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080 | Mindset, Grief, and Growth with Ellan Ruskamp

  • Emily Reuschel
  • Jan 25, 2024
  • 4 min read

Gather in Growth Podcast episode #001

LISTEN TO MINDSET, GRIEF, AND GROWTH WITH ELLAN RUSKAMP ON: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your player of choicePodcast


I’m joined by my dear friend, Ellan Ruskamp, on the podcast today!


Like so many others, Ellan pursued the ‘normal’ college and career path, but everything quickly changed for her after becoming a wife and mom. Never in a million years did Ellan see herself as an entrepreneur…but the desire to start a business was placed on her heart, so Midwest Marigold was born! Ellan and I connected through social media, and she attended my very first Ascend retreat in November 2022. She’s found that being in community and surrounded by other like-minded women is unlike anything else, and truly helped her find the success she never knew was possible (or thought was possible) for her.


Ellan and I are talking about mindset, grief, and growth, because she has experienced every single one of these things in her life recently. We’re digging into the struggles of imposter syndrome while also keeping up with the Joneses as a business owner, showing up as your truest, authentic self (instead of how you think you ‘should’ present yourself), choosing intentionality and alignment instead of the never-ending hustle that society pushes on us, and much more.


While this last year was one of the hardest times in Ellan’s life, she chose to give herself kindness and space, instead of continuously pushing and burning herself out. One of the biggest things she’s learned is being in community with others who understand what you’re going through is truly invaluable. The grief and hardships we experience in different seasons in life can feel oh so isolating, but leaning on and asking for support from those around us is vital.


I’m honestly SO proud of Ellan, and the beautiful person she is. Her tenacity to move forward (no matter what life throws her way) is absolutely inspiring, and I’m honored to get to walk alongside her on her journey!


Ellan Ruskamp is a farm wife & boy mama from rural Nebraska. When she’s not chasing kiddos or helping out on the farm, she enjoys getting in touch with her creative side through her business, Midwest Marigold. She designs apparel inspired by the heart & soul of rural life that leave women feeling full of confidence & beautiful in everyday life! You can find me on Instagram @midwest.marigold or shopmidwestmarigold.com


In this episode about mindset, grief, and growth, we cover:

  • Ellan’s story of pursuing the ‘typical’ college and career path, to ultimately, starting her own business that was a better fit for her and her family

  • Ellan’s dilemma with imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head, while also feeling like she should be ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ in her business + what this led her to do

  • Learning to get support and ask for help where you specifically need it

  • Understanding that you’ll never have it ‘all’ figured out in business, no matter what you see on social media + finding community along the way

  • Ellan’s transition to showing up as her most authentic self, compared to how she originally thought she ‘should’ be

  • The power that comes from being intentional and doing the ‘work’ on your mindset, especially as you navigate an incredibly hard and devastating loss

  • The beautiful capacity we have to hold multiple emotions at once

  • Learning to be gentle with yourself, especially during those challenging seasons in life

  • Ellan’s best advice for supporting someone in your life who is experiencing a loss, hardship, etc.

  • How Ellan’s business, Midwest Marigold, has evolved since being a part of the Ascend retreat and mastermind + her plans moving forward

  • Choosing intentionality and alignment for your business and life, instead of the constant ‘ hustle and do more’ mentality that society pushes upon us

  • The realization that mindset and personal growth is a forever journey

  • Continually moving forward, even through the ups and downs that life will always throw your way


Connect with Ellan:


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Connect with Emily:

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More about the Gather in Growth podcast: 

Gather in Growth is more than a podcast—it’s a sanctuary for women coming home to themselves and each other. A sacred space to expand horizons, reignite our power, and live unapologetically as our fullest, most authentic selves.


Hosted by Emily Reuschel, this is a gathering place for the doers, dreamers, and seekers who crave connection, purpose, and meaningful impact. Through raw conversations and soul-deep reflections, we’ll embrace curiosity, step to the edges of our comfort zones, and defy expectations.


Picture this: women gathered around a fire, sharing stories with open hearts—connecting, healing, and evolving together. That’s the spirit of Gather in Growth. This is our space to awaken and embody the lives we’ve been yearning for—lives rooted in alignment, guided by intuition, and built with intention.


If you’re ready to move beyond limits and labels, cultivate deep inner trust, and courageously embrace the magic of who you are, then welcome home. Together, let’s Gather in Growth.


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If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Your support helps us reach more people who are ready to question, grow, and evolve.


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