Welcome to today’s episode, where I am beyond excited to chat with none other than Ruth Chou Simons. Many of you know her as the creative genius behind GraceLaced, but she is also a powerhouse businesswoman with a wealth of wisdom to share. In this episode, we're going to uncover stories you've never heard before, including insights into her latest project. Ruth's journey is filled with invaluable lessons about starting small, persevering through challenges, and growing a business with intention and heart. Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, award-winning artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker. She uses her multifaceted platform to infuse the Word of God into people's lives. Her new book, Now and Not Yet: Pressing In When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More, encourages readers to view their current situations through God's lens, aligning their perspective with His and choosing to engage deeply with their circumstances instead of seeking escape. Join us as we delve into how Ruth has grown her business, her advice for artists, the mental hurdles she's overcome as an entrepreneur, and the business advice that has stuck with her through tough times. This conversation is sure to be packed with inspiration and practical wisdom! Join Ruth and I as we talk about: How Ruth has grown her business by starting small and slow Ruth’s advice to artists Mental hurdles and mindset shifts when becoming an entrepreneur Business advice that has always stuck with Ruth Pressing in when times are tough Favorite quotes:  Don’t worry about somebody else’s story just press into the story that God is writing in your life right in this season.” (9:26 Audio)  “Do the next right thing for you in your business story.” (11:04 Audio) “Press into what might be difficult but what makes your story one of a kind.” (18:07 Audio) “God is using the very seasons that we think are wasted and the seasons that we think are not amounting to anything.” (22:00 Audio)  “We sometimes think that we have to be on the other side of our limitations, difficulties, or not-enoughness to tackle the very things that God has laid before us, but it honors the Lord when we just start where we are with what we already have.” (23:33 Audio) Coaching this week:  Two Simple Filters for Saying Yes or No In coaching for this episode, I share that knowing when to say yes or no can be challenging, but using your top three current values and specific short-term goals as filters can help guide your decisions. By aligning opportunities with your values and goals, you ensure that you make room for what truly excites you and moves you forward in your life's purpose. Links to great things we discussed:  Ruth Chou Simons Website Ruth Chou Simons Instagram Now and Not Yet: Pressing In When You’re Waiting, Wanting and Restless for More The Intern I Set My Hope - Keith and Kristyn Getty Unsung Hero Primally Pure Plumping Serum EOS Shea Better Body Cream Old Navy Leggings Apply for Alli’s Free Coaching Create a Course Alli on YouTube Remaining You While Raising Them Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe to YouTube and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli