Podcast Title: She's So Lucky
Episode: Girl Bossing Too Close to the Sun: Entrepreneurship Real Talk with Raven Ross
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host: Kendra (Les Alfred)
Guest: Raven Ross

Introduction

In this compelling episode of She's So Lucky, host Kendra welcomes back Raven Ross for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a sustainable business empire. The episode delves into Raven's journey from her early days in dance and Pilates to becoming a successful entrepreneur, offering invaluable insights for women striving to create their own luck.

Raven Ross’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Raven Ross opens up about her transition into entrepreneurship, highlighting the struggles and pivotal moments that shaped her path.

• From Multiple Jobs to Passion Project: Raven shares, “[02:37] I was working nightlife, teaching Pilates, doing everything to make enough money to live… it got to the point where I was doing all this work for other people. So I decided to start a passion project for myself” ([02:37]).

• Rock Bottom and Self-Reliance: Discussing her decision to pivot, she states, “[03:26] When you hit that rock bottom and you're like, you have to change right now… I was like, I'm gonna ask my mom… started making Pilates workouts that are studio quality for others” ([03:26]).

Building a Business: Consistency and Reinvestment

The conversation emphasizes the importance of consistency and the strategic reinvestment of earnings back into the business.

• Learning Through Self-Education: Raven highlights the role of free resources, “[05:18] YouTube University is where I learned how to edit my videos… analyzing competitors. All of this is free information” ([05:18]).

• Reinvestment Over Lavish Lifestyle: She candidly discusses financial priorities, “[16:01] I am able to pay my team… putting the majority of that money back into your business” ([16:01]).

Financial Management and Team Building

Raven and Kendra discuss managing finances and the significance of building a supportive team.

• Hiring Essential Roles: Raven explains, “[12:26] I have a manager, lawyers, my accountant, bookkeeper… it’s life-changing” ([12:26]).

• Transitioning Finances: Kendra shares her experience of finally hiring a finance team after making consistent revenue, “[14:49] I started hiring a finance team to help me get things established… manage things” ([14:49]).

Balancing Work and Life as an Entrepreneur

The episode delves into the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while managing a growing business.

• From Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Kendra reflects, “[15:23] I was working in corporate while building the podcast… didn’t pay myself for about three years” ([15:23]).

• Maintaining Routine: Both discuss the difficulty of establishing a routine without a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Raven notes, “[23:18] I film YouTube videos at 9pm in my house… you really have to be strategic” ([23:18]).

Future Goals: App Development and Angel Investing

Raven shares her exciting plans for the future, including launching an app and venturing into angel investing.

• Launching an App: Raven reveals, “[44:07] My app is very exciting and coming in June… you can access all my YouTube content and interact with an AI bot” ([44:07]).

• Aspiring Angel Investor: Kendra discusses her North Star goal, “[29:43] I want to be an angel investor and invest in women's businesses solving amazing problems” ([29:43]), echoed by Raven’s ambitions to “[35:13] I want to sell a company and hit the road Jack” ([35:13]).

Authenticity and Long-Term Business Vision

The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and building a business with longevity rather than chasing quick fame.

• Sticking to Authenticity: Raven emphasizes, “[27:54] You have to be willing to experiment… Just start” ([27:54]).

• Long-Term Vision Over Virality: Kendra praises Raven for her sustainable approach, “[46:18] You have built a business that uses your gifts and skills to help people” ([46:18]).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with mutual admiration and encouragement. Kendra lauds Raven’s business acumen and authenticity, while Raven expresses pride in Kendra’s achievements. They highlight the upcoming app launch and the importance of community support in entrepreneurial journeys.

• Final Remarks: Raven shares, “[50:28] It is a big deal for you as an entrepreneur” ([50:28]), and Kendra encourages listeners to support and follow Raven’s ventures.

Key Takeaways

• Self-Reliance and Perseverance: Raven’s journey illustrates the power of self-reliance and the importance of persevering through challenges.
• Strategic Reinvestment: Reinvesting earnings back into the business is crucial for sustainable growth.
• Building a Supportive Team: As businesses grow, assembling a team of trusted professionals is essential.
• Authenticity Over Virality: Building a genuine and authentic business leads to long-term success.
• Future Aspirations: Setting ambitious goals like app development and angel investing can propel a business to new heights.

Notable Quotes

• “[03:26] When you hit that rock bottom and you're like, you have to change right now… I was like, I'm gonna ask my mom…” — Raven Ross
• “[05:18] YouTube University is where I learned how to edit my videos… All of this is free information” — Raven Ross
• “[16:01] I am able to pay my team… putting the majority of that money back into your business” — Raven Ross
• “[29:43] I want to be an angel investor and invest in women's businesses solving amazing problems” — Kendra
• “[27:54] You have to be willing to experiment… Just start” — Raven Ross
• “[46:18] You have built a business that uses your gifts and skills to help people” — Kendra

Resources Mentioned

• Raven's App Launch: pottiesbodyraven.com

This episode serves as an inspiring blueprint for women entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of resilience, strategic growth, and authenticity in building a successful business.