SEPTEMBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Lori Ruhland

Organization/Title: Founder/Owner at Cinder Boutique 

Length of time as a FEW member: 1 month

Hometown: Cold Spring, Minn.

Family: I have been married to Ryan Ruhland for 16 years. We have a 13-year-old son, Jackson, and a 7-year-old daughter, Claire.

What do you actually do at work? I think a lot of people think owning a clothing boutique is just “fun” and while it is absolute fun, it is a lot more involved. I spend a great deal of time shopping my vendors’ inventory to find the perfect pieces for Cinder. Once items arrive, I organize a model shoot with the most amazing group of women, edit the photos, and then upload the photos, product information, inventory and price onto the website (www.CinderBoutique.com). Next I price tag each piece, steam them, and place them on display at our store front inside of Urban Style Salon in Waite Park, Minn. I also do website order shipments from my home office as well as packaging orders pick-up vs. ship. Starting in September, we will be doing Facebook LIVE Sales again on Thursday nights at 8 p.m.! I genuinely love every step of the process; well maybe not the steaming part lol. Nothing makes my heart swell more than helping women find the perfect piece(s) that make them feel like their very own version of CINDERella! 

What is something you’re obsessed with? I have this crazy obsession with coffee mugs! It drives my family crazy because there is literally no room for anyone else’s cups in TWO cabinets!

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My late father. He was a business owner for over 30 years. He worked so hard, countless hours, yet always was there for me when I needed him. He found balance in his life. How many of us can say that?! I want to show my children that with hard work they can do anything. I also want to show them that being their mom is my number one job. He used to always say to me, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” I love that.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Boastful behaviors. I believe in modesty. Let your hard work show for itself and pass on your wisdom to those trying to achieve their goals. There is room for everyone at the top.

Do you have any silly fears? Maybe the better question would be, what am I not afraid of, lol! I am afraid of things that move fast…waterslides, roller coasters, and those wicket fast spiders!

What is your favorite way to waste time? I really enjoy playing cards, board games or putting together puzzles with my family. It relaxes me.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? I think I am a bit of both. Deep down I am more of an introvert so tasks are more my style, but I need people energy to keep my spirit alive.

What are three words that describe you? Genuine + Caring + Sarcastic