Meet Kathryn Rambo | Happily Humble & Mother of 8

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathryn Rambo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathryn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I was a child, I grew up in extreme poverty. No running water and no electricity. I was tired of being hungry, and I was very tired of being dependent on others who were not dependable. I worked many odd jobs as a kid. I met a lot of people. No one that claimed they would care for me actually did. I always had to fall back on myself. My mother was not allowed to work at the time and my father was an alcoholic and deeply depressed. The circumstances placed me in the position of being a very bad financial provider with my petty jobs, but a much needed and pretty decent protector for my family and siblings. It was not the best neighborhood. Lots of poor children get into trouble, and I certainly did my fair share. Even though my behavior was not always responsible, I did learn to be responsible for others at a very early age. I continued to search for a way out of poverty and the bad neighborhood. I failed at this dramatically when I ended up meeting and marrying a man that I thought was sober. He ultimately was not dependable or responsible either. I was let down yet again, yet this time I had 2 children to look after as well. Again, I was let down and depended on myself.

I put myself through my first year of college by working 2 – 3 jobs with help from a pell grant. My 2nd year, I received scholarships because I had a perfect academic year. After some starts and stops, I eventually got my MBA in education. At that same time, I was in Corporate America working my way up the ladder. My proclivity towards being responsible and working hard was paying off. During my 25 year career, I worked for several fortune 500 companies educating their employees and even leading their Learning and Development departments. Teaching others was something I was very passionate about.

Although the money was coming in now, especially after the divorce and not having to provide for my ex husband any longer, I realized I needed more of a challenge. I loved my career, but there was a side of me that was not satisfied with routine. An opportunity soon manifested. My oldest daughter, Briana Rambo, who was about 12 at the time, was looking at my modeling albums and photos and exclaimed that she wanted to model also. I told her no because the industry is so nefarious. However, Briana is relentless when she wants something, so she pushed, pushed, pushed until she got her way. She was so stunning and naturally gifted that she was signed by an agency right away, and began getting paying gigs in AZ, which is no small feat in itself, and ended up being published in over 30 magazines, including Vogue, and about 8 magazine covers. She was very successful. Other parents began asking me to help their daughters with posing or their runway walk. Then one day a woman approached me who wanted to open a modeling agency but she needed someone with experience to lead the agency. She said that everyone she had asked recommended me. I explained to her how much I work (I was a Senior Manager of L & D at the time) and she said she would do all the work and admin stuff, that she wanted me to be CEO and tell her what to do. I was good at telling people what to do, so we opened up our own modeling agency. It was not the biggest money maker, but it was one of the biggest learning experiences of my life, it was fun, and I felt so free and successful. Every runway show or photoshoot was better than the last. It was an amazing experience. My process or goal for starting my own business ultimately was never about making a ton of money, it was finding a way to gain control, express my full self, and let loose a bit. I was also able to spend a lot of time with my oldest daughter Briana who during her time with the agency learned styling, hair, make up, photography, and set directing. She has also been published for her skills in those arenas. Even doing make up for CNN and FOX. She blossomed and it was shocking to see how talented she was at everything she took on. She now owns her own photography studio (Studio Create in Tucson AZ).

Benefiting your family should be the ultimate goal that anyone has when starting a business. My process was choppy, but ultimately I achieved my goals. Whenever you are thinking of starting something new, ask yourself how the new venture will benefit or influence your family. The answer you come up with should be more significant than just “money,” or you won’t be very happy or fulfilled in the long run.

To sum this up, I achieved the stability and better life that I was searching for. Praise God.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I don’t see myself as more special or more deserving than anyone else. I just wanted to find someone or something that I could depend on. It was a long journey. When I was younger, I came to the conclusion that I could only depend on myself. I worked very hard, I was a risk taker. Here are some of the businesses, or ventures I have dallied in: Private Investigator, Painter, Model, Bartender, Pool Hustler (bad mommy!), Educator, Manager, Model Agency Owner, Bird Breeder, Photographer, Landlord, Clerk, Consultant, Cartoonist, Resume Writer, Curriculum Designer, Mother, Farmer, Mechanic, Automobile Painting, Maid Service, Poultry Farming, etc. I love trying new things and taking risks. A few of those paid off well for us and a few of them did not. It was not easy, but I don’t like easy things, I liked to be challenged.

Nowadays, I am older and I am enjoying the slower pace of life. I will leave the challenges for my children, so that they can also grow into well-rounded people.

A lesson for others: You should not become complacent. Don’t just sit on your phone or PC all day and wonder why things aren’t happening for you. Don’t expect other people to make things happen for you. Take some intelligent risks. Remember that other people are not dependable or responsible for you achieving your goals. I made things happen with the strength provided to me. If I can crawl out from a place of extreme poverty, then anyone can. Give glory to God for helping you along the way. Don’t ever forget there is more to life than just you. Do something that has purpose that fulfills you.

