Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ruby Durham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ruby , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I took the risk and resigned from my Anchor Reporter job as an Emmy-Nominated TV News Journalist to get back into singing and songwriting. I grew up doing this as a young child but when my mom passed away right before my senior year of high school I stopped singing as well. At that time the last song I sang was Hero by Mariah Carey at her funeral. She was my confidant. Other than singing she had me in dance, acting, theater, sports and pageants. I let all of it go except for sports. I went onto Coastal Carolina University where I ran track and field for four years. I graduated with a Communications degree with a focus in Broadcast Journalism. Flash forward nearly 6 years later I’m working at a NASCAR in Charlotte for the local NBC affiliate. I ran into a pageant queen while working what was then the Roval 400 in 2021. Long story short we exchanged numbers and she empowered me to do the state pageant the following year without really knowing who I was or that I wasn’t unfamiliar with pageants. I competed and won Miss North Carolina for America 2022. During the interview phase one of the judges asked what is something people in Charlotte do not know about me. Side note, I’m originally from Greenville, SC. I told him that I knew how to sing. He then encouraged me to take another stab at it. I went back to working the news after the pageant and realized how much I missed performing, being on stage, etc. In the pageant world you’re rehearsing your walk, your talk, an opening number that includes dance, you dressing up in your finest from interview outfits, swim and gowns. I thought that part of me was no longer a thing but I realized it was and I wanted to revisit the young girl in me who just knew she’d be a star. I ended up quitting my news job at then end of 2022. I didn’t have a back up plan but I knew I wanted to create clothes and sing. So I started reselling clothes from vendors I researched and booked lots of studio time. Today, I’ve released 4 singles, I’m in vocal lessons and dance class, started a podcast called Ruby’s Roundtable where we talk about taking the leap of faith and I’m one invoice away from receiving samples from my manufacturer for a new line of clothing I’ve designed from scratch myself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

If I had to describe my brand with a slogan, it would be IF NOT YOU, WHO? If I had to describe my brand with a color it would be RED. Bold, Polished, Regal, Rebellious, Fierce. It’s unwavering, sassy, stands out in a crowd and has the power to shift a room. You have to have a certain level on confidence to wear it in my opinion. I translate that to your goals, your desires that no one else knows but you. You have to be bold in the pursuit, take the risks of standing out from others who may or may not be doing the same thing as you. On the other hand, putting in the work that no one sees to go get what you want or attract what is meant for you. Having the grit, resilience and dog like mindset to figure it out, make mistakes, learn, fail, try again but look and feel darn good while going through the process. When I feel low vibrational or when I feel my efforts aren’t matching my reality, I pick myself up with fashion, an upbeat song and I tell myself IF NOT YOU, WHO? Nobody can do what you can like you can so do it. No matter if it’s a man or woman or child, when they see or hear my name, I’d want them to think what would Ruby do? Then have the audacity to take a bold risk, go all out no matter the outfit or project. I mean go for it without seeing all the steps and even possibly being scared or doing it alone. Then no matter what, armoring themselves with the confidence (a hairstyle or outfit that makes them feel unstoppable) and being the best they can be, with what they have, where they are. IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is being a visionary and trusting the process. It’s about having an idea or concept and pushing through the entire process, no matter how difficult or nerve-racking it may be. Even when things don’t turn out exactly as planned or when changes come about seeing the final product come together is so fulfilling. The challenge lies in pushing yourself, learning valuable lessons, and discovering new resources you can apply in the future. You learn from your mistakes and develop new strategies in terms of how to think bigger next time, delegation, and surpassing your own expectations on the next project.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Over the past year, I’ve been listening to motivational content particularly on business and it’s been impactful. One of my favorite books has been Rise and Grind, which shares inspiring stories of successful business owners and how they got their start, their daily routines, and the adversity they overcame. I also love tuning into Eric Thomas on YouTube, his messages resonate with me so much and push me to go get it!!! A track teammate introduced me to him back in college, and as I grow wiser, I find myself connecting with his words more than ever. His motivational speeches continue to push me forward as I work towards my own goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rubydurham.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubydurham?igsh=dWNpMGticGsxMXNi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubyedurham24/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-durham-27a2a9224/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubyElizDurham
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rubydurham
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rubyedurham

Image Credits

Zebo G. Photography, Charlton Wilson Photography, Pierre Simmons Photography