Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Rueda
Hi Elisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into entrepreneurship started with a wake-up call. After experiencing a sudden retinal detachment and undergoing invasive eye surgery, I had to face how unfulfilled and stressed my corporate life had made me. It was a pivotal moment that forced me to reassess my priorities and pursue a life built around purpose and clarity.
Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurship. My parents built restaurants and a commercial portfolio from the ground up, and their dedication to vision and resilience left a lasting impression. Despite that, I initially followed the traditional corporate path. It wasn’t until I left Austin, launched my consulting business, and began living part-time in different countries that I fully embraced the freedom to create something meaningful.
One of my early projects was Cowork Popup Villas in Bali. I envisioned it as a sanctuary for entrepreneurs, a place to work, connect, and grow in a supportive environment. That project fueled my passion for hosting workshops, retreats, and women’s business groups, particularly in Baja California, where I brought women entrepreneurs together in spaces that encouraged growth and connection.
Now I’m back in Austin, focusing on my latest endeavor, Rise & Thrive Club. This community is designed for women over 40 who are building businesses and stepping into their next chapter with intention. It is centered on three key areas: wealth, wellness, and connection. I call it “entrepreneur therapy” because it focuses on both strategic growth and mutual support.
Austin has always been a grounding presence in my journey. While I’ve worked globally, it reflects the values I hold close, like authenticity, connection, and creativity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been far from smooth, but the challenges have shaped who I am today. After my retinal detachment and surgery, I had to confront how fragile health can be when life is out of balance. That experience stayed with me and became a constant reminder of the importance of resilience and prioritizing well-being.
Building a business has its own set of challenges. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, especially when you’re making decisions without a team to lean on. There were moments of doubt when I wished for someone to share the load. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts and found strength in the communities I was building. These struggles reinforced my belief in the power of connection and inspired much of the work I do today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Rise & Thrive Club is an application-based community for women over 40 who are building businesses and stepping into their next chapter with confidence and purpose. We are officially launching in early 2025, with a mission to help members thrive in three key areas: wealth, wellness, and connection.
What makes this community unique is its holistic approach. It is not just about helping women grow their businesses but also about fostering balanced, fulfilling lives. Through curated challenges, retreats, and our Thrive in Business Accelerator, members gain tools to achieve financial independence, embrace self-care, and build meaningful relationships.
What I am most proud of is the supportive culture we are creating. Rise & Thrive is a place where women can share their wins, navigate challenges, and grow together. It is more than a business-building program; it is a space to create a life that feels intentional and rewarding. For anyone ready to take charge of their next chapter, this is the community to help them rise and thrive in 2025.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite memories are tied to my parents’ restaurants. They started as servers, saved every penny, and eventually opened their own places. The restaurants became more than just businesses; they were spaces where people gathered and connected. I loved watching my parents build genuine relationships with their customers, and I learned how important it is to make people feel welcome and seen.
As an only child, I often found creative ways to foster connection. At school, I started groups and even led a program teaching younger kids Spanish when I was in fifth grade. At home, I played “teacher” with my dolls and chalkboard, imagining myself guiding and connecting with others.
These experiences shaped my love for building communities and helping others feel supported. They taught me that connection is not just a nice idea; it is a cornerstone of a meaningful life. Those values still guide everything I do today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riseandthriveclub.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisathehost/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elisa_the_host
