Season 9
I was cast for a reality show for entrepreneurs in June of 2023.
I applied with my business Restorative Bodywork LLC and I wanted to be able to be myself on the show because it’s a reality competition show. So I decided to be myself during the interview process. The application said “mathematically speaking, it’s difficult to get on the show.”
So basically don’t get your hopes up.
I made it past the 4 stages of the application & interview, being my authentic self. I was accepted and I competed with 65 other businesses and the casting director told me that I was 1 accepted out of 50,000 other applicants.
Although I didn’t win the competition, I left their with a supportive and long term networking community & my ESA Scout was featured on The show with me!
Esther, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a Medical Massage Practitioner and I run an art co-op with a goal of growing the zero waste, sustainable and holistic health options in the store. Which will hopefully include refillable options.
I specialize in Trigger Point Therapy with Restorative Bodywork and that modality helps relieve pain in the body.
Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.
Yes, I bought Rare Earth Goods in Ishpeming, MI. It was owned by Pam Perkins and she wanted to have a store where her friends could sell their art. She came up with a business model of 70/30. Where crafters could sell their art there and they would recieved 70% commission and she would recieve 30% for working the hours. She also had a deal where the artist could make 100% commission back if they worked some hours.
I bought this business because I care about supporting small and local business and people. Down with the man… and by man I mean the cooperations that were built on a male dominated society.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
I think the most useful skill for a successful career in the Medical Massage Therapy field is active listening and practical application.
I can think I know what’s best for my client because I know muscle tissue. However, if my client wants me to work on one thing and I just do what I think is best instead then they might leave that Massage session and never book with me again.
So it’s important to listen to what’s actually bothering them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rare.earth.goods?igsh=MTVmZjZlajYzN3BmdQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560893882537&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-ruggles-633649a0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Image Credits
Alden Miller/Cassie Cregger the one with myself and Tyler Young. A judge from The Blox.