How many of us sit under fluorescent lights, daydreaming about leaving it all behind to chase something we actually care about? Too many of us. Ruth Weatherford didn’t just dream. She acted.

I first met Ruth over Instagram. Her work caught my eye, but her perspective on building a business and taking risks kept me hooked. Then we ran into each other again at a LoveShackFancy event, where she customized two of my Golden Goose shoes on the spot. I watched her work, listened to her wisdom, and thought: she has to be featured on the blog.

In 2014, Ruth quit her job, went back to school, and launched an Etsy shop. It wasn’t instant success, but it was intentional. She knew there was more for her out there, and she wasn’t going to wait for someone else to give her permission.

Take Risks That Matter

When I asked Ruth about her boldest move, she said, “In 2017 we sold everything we owned and moved to Berlin for six months. It was the BEST thing, and I highly recommend completely uprooting yourself at some point in your life.”

For entrepreneurs, this is the kind of risk that teaches you resilience, creativity, and independence. Sometimes growth requires leaving everything familiar behind.

Build Slowly, Pivot Often

Ruth didn’t stop at Etsy. She built her business one step at a time. By 2020, she shifted her focus from small-scale paintings to large murals, a move that transformed her brand and expanded her opportunities.

The lesson for small business owners is clear: success isn’t a straight line. Stay open to change. Experiment. Pivot when needed. Your business should evolve with you, not stay stuck in what was easy or familiar.

Experiment and Own Your Style

Ruth’s signature medium is watercolor, but she uses it in bold and unexpected ways. Topographic lines, mixed materials, and even instant coffee have all become part of her toolkit.

For entrepreneurs, this is a reminder: innovation and creativity set you apart. Don’t be afraid to try new methods, products, or services. Your unique approach is your edge.

Focus on Intentional Growth

Every piece Ruth creates carries intention. Every business decision she makes is thoughtful. Growth isn’t about moving fast. It’s about making deliberate choices that align with your vision and values.

Lessons for Aspiring Small Business Owners

• Take calculated risks that push you out of your comfort zone
• Build your business step by step
• Pivot when opportunities or market changes call for it
• Experiment creatively to stand out
• Make every decision intentional, aligned with your vision

Meeting Ruth, first over IG and then again while watching her customize my Golden Goose shoes, was a reminder that creativity, bravery, and vision are inseparable. Her journey shows that leaving the 9-to-5 and building your own path is possible, and her story is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship.

Follow Ruth on Instagram or check out her work online. Her art and her story are proof that taking risks, staying intentional, and trusting yourself is always worth it.

“In 2020 I shifted my business, stepped back from painting small scale, and decided I wanted to focus on very large murals. It’s so important to stay open to change and pivoting!”

Ruth Weatherford