A lesson I learned: After I was diagnosed with Myasthenias Gravis, and the symptoms became too much, I could no longer work. I was now home with the kids all day missing my career which I loved. I felt useless and ashamed for not working. I grew up in a misogynistic household and saw how badly my mother had been treated. That, plus the culture of the time, influenced me to believe that women who raise their own kids were considered to be submissive or “lesser” than career women. What a lie that was. Being home with my kids is amazing and the best time in my life. I am a much more complete person now that I can embrace both sides of me. Now that I am older, I am also wiser. I no longer allow society, or any group of people, to manipulate me into thinking there is a right or wrong way to be a woman anymore. If you want to be a mom, be one. If you want a career, do that. If you want to do both and you know you can prioritize your kids over career if needed, go for it. Don’t let the media or your own trauma stop you from seeing the full picture of who you can be. Also, don’t pick a spouse that will take advantage, or disrespect any of the choices that you make. Find one that shares your values.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would stay at my house and play board games. I have had a very fun life filled with being constantly busy. I am enjoying some much needed down time now. I would invite them over and we would play Catan, Castle Panic, and Ticket to Ride. Then I would tell them to leave so I can chill with my kids.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel like I was alone on much of my journey. I think that strengthened me because I had to reach out spiritually to gather that strength. Most of the people who loved me, I have no doubt they did, but I never felt as though anyone ever tried to protect me or look out for me. I don’t say this as if I want to be seen as a victim, I do not. There is no honor in that. I say this because no one could rise to my standards or expectations. Then when I got older, I learned who my mother was, how dependable my own children are, and how much grace and love my God has for me. I give credit to all of them.

My mother saw horrible things happening to her children. Although she was not protective, she loved more than anyone. I could do the craziest thing and she would still love me. When I grew up she told me that she was very proud of my ability and willingness to stand up for what is right. To stand up against my sibling’s bullies, or even standing up for her. I didn’t even realize that this was a part of who I am until she said it. She knew who I was long before I did. She noticed all the good in me even when I didn’t know I was doing good at all. Although she could not stand for me or protect me when I was a child, she helped me realize that those experiences were what made me fearless when the going got tough. Good things can grow out of bad situations. This realization she provided me made me realize there are blessings in everything and even the most traumatic experiences can be a blessing. It healed me and I was able to forgive those that hurt me, resulting in a huge weight coming off of me. Extending grace to most people came naturally to her. That’s how she got through the struggles, pain, and abuse. She just knew something good was around the corner. She had faith. What an amazing woman. I always thought that her lack of fight was because she had been victimized and had become complacent or even weak, but as I grew older, I realized that she was unconditionally giving and kind. It was just her nature. Those are not weak traits. It takes a strong person to give kindness to others, especially when they are suffering themselves. I had the honor of taking care of her for 15 years before she died. I realized how much I actually learned from her. She balanced me. She taught me grace, which I lacked, and I stood up for her when she couldn’t. We made a good team. She became one of my best friends and I miss her so much. She taught me that I don’t always have to fight. Sometimes it’s OK to just give a hug.

My kids have grown me beyond anything I thought possible. When I first began making enough money to keep our family comfortable, my oldest daughter and my mother inspired me to help others (that’s the short version of a much longer story). Helping kids became our new mission. I decided to foster and ended up doing so for nearly 14 years. I adopted 6 children, growing my grand total to 8 children. I have learned so much from my kids. My kids taught me that family, good values, loyalty, and love is far more important than my need to work 12 hour days. They centered me in ways I never expected. I had always been a Tom Boy and rough around the edges, but they softened my guarded heart and opened up a side of me that I never knew. I realized I had lived my life in fight or flight mode. I would have never become the well rounded person I am today if it were not for my kids. Having a lot of children is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Each one of them bring something different to the table. My oldest son Mick is the best man I have ever known. He has shown me that people can be depended on and that people can be honorable and just. Now that I am sick, he takes care of me, helps me take care of his siblings and he helps me without complaint (at least to my face – lol). He is the most dependable person I have ever met. He may be one of the only ones I have ever meet. My oldest daughter Briana fills the room with her light every time she enters in a room. You feel warm and loved just by her presence. She is so much fun and has such an interesting existence. She loves to do sweet things for me like cook me soup or bring me a Starbucks. My daughter Scarlett likes rules and regulations. She likes to keep things orderly and learn new things. I call her mini-me because she reminds me so much of myself. My daughter Sadie is mentally fragile, but she is super funny and very athletic. She has a huge heart and something about her naivety is so sweet. My son Milo will do any task I ask. He will follow me around just to spend time with me… even when he could be on a game or watching TV. He likes just hanging out with me and being my shadow. My son TJ is creative, kind, and sweet. He hugs everyone, counsels us, prays with us. He is my youngest, but very emotionally mature. If you need someone to listen to your troubles, TJ will do it and give you a warm hug afterwards. Tasha is my little Ninja and sassy. She always helps me with the chores and plays practical jokes on everyone, keeping us all on our toes. She is super funny and sarcastic 99% of the time. All of them add so much to my life. I have learned a lot from having such a diverse and unique family. Why do I tell you about each of them? Because each one of them have shaped me. Each one of them deserves credit for who I have become and the love that our family has. A family I never knew I would ever be worthy of having. I am safe now, finally. The fight or flight is rarely present anymore. I credit my kids with this and my God.

I am not a very “religious” person when it comes to human dogma and traditions, but feeling the Holy Spirit come upon you is something so powerful that it is hard to express in words. I must give Glory and Praise to Yeshua (Jesus). I have learned a lot about myself being born again. I had lived my entire life in “Fight or Flight” mode, feeling unsafe and always watchful. However, knowing and accepting the Spirit has allowed for me to become whole, and to give that worry and fight to Him to handle, which he often uses my oldest son Mick to manage. My journey to God has been a bumpy one for sure, I am far from perfect, but he has lifted so much weight off of me and he has taught me so much. He encourages me to be a better person and because of Him I am, and I can sit with myself in peace for the first time in my life. He comforts, protects, provides, and counsels me and does it out of love. I don’t always get what I want, and bad things happen… but he has given me freewill and taught me to use that freewill in a positive, helpful way. I praise the Father for all he has blessed me with.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynrambo/