Meet Ruth Blanding – Author, Herbalist & Real Estate Agent

I met Ruth Blanding while shopping for a baby shower gift at a boutique in Porter Ranch. We struck up a conversation and I quickly learned that not only is Ruth a real estate agent (she happened to be looking for home décor items in the store), but she is also an herbalist and author of “Herbal Medicine for Modern Life“.

The San Fernando Valley is a big region (population 1.8 million when I last checked), but at that moment, it felt like a small town as we quickly exchanged information for a future coffee date. I was fascinated by Ruth’s business and her recently published book. The topic of herbalism is near and dear to my heart, as both my Filipino parents and my paternal grandmother utilize certain plants and vegetables for healing properties.

It was during this chance encounter that I asked Ruth if she would share her story with my readers. Luckily for all of us she agreed! Please meet Ruth Blanding, an author, modern herbalist, and real estate agent!

How/why did you begin your business?

Ruth: For my herbal practice, I began work in herbalism nearly 20 years ago as a holistic wellness practitioner, though I dabbled in herbalism even in my early teens. I wanted to better understand my own health needs, to be in control of my health in the ways of my ancestors, and to be able to care for my children as close to nature as possible. I believe allopathic medicine has its place; and I am grateful for it. I just believe in beginning with natural resources and moving out from there.

For my real estate business, I began this journey because I wanted to expand my holistic practice into a biodynamic farm and could not find an agent that fully listened and understood my mission and goals. After months turned into years, I decided that the way I was going to have access to information on land, and to fully understand the process the way that I desired to, was to get my license and become an official real estate agent. I realized, very swiftly, that many people felt (and feel) like I did; lost, confused, unheard as they are working to fulfill their dream. I want to be the person who helps them through this journey, the person that I would have loved to have guided me through my own journey.

As a working mother, what is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other female entrepreneurs?

Ruth: Honestly the biggest piece of advice I would offer is that ‘Work/Life Balance’ is not always going to look like being the amazing mom or the amazing business owner. This was the hardest for me to let go of. There is always going to be something that you need to put down to handle the larger pieces. Having a really good schedule set up, and working to stick to it, has helped me immensely as a single mom with 4 of my 6 kids still at home. And sometimes, no matter how well we stick to our schedule, my kids may suddenly need more of my focus. In these moments, I make the decision that I am going to give my work time to my kids and work in the wee hours of the night to catch up. As the mom of both a 28-year-old and a 9-year -old, I can tell you these years fly by so very fast.

What do you like best about having a business in the San Fernando Valley?

Ruth: I grew up in the Valley; Northridge born and bred! After being gone for nearly 24 years, there is something wonderful about being back “home”. I love the diversity of people; mindsets, needs, lifestyles, backgrounds. I love what each individual brings to the table when we work together. There are so many amazing people in the Valley and I am thrilled that I get to be in business here and engage with so many authentically.

If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?

Ruth: The one thing I wish I knew was so very integral to having a healthy and thriving business, when I first set out to be an entrepreneur, is to build up and stay connected to your community, your people. Especially as an entrepreneur, it is our people who hype us up, who connect us to the people we “need to meet”, who see us as we wish to be, not just where we are starting from. Community is everything. Keep yours close at heart.

For more information on Ruth’s book, “Herbal Medicine for Modern Life,” visit the publisher’s website here. For updates on her real estate business, click here. Also, don’t forget to check Ruth’s Instagram account so that you can get the latest info!

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. The images shown in this post are used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.