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

Ruby, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally in college. I wanted to want to be happy in the corporate work space but I hated it. I found myself rushing to complete my “boring work” and I’d slide on my headphones and start listening to beats or writing lyrics to instrumentals. I’d get in trouble for seeming like I wasn’t “all there” or invested at my job! I found myself only wanting to work to support my creative and entrepreneurial endeavors. I remember I hated getting up to go to work! I just wanted to make music and dance all day. I felt myself hiding who I really was in the work place so I wouldn’t be red-flagged.

Background from a different panel discussion questio:

I definitely wish I would have started my creative career sooner! As a Nigerian immigrant, becoming a full-time musician and creative was never something I ever thought was an option growing up. My options were to become a doctor or a doctor! Ha. While I was creative as a child, writing stories, poems, singing, dancing, and making “mooded” mix cd’s for my friends, I never thought anything of it. I knew I loved ballet and singing, but never thought I could be a professional musician.

Starting sooner would have helped me start developing my craft sooner. I strongly believe in the adage that it takes 10 years to master a skill.

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

About Me;

My name is Ruby Rockette, I a rapper, singer, dancer, and songwriter currently based in Baltimore, Maryland. I’m a Nigerian immigrant and moved to the US when I was about 4 years old.

I’ve been involved in the creative arts for as long as I can remember! One of my first memories is on stage at a dance recital! I’ve always performed as a dancer, particular in ballet and modern and competed in talent shows, singing and dancing. I LOVE my art and it’s my true passion.

What I’m most proud of is overcoming my battles with depression and anxiety. My whole adult life, I struggled deeply with depression and anxiety, even when I didn’t know they had a name! I struggled to do everything well consistently – in college with my classes – losing interest in my coursework, in the workplace, even wanting to write music and dance, when those are my favorite things to do! I’m now a huge advocate in mental health care and currently work, serving populations of people struggling with mental health issues.

I’m proud of overcoming my sickness after getting the appropriate professional help, and not letting it overcome or define me. I now live a much more happier, above the water life, and I’m able to care for myself and my loved ones to my fullest capacity!

My Christian faith is a huge part of who I am. I grew up in the church, and I’m still involved to this day. I love the LORD and try to witness to people in my everyday life!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes! I want to make music on a global scale. I want to make music that breaks the barriers of any culture, where a mass of people can get together to sing-along, rap-along, or dance-along!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot in my creative life was after dropping my first single, “On my One”. The single cost me so much money! I was (and still am) financing my art independently. It drained my pockets, ha! From recording, mixing and mastering, photoshoots, video shoots, PR — I realized I needed to have my money make money for me! Working full-time, you let all your eggs rest in one basket. You can be fired or laid off at any time based on perceived performance or the economy. That’s why I knew I had to double down on other creative avenues I’m passionate about: Real estate & e-commerce.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: rubytherockette
• Email: [email protected]