Meet Lori Ramas | Systems + Success Builder

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

Hi Lori, how do you think about risk?
“A whole new world!” I scream-sang like all little 5-year-old girls who are obsessed with Princess Jasmin. But unlike most kids my age, I was prancing and singing outside the Dojo (karate school) under the neon Martial Arts sign. A crew of us crazy younger siblings played together while our brothers and sisters practiced karate in the evenings. It was dark, but my Mom watched me through the window with the neon sign while she worked on the other side, in the main office. She worked there most nights. We had our evening routine. David, my older brother, would take or teach classes, Mom worked the office, and I galloped around in full dress-up gear, (think pink princesses), begging Mom to let me walk down the strip mall sidewalk to buy new jelly pens.

This seemingly mundane experience was my first lesson in risk-taking. Mom didn’t want to risk her son’s passion for karate classes – which he’s had since he was practically a toddler. Instead, she worked a full-time job at Pathmark as the head bookkeeper and then part-time at the Dojo to offset the cost of his tuition. Circumstances were a thing she could turn into her superpower. She transformed our ordinary experience of life into a created, on-purpose, completely fulfilling adventure that we, in which the three musketeers as we named ourselves then, could flourish.

As a result of her pioneering leadership, my brother established his own Dojo. He started running his business a few weeks after he turned 18. On May 2nd, 2001, Elite Martial Arts (then under a different name) opened. Risky? You bet. But the alternative – a life behind a desk – was unacceptable to him.

All of this is my story. Being a part of a thriving, healthy dojo that is inventing a safe, healthy, and fit world one black belt leader at a time has been my entrepreneurship training. The ripple effect of my Mom’s risk-taking led me to become my brother’s first karate student, subsequent assistant class instructor, and eventually – co-owner of his business. The many hundreds of children, families, teens, and adults I had the joy of teaching and learning from garnered me thousands of tiny moments that built up my understanding of how to be of service to people.

The lessons I learned in self-discipline, communication, mental endurance, and patience started and never ended through the martial arts. My passion for other people experiencing the kind of unstoppable love and leadership I had the distinct pleasure of knowing to my core awakened a new pathway in my life. I realized I could translate my instructing and business ownership insights into wisdom that other small business owners could leverage for themselves. My company, Relezant (then Lion Linq) was born.

I now help small companies and solopreneurs learn “techy” social media lingo and how to make it one of their greatest assets through 1:1 strategy and Workflow sessions and done-for-you social media management services. I built software that specifically serves the solopreneurs of the world who need the power of marketing automation but not the fancy techy stuff that makes it cost an arm and a leg. Everything I create is designed to help a high volume of people for a super affordable price because I get what they need and I care that it exists, so I built it. I’ve gone on to add a social media content membership too! I bring hand-selected, highly curated, professional social media graphics and captions to DIY entrepreneurs who need a nudge in the right direction. Not everyone can drop a G on social media management every month.

One Mother weighing the risks in her life and choosing the path of joy and togetherness despite the many financial and emotional hardships has rippled through the lives of countless people I will never know. What I know is watching my Mom be an unstoppable force for happiness is now a part of my DNA. The risks, decisions, and mistakes made by the people closest to me have taken me down a path full of family, love, and servitude.

I am personally inviting you to consider what is riskier for yourself and your life, and who – not what – is worth putting your butt on the line for. This is an opportunity for you to value yourself and your business for the difference you make, rather than just what you can do. I want to help you find that unstoppable force for joy and success in your business and in your life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Other people can tell you better than I can what stands out about me. If you read the reviews people have so kindly left me, you’ll read about my excitement. My energy makes people feel excited, confident, and ready to learn – no – conquer. I lead with love and authenticity; people’s worries and fears wash away when they know someone has their back with the social media and systems aspects of their business.
What I’m most proud of is two-fold. First, is my focus on people. I have the privilege of watching people discover how capable and bold they really are. Second, are the tools I’ve built for my solopreneurs to flourish. Finding myself holding the reins of a technology company is surprising to me. I’m still amazed that I pursued my software idea, found a developer, and spent years totaling hundreds of hours on calls, in emails, on Skype, and testing my platform. I don’t always like it, but big dreams take time. Having the emotional and mental endurance to make them happen is a legacy that I hope inspires others!
I’m reading the prompt, “Was it easy?”, and laughing hysterically at so many ridiculous moments I’ve had in business. No is the short answer. Some of those aforementioned phone calls regarding my software were me sitting alone in my office, on mute, crying my eyes out with frustration. Communicating the functions of my software and every potential outcome of every click, every button, every feasible mistake, etc. is draining and honestly felt impossible. Some ways I overcame breakdowns were calling a mentor or coach, voice-to-text dumping everything I was feeling, so it was out of my mind, and then deleting the document. I found other business owners in a similar industry or similar age and asked questions, shared my concerns, and found so much wisdom.
“Are you just gonna give up?” The sound of my Mother asking me this question when I was a child still rings in my ears today. I learned so many times throughout my life that keeping and honoring your word is all there really is. When I signed up for ballet, I was going until the recital was over and some nights that meant going, even if I was in tears fighting it. Speaking of crying! I had a client take such advantage of me that I eventually burst into tears during a meeting, but I didn’t leave. I finished the contract will full integrity, both keeping my word to the client and honoring my own well-being.

My company was born from privilege, not in money or status, but from the richness of family, and the wisdom of tenacious leaders around me who built something out of nothing. I stand for and I stand with the solopreneurs who don’t have a ton of money but who have a ton of heart. I’ve seen masterful, extraordinary leaders discover their greatness, put new systems in place, create consistency in their businesses and lives, and truly flourish. That’s what I’m here for!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I just moved to a new state for the first time in my life, so this is a fun question for me! State parks like Cape Henlopen are beautiful to explore and are also in the middle of Rehoboth Beach. Lots of great eating and long walks on the beach. Fun finds like Kent Island in Maryland have stunning views and beautiful walking and biking trails. Assateague Island is home to wild ponies, a fun experience for all ages. For some, tax-free outlet shopping is very enticing, so that’s another great option. As a homebody myself, I mostly cook and make what I eat and drink from scratch, so cooking or just eating together sounds good to me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The behind-the-scenes heroes of my story, of which there are so many, could use a shout-out. My family who shows up for me no matter what. Black belt masters who impart wisdom beyond the mat. I experienced countless breakthroughs thanks to my participation in the Landmark Forum for Teens and many personal development programs at Landmark Worldwide since then. The many friends and business colleagues I’ve had the honor of cultivating through powerful networking organizations like Believe Inspire Grow (B.I.G.).

Website: Thrivecollective.shop AND relezant.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriramas/

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

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