From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Ral T West, offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
Ral West Livin’ the Dream is the culmination of 40+ years of entrepreneurial experience. Having owned, scaled and sold 7-8 figure businesses, all while enjoying the life of our dreams, I am now teaching business owners and entrepreneurs how to grow their business by working ON it instead of IN it, while having the freedom to live the life they want. I started this less than two years ago by creating an online course, and now I am launching a Mastermind to teach my six principles, which were the foundation of our business success.
What is one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve created or accomplished?
My husband and I built a business from nothing to 8 digits in annual revenue, and after owning it for 25 years, we sold it to Alaska Airlines. Before selling, we learned how to step away from the day-to-day operations and allow the business to be run by a CFO and COO, using the foundation we had carefully created.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
I love the freedom and creativity that comes with being a business owner. I get to do what I want, when I want, and get to reap the rewards of my own efforts.
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
We chartered wide-body jets (like 767’s) to operate a scheduled charter air service between Alaska and Hawaii. We had to guarantee the cost of all the flights, whether we sold no seats or all the seats. We studied our numbers and took a HUGE, albeit calculated, risk. It worked!
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
I am passionate about teaching thousands of business owners how to get out of the weeds of the daily operations and work ON their business so that they can gain the personal freedom to live life on their own terms. I plan to reach them through a membership program as well as my Mastermind program, each of which will teach the principles that I have found to be the foundation for business success.
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
Have confidence, courage and faith in yourself and above all, don’t let gender, age or any other factor stop you! Be bold, and just GO FOR IT!! The universe will reward action. And remember to work smarter, not harder.
