An Inspired Chat with Ruby

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ruby. Check out our conversation below.

Ruby, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Not all who wander are lost. I’ve always been curious, maybe a little too curious for one lifetime. I went from the music business to Montessori education to an MBA, and somehow, it all makes sense in my head. I used to think I was supposed to pick one lane and stay there forever, but honestly, that sounds boring. Wandering has been my way of growing — collecting experiences, mistakes, and the occasional existential crisis along the way. I’m still figuring it out, but at least I’m doing it with curiosity, a sense of humor, and enough self-awareness to know that the path doesn’t have to be straight to be meaningful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I like to think of myself as a professional wanderer with a plan that’s always slightly off-script. I started in the music industry, then shifted to Montessori education — basically, I’m trying to figure out how humans work, why they do what they do, and how I can make life a little more meaningful while doing it.

I work as a Montessori preschool teacher in Culver City, where I get to nurture curiosity, creativity, and independence in little humans — which is way harder than it sounds and way more rewarding than any boardroom. What makes my story interesting is that I refuse to stick to one lane. I’m curious, I explore, I make mistakes, and I try to turn every detour into a lesson. If there’s a theme to my work, it’s helping people — big or small — find their rhythm while reminding them it’s okay not to have the GPS figured out.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I thought adults had everything figured out — like there was some secret manual for life that I’d get once I turned eighteen. Spoiler: there isn’t. I also believed that if I just worked hard and followed the “right” path, everything would make sense. But life has a funny way of reminding you that meaning doesn’t come from perfection or predictability — it comes from curiosity, mistakes, and a bit of chaos. Now I don’t aim to have it all figured out; I just aim to stay curious, keep learning, and laugh when things go sideways.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Thank you for being you — even when it felt easier to blend in.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Respect for others, which comes from my Chinese background. Growing up, I learned that listening, honoring different perspectives, and caring for relationships isn’t just polite — it’s essential for community and connection. Even as I explore new paths and ideas, I try to carry that value with me, because it shapes how I teach, lead, and relate to the world.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
She brought curiosity, joy, and kindness into the space she entered. She inspired others to explore, to be themselves, and to find meaning in small moments. She lived with authenticity and compassion, leaving a ripple of connection wherever she went.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: gaoruii
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubygaola