Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justin Ruff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Justin, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from choosing to believe life is working for me—even when it doesn’t look perfect in the moment. As an artist, I live in that space between improv and intention. And like John Mayer says, “the heart of life is good.” I carry that with me. I look for the lesson, the light, and the next right note in every situation. Whether I’m on stage, in the lab blending my next fragrance, or at my 9–5, that mindset keeps me grateful, creative, and hopeful.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an R&B/Jazz artist based in Atlanta, GA, and I’ve been singing since I could babble! My mom’s a songbird herself, so music was practically my second language. I grew up listening to legends like Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Luther Vandross, soaking up all the joy their timeless tracks brought me. I attended an arts high school and dove headfirst into the jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, and Charlie Parker. Being exposed to those sounds influenced me heavily to become an artist!
Recently, I’ve taken a fragrant detour into the world of aromatherapy. I launched a hand-poured candle line, Justin Ruff Candle Co. to help merge the worlds of scent and sound. I’m finding new and creative ways to incorporate my candles into the overall Justin Ruff brand. I’m creating candles and music that set the perfect mood and turn listening into a multisensory experience! I just scored my first retail spot at Candleporium Fragrance House right here in Atlanta at Atlantic Station! I’m extremely proud of that partnership, and the candles are doing very well. We also have an exclusive physical album sold only at Candleporium Fragrance House! So, I’m floating on cloud nine. I’m ready to embrace all the beautiful things ahead for my brand.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, it’s curiosity, consistency, and community. Curiosity keeps me experimenting. Consistency turns those ideas into results—and makes you better. And community and collaboration go hand in hand. The right people in your corner will help you go farther than you ever could solo. My advice would be don’t rush. Stay curious, keep showing up, and surround yourself with people who pour back into you.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely. I’m always open to thoughtful collabs. My brand lives where music and fragrance meet, so I’m looking to connect with record stores and boutique hotels interested in customized experiences, musicians I can create with, and marketing partners who can help shape the story and get it in front of the right people. If that resonates with you, reach me at [email protected] or on IG: @justinruffcandles.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justinruffcandles.com | www.justinruffmusic.com
- Instagram: @justinruffcandles | @justinruffmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justinruffmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justinruffmusic
Image Credits
Essence Ransome-Ambersley
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