Behind the Brand: RINGA

1. What is the name of your company?

RINGA

2. What is your title?

Founder

3. Where is your company located?

Seattle, WA / Lakewood, CO

4. How did you hear about Naturally Colorado? What made you become a member? Has Naturally Colorado helped you in any way?

After living in CO for 10 years, we moved away in 2009 because options for work in the natural space for me were limited. (can you believe that!) When I started my own company – naturally boulder/colorado was a ‘natural’ fit because it is where I learned everything I know about the industry, and my family is still based there and is my ‘second home’ for the business. We miss it dearly and are looking to relocate our business back there full time because the community for what we’re doing is SO STRONG and SO SUPPORTIVE!

5. What size is your company?

Just me!

6. What inspired you to start your company?

I was on an ‘unintended’ career break, and it gave me the pause and reflection needed to be ‘open’ to whatever was next for me in my life. That just so happened to be me learning about a plant (called moringa) that was so inspiring to me that I knew I had to spend the rest of my career helping to drive awareness for how it can be integrated into the mainstream as a solution for the health and wellness of both people and planet. I am motivated every day by the people I continue to meet in this industry committed to making the world a better place.

7. Why did you choose to focus on the natural and organic industry?

The more you learn about our food system, the more you feel compelled to change it for the better. Legacy / big food / pharma is doing a wonderful job of poisoning us – and we have to mobilize our efforts to keep ‘food in the food system!’

8. Can you describe the biggest challenge you faced during the early stages of your company, and how you overcame it?

We’re still early stage, so we face bigger (and bigger) challenges every day. My advice to myself – based on my experience – is to focus on what matters. Prioritize the efforts that get you to the next phase of your business and block out the noise (it’s noisy out there!). You can’t do everything all at once. You can’t be everything to everyone. Be patient.

9. What keeps you up at night regarding your business?

I honestly prioritize shutting it down at night. I give all my waking hours to stress, worry, obsess, celebrate, and think about the business and in order to balance – my rule is to not think about the business as soon as it’s time to wind down. Those thoughts will be there in the morning, that’s a given.

10. What strategies can you share that have been effective?

11. How important is networking, and what strategies do you use to build and maintain professional relationships?

Networking is probably one of the most important things you can do. Not only to help foster a good support system, but also be a ‘tide’ that raises all boats. I still see so much ‘gatekeeping’ across the industry, even those that allow access to themselves. I try to make myself truly accessible to others so that the same energy flows back to me. If you go into networking viewing it as transactional, it’s easy to see and it feels ingenuous.

12. What is one piece of advice or knowledge that has changed your life and why?

I like to remind myself that we have two ears and one mouth. Meaning we should listen twice as much as we talk. There are a LOT of people that like to talk, and not enough listeners. I’ve found that if you truly listen, ask thoughtful questions, and take the time to process what people are saying – you can usually weed out who you want to align yourself with and who you don’t. Also, just do the work. If you’re not willing to do the work for your brand/company, why would someone else?

Connect with Stephanie.

Learn more about RINGA.

More about Behind the Brand:

Everyone has a unique founding journey and we want to hear yours and share it with the community! Whether it’s how you started, your mission or the challenges you’ve overcome, we want to spotlight you and celebrate your success and journey. 

We will feature one brand a month on our website, on social media, and in our newsletter. In addition to connecting with the Naturally Colorado community, this is an opportunity to provide support and guidance to others! 

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The Naturally Colorado team will follow up with more information if your submission is chosen to be featured in the Behind the Brand series.