Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruthie Holloman.
Hi Ruthie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
One of my earliest memories of being an entrepreneur was buying 10-cent Blow Pops from the local general store and selling them at school for a quarter. By middle school, I had upgraded to full-size candy bars for a dollar. I didn’t realize it then, but that was the start of my entrepreneurial journey. Years later, while in community college, I launched an event-planning business with my mentor. I loved the creativity, celebrating people’s special moments, and learning how different cultures honor life’s milestones.
I moved to Rocky Mount in 2021 and joined the Nash Community College (NCC) team. After a year in the Business Office, I applied for, then accepted, the role of Small Business Center (SBC) Assistant. I dove into everything I could learn about entrepreneurship, from finance to search engine optimization. Even though I had run a business before, I never really saw myself as an entrepreneur; so learning from a small business perspective was eye-opening. A little over a year later, the SBC Director position opened up, giving me the chance to build programs and education that could reach more people across Nash County. Since then, I’ve focused on connecting with the community, meeting people where they are, and making sure small businesses know the SBC is here to support their dreams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life always has challenges but like an entrepreneur my curiosity, persistence, and the support of my family have kept me encouraged and moving forward, even when life gets challenging. Those moments that felt tough at the time ended up shaping me, strengthening my empathy for the entrepreneurs I serve today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my role as the Director of the Small Business Center at Nash Community College, I help new and existing entrepreneurs gain the confidence, clarity, and tools they need to build sustainable businesses. I specialize in breaking down complicated topics like business planning, funding, and marketing and make them feel simple, approachable, and doable. A lot of my work centers on listening to people’s dreams and helping them map out practical steps to get there.
I think I’m best known for creating programs that feel personal and for making people feel seen, encouraged, and capable no matter where they’re starting. I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built in Nash County and the trust entrepreneurs place in me. Seeing someone walk in with an idea and walk out with a plan, or the courage to keep going when things get challenging, is the most rewarding part of what I do.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just teach entrepreneurship, I understand it from the inside out. I’ve been on the other side, trying things, figuring things out, starting and restarting. I bring empathy, creativity, and honesty into every conversation. I genuinely care about the people behind the businesses, and I think that human connection makes all the difference.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The Small Business Center is for everyone not just new entrepreneurs. We’re here for businesses that have been around 15+ years, legacy businesses being passed down to the next generation, and anyone who needs support at any stage. SBCs are located in every community college across North Carolina; we offer free one-on-one business consultations, training, and resources. We’re here to walk with you through every stage of business whether you’re growing, rebuilding, or dreaming big. Our doors are always open.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nashcc.edu/about/community-resources/small-business-center/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashsmallbusinesscenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashccsbc
- Other: https://www.ncsbc.net/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1002
