We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ruth Jay Royce Mabwe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ruth Jay Royce, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of a family of six (two sisters and three brothers), taught me invaluable lessons about resilience. South Africa is a land of extraordinary natural beauty, but like any country, it comes with its share of challenges. My mother, a single parent, raised all six of us on her own. There were times when I saw her struggle to provide even the basics—food on the table and a roof over our heads. Yet, through every storm, she ensured we had what we needed, even if it was just enough to get by.
Her unwavering strength and determination have been my greatest inspiration. Watching her lean on her faith in God and summon the willpower to overcome obstacles taught me that resilience comes from within and above. That faith has become the foundation of my own journey. No matter the challenges I face, I find strength in knowing that if I put my best foot forward, God will guide the rest.
My resilience stems from the values my mother instilled in me: faith, perseverance, and a deep sense of gratitude. Every step I take is driven by a desire to honor her sacrifices and to live a life that makes both of us proud.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always been deeply curious about life’s essence and untold stories. My artistic journey began in my early teens, first through drawing, then expanding into photography, film, and poetry. A pivotal influence in my journey was my friend Joe Texas, who worked in the media industry and graciously became a mentor to me. He allowed me to shadow him on video and photo shoots, where I learned by watching, asking countless questions, and immersing myself in the creative process. After years of growth under his guidance, I took a leap of faith and traveled to the United States, where I started my media company, DigIn Media.
As a passionate entrepreneur in the media industry, I specialize in both photography and film. On the photography side, I focus on portraiture, events, concerts, personal branding, and commercial photography. My film expertise lies in business branding, product promotional content, short films, advertisements, and event or concert video coverage.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on incredible projects, covering renowned events such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, The Essence Festival, and Oppikoppi. My portfolio includes collaborations with world-class artists like Masego, The Internet, and FKJ. Beyond concerts and events, I’ve also worked on meaningful film projects for organizations like UVA Health, The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, and Camp Friendship V.A.
What excites me most about my work is the power of storytelling. Every frame I create—whether through photography or film—reflects my belief in art’s ability to inspire, connect, and bring visions to life. Meeting new clients and collaborating to turn their ideas into reality is a deeply rewarding part of what I do.
I am a self-taught creative professional, driven by intuition, passion, and a relentless pursuit of creativity. My work is fueled by the desire to look beyond the surface and capture moments that resonate with profound meaning and emotion.
Currently, I’m focused on growing DigIn Media, expanding my network, and contributing to the growth of others in creative and meaningful ways. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of my craft while making a positive impact in the lives and stories I capture.
You can find me on all social media platforms under DigIn Media. I’d love to connect and collaborate.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1 Would be a lifelong curiosity and willingness to learn.
Stay open and eager to learn, whether it’s about your craft, your passions, or the industry you’re part of. Being teachable is such a valuable trait, and there’s absolutely no shame in asking questions or admitting when you don’t have all the answers. We’re all learning as we go, and that’s the beauty of growth. I don’t claim to know everything, but I’m always open to learning more
2 Would be faith and grounding practices.
Believe in yourself, but also in something greater, whether that’s God, the Universe, or any higher power that resonates with you. Faith can provide a foundation that keeps you grounded through life’s ups and downs. And to build on that, I can’t recommend meditation enough. Taking time to sit in silence and recenter your mind, body, and soul can do wonders in a world filled with constant noise. Trust me, it helps tremendously.
3 Would be take care of yourself (Seriously!)
This one might sound simple, but it’s often overlooked, drink more water, and make sure you actually sleep at night! It’s funny, but these little things have a huge impact on your energy, focus, and well-being. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself is essential.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes or burned out or extremely anxious, what helps me is taking walks or doing things or activities that are most of the time completely different from whatever has caused the unpleasant emotions within me. Sometimes I will read, or meditate. Though I do know that in some cases we might not be in a space to stop and be still for a long period of time, in those moments just breathe deeply, in from your nose hold for a few seconds and breathe out from your mouth and remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://digin.media
- Instagram: @digin_media
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigInMedia
Image Credits
Jay Royce Mabwe
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