We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ruth Stevenson-Owen. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ruth, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Now I’m in my forties, I’ve started playing Mahjong. Maybe I’m starting early, but I’m glad I am, because it really is SUCH a delightful game. I get excited every time the tiles are dealt, the symbols are beautiful and it brings 4 people together, making it a very joyful occasion. Even more joyful if everyone at the table is super competitive!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My husband and I own Home & Happy, a home maintenance and handyman business.
We have 2 small children, making running a business just that little more interesting!
We started our adventure when our first was born 5 years ago, because we just couldn’t figure out how we were ever going to make enough money to survive without one of us being gone all the time. I was teaching and my husband was in landscaping, and neither job paid enough to be a one income family. We needed something that meant we could both parent and make money.
Our brand reflects this grassroots, local, family-run approach. We insist upon 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and don’t invoice anyone until we know they are absolutely satisfied. If they are not happy, we go back and rectify the situation until they are. I’d say that is where we stand out from the rest.
Another USP is that we always turn up on time and ready to work. That is not common in this industry!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Creative, free spirit, dancer, singer, artist, carpentress, writer, psychologist, anthropologist.
GREAT question. I had never really thought about it before!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I started suffering from panic attacks when I was in my early twenties. The mental health journey took me to live in a yoga retreat in rural New Zealand, an ashram in India, an 11 day silent retreat in southern England and many other places, searching for useful tools to create true happiness in my life.
I now have a full toolbox (literally and figuratively) and an extremely fulfilling life.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Honestly, I don’t feel like anybody is getting it totally wrong, but I do feel like my life has made sense on a deeper level now that I don’t try to force things into place, struggle or push hard. When I can feel resistance in a situation, I stop and try to release it instead of wrestling it to the ground. Life has become much easier.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Travelling with my kids. I have always been a big traveler, but since having children, the fear of something happening outside of my control has made me wary of taking them to exotic places. I’m hoping that this fear will ease as they get older and are less vulnerable. Seeing the world gives you so much perspective, and I want my kids to have perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://homeandhappy.us
- Instagram: @homeandhappyagain
- Facebook: @homeandhappyagain
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