Red & Rugged

This season invites us to upend old habits and reveal a fresh perspective.

Before you dive in and do “all the things,” ask yourself a few quality questions. “What if it IS possible to… What would that look like?” And see how your brain goes to work finding options for you.

To be real, these internal dialogues aren’t always simple and joyous. Sometimes, when I ask myself for clarity around a question, it’s calming. On certain days, I’m inspired to pursue a different outlook, and on others, well, it’s like a tug-of-war with myself (See photos —maybe you can relate!?). And I accept it all as normal, part of the process.

During this time of refresh and renewal, ask yourself to think differently, raise questions around problems you want your brain to solve, and proclaim the answers. You may uncover an alternative, an idea, or a brand new path you haven’t seen until now.
Find more on asking your best questions here:

https://www.redandrugged.net/blog/2025/reveal-a-fresh-perspective

Vintage inspiration. A peek at my journey.

I pulled this card out of my wallet this week and smiled. It’s a promo I made for clients ten years ago! The card is from back in the day when you could make and load individual, custom Starbucks cards with different people, outfits, backgrounds - like a physical card emoji way before its time.

I have to laugh because it’s still all the things I love: my running shirt, red hair (now silver), cell phone in one hand, frothy latte in the other, and NYC (still a fav, just there last week!) The tiny print says, “brewing creative content.” Yep, still.

What a windy road from there to here. Back then, there was no way to know the changes ahead: moving, launching a national program, starting a biz, working with my husband, global artisan clients, and coaching talented creative women (that’s six out of a million!) One thing that’s remained constant: my love for creative, colorful, unique, festive, personalized things and the same in written form, books, notecards, calendars… (Which is why I write a blog.)

I reloaded this card, so I will keep pulling it out, make myself laugh, and remember the fun things I’ve accomplished. Also, as a reminder, while we don’t know how the path zigs and zags, the passion you carry inside goes with you and keeps showing up (so don’t ignore it!). Here’s to percolating on your next creative idea.

Ever had weeks that feel like this?

Tasks get sideways, and suddenly it feels like things are starting to spin out of control. One minute, there’s calm, and the next, priorities collide; new projects, client follow-ups, and content deadlines need our attention. Throw in a dash of unexpected events, and well, now it’s really fun. Sounds like running a business, right?

Left unchecked, our thinking can easily spin with indecision, but here’s a happier alternative.

Take one next step forward.

Putting yourself in motion cuts the drama because now you’ve taken action. Remind yourself, this is the best next step with what I know today. Learn to move forward calmly and quickly, then execute and evaluate your plan.

What’s one next step you can take today?

Find more tips on our blog:

Stop Spinning in Place — Red & Rugged™ Have you ever had weeks that feel like this? Tasks get sideways, and suddenly it feels like things are starting to spin out of control. One minute, there’s calm, and the next, priorities collide; new projects, client follow-ups, and content deadlines need our attention. Sounds like running a busin...

Let luck find a path to your door. (Attracting opportunities.)

It would be nice to summon luck on demand. However, I believe we attract it when we place ourselves in environments that invite opportunity. We make a proactive effort to be visible and raise the odds of crossing paths with a hard-to-reach client or an introduction to a respected colleague. As much as we’d like these to happen from the comfort of home, chance favors connection.

Step out and see…what opportunities are waiting for you?

Decide to age powerfully.

If you like this concept (Yes!) and like data to reinforce your thinking, check out the Gray New World report by Cake Ventures. There’s a reason we’re called “Boomers." We’re busy over here, learning on the cutting edge of tech and leaning into exciting, fulfilling work—our version, not someone else’s (see stories for more). To my seasoned and savvy ladies, you’re a force to be reckoned with, a powerful buyer, and someone who’s moving into the next rewarding chapter of your life. Let’s launch the business, learn the thing, book the trip, and experience more.

Walking: my version of “weight-lifting.”

I love me a good walk. It’s not just a nice thing I do for myself; it's an essential element. Business-building takes mental work, and it requires habits that allow for release and reflection.

