Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

I Almost Lost My Business — Here's Exactly How I Fixed It

Jun 5, 2025
Tara Austin, founder and CEO of Ruthie Grace, shares her gripping journey of nearly losing her seven-figure e-commerce business. She discusses the critical moments that demanded a turnaround and how transparent leadership reshaped her company culture. Tara reveals her innovative operating system that manages an impressive 450 product launches monthly. Listeners will gain insights into fostering resilience during adversity and the crucial role of effective communication in building a successful team.
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ANECDOTE

Tara's Entrepreneurial Start

  • Tara Austin started Ruthie Grace at 23 with no retail experience but a passion for personalized shopping.
  • She pitched her unique approach to a banker who initially doubted her against Walmart.
INSIGHT

What an Operating System Means

  • An operating system in a business means how a team functions collectively to achieve goals, beyond simple task lists.
  • It includes roles, communication, metrics, and culture that align everyone toward finishing each aspect of the work.
ANECDOTE

High-Speed Product Launches

  • Ruthie Grace launches about 450 new products each month, requiring a fast-paced and precise operation.
  • Tara acts as the sole buyer and coordinates quick handoffs from purchasing to marketing and sales for rapid product launches.
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