Meet Sara Rutter | Equine Assisted Business Alignment Coach, Farm Animal Rescue, Event Venue Owner

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

Hi Sara, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I don’t believe in work/life balance anymore. I believe in work/ life ALIGNMENT. I learned in my first business of owning a cupcake bakery for 10 years, that balance requires you to take away from life in order to make business “balanced” or vice versa. I was in this constant battle of trying to find balance between my business and life, until I finally figured out that balance isn’t ever truly possible, but ALIGNMENT is. Alignment requires your business and life to work together. It is when our business and life are both moving forward in line with our core values of our heart. Alignment allows movement with ease, and doesn’t require us to give up core parts of ourselves in order to make us balanced out. I truly think that my search for work/life balance is the main reason that led to my burnout in my first business and essentially led me to the decision to sell the bakery and create a life and business that aligned with my heart, soul, and purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sweet Freedom Farm was started out of a passion for animals, nature, and living a life that aligns with my heart, soul, and purpose. After a bad business burnout, I was feeling exhausted and defeated. I needed to make drastic changes in my life for the sake of my health, my marriage, and my family. Within two weeks of deciding to sell the bakery, I found out I was pregnant and found out the offer was excepted on our dream home (which is now known as Sweet Freedom Farm). I knew it was God’s way of saying that I had made the right decision. I learned all the lessons on boundaries, taking care of myself, and business through my first business the hard way. But I think that made me grow so much faster as a business owner and entrepreneur. Now, in my new business with Sweet Freedom Farm, I have such a better understanding of what my ideal business looks like for me, what my mission and “WHY” are, and the life I want to live. I am so grateful for every lesson learned along the way because each misstep and mistake is a teaching moment. I want to be a lifelong learner.
I want everyone to know that you can have a purpose and passion filled business that aligns with the life you want to live. You don’t have to give up your dream life to have your dream business. You should keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep learning every day. It’s 100% okay to change your path entirely in order to love and live a more full life. It’s okay to be successful and decide that you want to pivot your direction. We only get one life to live, and I think it’s meant to be lived fully in alignment with the things that light our heart and soul up the most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised about 5 minutes from Red Rocks Amphitheater, so we would definitely start our day with a workout on the stairs there. Then we’d make our way to Golden, stopping at Launch Cafe for a Spicy Chai. Next, we’d park in downtown Golden and walk along the creek, making our way up the Clear Creek Trail. Once we made the loop and came back into town, we’d definitely have to go to Gold Mine Cupcakes (my first business) and get a sweet treat. We would then take our cupcakes and head home to my farm in Black Hawk. We’d make a picnic lunch, pack a couple beers, and head out to our tiny cabin and sit on the porch for a picnic. The next day we’d drive to Winter Park. We’d enjoy Winter Park Resort, taking in the views from the Gondola and then making our way back down the mountain on the Alpine Slide. Once we got down, we would head over to the Amtrak train station in Fraser and catch the train to take us to Glenwood Springs. The views from this ride are spectacular! You go through canyons that I didn’t even know existed. Once we get to Glenwood Springs, we’d spend a few days there. We’d do everything from the hot springs pools, to Glenwood Adventure Park and Caves. We’d then catch the train back to Fraser a couple days later and make our way back home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ooh man, I have so many people that come to mind, but I’d say most definitely my parents. From my first business with the cupcake bakery, to now having the farm and animal rescue, they’ve always been my biggest supporters. They both worked long, wonderful careers before they retired, and then as soon as they retired they jumped in to help me with the cupcake business. My mom was my co- owner and co- baker with me, and my dad did all the wedding deliveries, worked the front of the shop, played Santa during Christmas season, and ran the farmers markets. They supported me when I told them I was burned out and wanted to sell the business, and they jumped right back in with me when I started Sweet Freedom Farm. They never hesitate to help with farm chores, guiding cars to proper parking spots, setting up events etc. My mom even helps me with vetting the animals when there is a shot I have to give (she was a nurse for 41 years). They are just the best! I am forever grateful for their encouragement, love, and tireless support in my entrepreneurial journey.

Website: www.sweetfreedomfarmco.com

Instagram: @sweetfreedomfarmco , @farmtoheartsara

Facebook: facebook.com/sweetfreedomfarmco

Other: Pinterest.com/sweetfreedomfarmco