Meet Rachel Rodgers, Black Ranch Owner, Author, Wife & Mother
Rachel Rodgers is like the older sister we’ve always wanted, and the role model we all need. The smart, witty, and impeccably inspiring entrepreneur, wife, and mother created an educational agency called Hello Seven Co. which specializes in business, marketing, financial, and legal training. With a laser sharp focus on helping women achieve their dreams through creating individual wealth, Hello Seven Co., and Rachel Rodgers are literally creating the next generation of female millionaires. In addition, Rachel released her book, We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power, this past May to rave reviews and sky-high sales. As I read it personally, I found myself frequently turning to my husband in disbelief eagerly ready to share with him all the unbelievable data and knowledge that is highlighted in Rachel’s book. To say that her book is a must read would be an understatement, it is a ‘have-to-read’ for any person looking to regain control over their lives, personally and professionally.
Not surprisingly, Rachel’s trailblazing attitude in her professional life translates seamlessly into her personal one - especially as she embarks on a journey as a Black ranch owner in Greensboro, NC, which unfortunately in 2021 is a title far and few between. It’s also a journey my husband and I are beginning on as well. The beginning of our conversation started with Marlon pulling up in his pickup truck we named Diesel, a few minutes late, as I say, “My husband is just pulling up, I hear his very loud truck.” Rachel quickly exclaims that her husband too has, “A very loud truck,” and we laugh. Instantly through Zoom I feel like I am talking to one of my longtime girlfriends, and we begin to connect on the similar year that we have both had leaving the comfort of our familiar homes and becoming landowners in traditionally white communities. As Marlon says, “We live the life of polka dots.” Rachel and her husband and children relocated during the pandemic to a ranch in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Being a ranch owner hadn’t been on Rachel’s to-do list in life growing up in Queens, New York. “I don’t think I ever thought about having large pieces of property when I was younger because it was just not something I would have thought of.” After her husband mentioned his personal dream of owning land and cows, she started to recognize other women that live on cattle ranches, such as Pioneer Woman, who is based in Texas and went from a food blogger to building an empire, and Denise Duffield Thomas, who lives in Australia. It helped to paint a clearer vision for Rachel as to what the future could look like for themselves and most importantly, for their children. Next thing she knew, they were ‘casually’ looking at properties to potentially own, where they could host their retreats and friends. Within five minutes of viewing their to-be property in February 2020, Rachel knew that it was it, and then the pandemic hit a month later. Six months later they closed on the sale, and they officially moved in October of 2020.
Courtesy of @therodgersranch
Since their relocation her family has begun their assimilation into ranch life, which is fabulously documented on their Instagram, @therodgersranch. One exceedingly powerful post hits home: “the babes finally started riding lessons last week. These black children are learning how to ride their own horse on their own ranch. It feels like a historic occasion.” It is indeed a historic occasion, and one that she hopes will become more common in years and generations to come. But change begins with exposure, and she hopes that by sharing her story, others will feel empowered to make similar leaps, and believe that it is possible for them as well, because it is. “If you think about the history of black people in our country, we built it. We were always working land that wasn’t ours, but the entire economy of America was completely based on our labor and efforts. So, to me, it feels like a coming home and putting a stake in the land.” Rachel’s ranch model is a win-win-win. “I want to imagine this ranch as benefiting everyone. Myself, as the owner, the people who work here, the people who get produce from it, the people who come here to ride horses. I want it to positively benefit our new community. That is what we are trying to create…A safe property where my children and other people of color can come, and they know that they can have an experience here that will not include racism. It means a lot to me to be able to provide this experience to my family and the greater community and to myself as well.”
While the ranch is not ready for visitors yet, it is certainly on the horizon. In the meantime, being a landowner continues to have fantastic perks that unveil themselves the more they spend time there. As a trailblazer in her career and personal life, Rachel is also blazing in trail in her backyard. “I really enjoy being with the horses and going for hikes on my own property. Especially as a black person that has experienced so much racism, it’s like, I can go for a hike and not be concerned for my safety. I say to myself, ‘I own this’, and there is a certain security that comes with that.” We couldn’t agree more, as Marlon and I nudge each other under the desk as we chat with Rachel; the nudge acknowledging that we see ourselves in her journey, and that there is comfort in numbers. The conclusion of our video chat ends with a cheerful agreement that we will share resources and knowledge with each other and other families looking to become landowners.
Rachel Rodgers and her family are a light for a new generation of landowners and serve as an aspiration for people, and especially children growing up in packed cities. The American dream is no longer going to work for someone else in a large city, the new dream is living a more fulfilled and well-rounded life as we reclaim and purchase our own land and take control of our future that will benefit our family for generations to come. If you are interested in learning more about Rachel, be sure to follow her on Instagram @rachrodgersesq and purchase her book, We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power, on Amazon here.