Many days begin with a long stroll around our neighborhood. I don’t need to drive anywhere to get to a park or path; I just head out the front door in the early morning quiet.

Mother Nature has become a valuable mentor, teaching me to unwind, be grateful, and slow down to take in the moment. To lift the pressure I put on myself, I seek the beauty of open spaces. Unlike others, I don’t feel the need to participate in a competitive race or hike the high peaks. (I appreciate those who do; it’s just not for me.) My competitive, determined, and persistent energy is invested in entrepreneurship and building a fulfilling business I love - which is like running a marathon, I might add. So when I step outside, it’s to relax, not to time myself. My destinations of choice include ocean waves, lake views, or mountain scenery, but most days, it’s a simple walk close to home.

Author and champion of the solopreneur, Dan Koe, discusses the science of how alive the brain is when you’re walking and how our minds actively look, learn, and inspire creative ideas. (Check out his podcast or book, The Art of Focus, if you’d like to learn more.)

It’s ironic how slowing down can positively influence your business growth.

What is your healthy outlet, your activity of comfort and calm? I hope you find one that speaks to you, an option that’s easy to access and joyful to experience as you move toward your desired goals.

Stepping out to shine and serve.

Sometimes, unexpected events unfold that, in the end, make perfect sense. It’s like finding that last puzzle piece without the box cover, and the whole picture becomes clear.

The transition we’ve just completed feels a lot like that. We’re announcing changes that excite Rugged and me in different ways.

After decades in business, and mentoring women of all ages, I’m excited to be a creatives’ business coach full-time. And Rugged is thrilled to fully retire.

As co-founders, it’s taken many long conversations between us, a lot of self-reflection, and candid answers to questions about where we each want to go in business. The conversations weren’t all fun; change is prickly. However, it can also be liberating. (I joked with friends that I could write a book on this!)

If you’re in the thick of it with your co-founder or business partner, keep talking, make the next decision, take one step forward. As Brendon Burchard says, it’s okay if, some days, all you do is take the next right step with intention.

When you’re honest with yourselves, the path appears. And one day, you step back, look at your journey - the long days, the rough patches, the wins - and realize it all makes sense. It all led to this moment.


Find more details here:
https://www.redandrugged.net/blog/stepping-out-to-shine-and-serve

The Funky Chicken.

This red metal rooster is one of my favorites in our home. He’s always running through the kitchen, on his way to somewhere fun, no doubt! I don’t remember who made it or where I bought it anymore, but this festive piece is a highlight.

I get the love of vibrant artistic pieces, honestly, from my mother. Her house is filled with colorful artwork and textures from a lifetime of adventures and travel. A friend once told her, “Oh, I see you like strange things.” (The things people say. 🤣) I bet some people think the same when looking around our home, but I don’t care. The funky chicken and other treasures like him represent who we are, the things we love, and the places we’ve traveled.

If you share a passion for unique artisan pieces, I hope you celebrate in and around them every day. And if your business includes making or creating these beautiful elements, keep running with it. Don’t let the odd looks and careless comments slow you down.

Your people will find you if you let them. One day, they can show and share your treasures with fondness for the world to see.

Kick conformity: blaze your creative trail.

For a lot of years I stayed on the traditional job path. My creative interests were folded into my work as a side note or add-on to other priority tasks. In some cases, the more vibrant elements disappeared altogether. In the end, I left those jobs and started again elsewhere, despite my “success.” I played that tune on repeat many times.

One fine day, I recognized that the noise I kept hearing was me telling myself that my creative had to take a central role. I realized that my business experience, woven together with my artful and imaginative skills, is valuable - more fulfilling and freeing for me and a unique deliverable for clients.

If you still fight to quiet your creative passion and skills, I encourage you to start listening sooner than I did. For one, that calling only gets louder. As Oprah said in a recent interview, your intuition goes from a whisper to a brick to a tsunami. Best to listen before you need rain gear.

This realization doesn’t mean quitting your job today, however, it does mean taking intentional steps, making a plan, and moving yourself toward a more genuine, rewarding role or a vibrant business of your own.