As Omaha awakens on a beautiful November morning, Nebraska proudly celebrates its first official National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. For Kim Burks, founder of the beloved stationery brand Ramona & Ruth, it’s a moment to reflect on a journey that began in her spare bedroom and has since grown to reach over 1,300 stores worldwide. Kim’s story is a powerful testament to what happens when passion, perseverance, and purpose align.
Building a Business with Heart: Inspired by Family Roots
Kim’s love affair with stationery started young. As a child, she would join her father at the office on weekends, mesmerized by the simplicity and elegance of pens, paper, and notebooks. Yet, the deeper inspiration for her brand came from her grandmothers, Ramona and Ruth, whose names she chose to honor with her business.
“My grandmothers taught me the beauty of intentional living,” Kim shares. “Ramona was a creative florist, while Ruth was a gentle farmer. They both showed me that life’s loveliest moments are often the simplest ones—filled with warmth and connection.”
That belief became the foundation of Ramona & Ruth. In 2009, dissatisfied with the monotony of her corporate design job, Kim took a leap of faith. Armed with nothing but passion and a vintage letterpress she had purchased online, she began printing greeting cards from her spare bedroom in Omaha. “It was like Christmas morning when that press arrived,” Kim laughs. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined to figure it out.”
The Power of Persistence: Scaling Up from Humble Beginnings
The journey from a one-woman operation to a global brand was anything but smooth. Kim was a true solopreneur in those early days—designing, printing, packaging, and shipping each product herself. “I was wearing every hat imaginable,” she recalls. “There were many late nights where exhaustion was a constant companion, but every small victory, like my first sale on Etsy, kept me going.”
“I was wearing every hat imaginable,” she recalls. “There were many late nights where exhaustion was a constant companion, but every small victory, like my first sale on Etsy, kept me going.”
A major turning point came in 2017 when Kim began working with sales representatives to expand her reach beyond local markets. “Partnering with sales reps was a game-changer,” she reflects. “Their connections opened doors I couldn’t access on my own and allowed me to scale more sustainably.”
However, scaling brought new challenges. “I had this misconception that if I just created great products, people would naturally find me,” Kim admits. “But I learned quickly that growth takes continuous outreach, relationship-building, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.”
But I learned quickly that growth takes continuous outreach, relationship-building, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.”
Learning to trust others and delegate tasks was another critical milestone. “For years, I did everything myself because I was afraid to let go,” Kim says. “But once I started building a team, it freed me to focus on the bigger picture and truly grow the brand.”
Crafting with Intention: A Commitment to Quality and Connection
Ramona & Ruth is more than a business—it’s an embodiment of Kim’s commitment to living with intention. Every product, from elegant greeting cards to thoughtfully designed planners, is crafted to inspire reflection and connection. “I want to help people slow down and appreciate the simple moments,” Kim explains. “Whether it’s a handwritten note to a loved one or a planner to organize your thoughts, these small acts of intention can have a big impact.”
Despite the brand’s growth, Kim remains deeply involved in the creative process. “We still use the same antique letterpress to add foil details to our cards,” she shares proudly. “Maintaining that handcrafted touch is important to me. It’s a way of keeping the personal connection alive.”
Maintaining that handcrafted touch is important to me. It’s a way of keeping the personal connection alive.
Every new product begins with a thoughtful question: Does this bring value? Will it inspire someone to pause and connect? These questions guide Kim’s designs and ensure that each item aligns with Ramona & Ruth’s ethos of simplicity and intention.
Celebrating Milestones and Community Impact
Today, Kim’s products are cherished across the globe, but it’s the connections she’s built locally that hold special meaning. Sara Sabaliuskas, Director of Business Development at 316 Strategy Group, has long admired Kim’s journey. “Kim is more than just a talented designer—she’s an embodiment of intentional entrepreneurship,” Sara notes. “Her success isn’t measured solely in numbers but in the genuine relationships she cultivates. She has set a high standard for women entrepreneurs everywhere.”
Kim’s ability to expand her business while staying true to her values speaks volumes about her dedication. “There were many moments when I felt overwhelmed, but my community kept me grounded,” Kim says. “Knowing that my work is making a positive impact is what drives me forward.”
Navigating the Challenges of Being a Woman Entrepreneur
As a woman navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, Kim has faced her fair share of obstacles. “There were times when I felt underestimated, but I realized that my vision was my greatest strength,” she reflects. “You have to believe in what you’re doing, even when the path isn’t clear.”
You have to believe in what you’re doing, even when the path isn’t clear.
Mastermind groups with other creative entrepreneurs have been crucial to Kim’s journey. “Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but having a network of like-minded people to lean on makes all the difference,” she says. “It reminds you that you’re not alone.”
Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs? “Start where you are, with what you have. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect,” Kim emphasizes. “And don’t compare your journey to others’. Focus on your progress and celebrate the wins, no matter how small.”
Looking Forward: New Horizons and a Legacy of Thoughtfulness
Looking ahead, Kim remains focused on her mission of inspiring intentional living. In early 2025, Ramona & Ruth will launch new products, including expanded color options for their popular block notepads and a new monthly calendar layout. “We want to continue creating products that bring beauty and mindfulness into people’s daily lives,” Kim says.
Her vision for the next decade is clear: to leave behind a legacy of simplicity and connection. “If we can inspire people to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with their loved ones, that’s a legacy I’m proud to leave,” she adds.
Honoring National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: A Call to Support Local Businesses
As Nebraska marks its first official celebration of National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Kim’s story stands as a beacon of what’s possible when creativity meets resilience. According to the Small Business Administration, women-owned businesses contribute $1.9 trillion to the economy, with Nebraska seeing a 60% growth in women-led ventures over the past decade.
“Women like Kim are reshaping what it means to be a business leader,” says Sara Sabaliuskas. “Her journey is a reminder that with passion and determination, anything is possible.”
This Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, consider supporting local women-owned businesses like Ramona & Ruth. Share your story of intentional living using #CelebrateWomenEntrepreneurs and tag @ramonaandruth to join the conversation.
A Lasting Legacy of Connection and Purpose
As we celebrate National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Kim Burks’ journey serves as a powerful reminder that true success goes beyond profits—it’s about creating something meaningful. “Focus on what truly matters,” Kim advises. “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Trust your vision, and let your purpose guide you.”
Omaha Business Insider is proud to honor Kim Burks as a leading example of intentional entrepreneurship. Her story encourages all of us to dream big, embrace our passions, and build a legacy that reflects our deepest values.
A Personal Challenge To Our Readers
This Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, take a page from Kim Burks’ story and ask yourself: How can you slow down, live with intention, and create space for what truly matters? Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an aspiring business owner, or simply someone looking to bring more joy into your life, the time to start is now.
Do you have an inspirational story of a local Omaha entrepreneur you would like to have featured in an upcoming spotlight? Contact our editorial team to learn more.
