Meet Debbie Ruiz

 

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

Hi Debbie , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

One can argue that this is a loaded question, how do we really know if we found our purpose, what if you go to college for one thing and later on in life do a complete 180 and do something you never imagined doing? One thing I’ve been learning is to say yes to any opportunity that comes my way and letting God lead the way.

A little back story on my career journey, I went to school for Apparel Design and was always interested in the creative process of creating a collection from inception to completion. I later on went into the Buying route in the corporate world for a couple different retailers and it was something I truly enjoyed. Unfortunately in 2023 I got impacted in a round of layoffs and have found myself tirelessly applying for jobs with no results. I’ve often thought of myself as a failure because of it, which has greatly damaged my confidence.

Ever since I got laid off, I’ve been gradually entering the world of styling and visual merchandising. I can’t say it fell into my lap overnight, but friends and colleagues recommending me for different gigs has been my saving grace. Whenever I get an opportunity, I take it very seriously to increase my chances of being rebooked or recommended for another gig. It’s been working in my favor and I thank God for all these amazing blessings coming my way.

My true goal is to be in product development, now if it doesn’t happen for a company, I see it happening for my own jewelry brand, Kosita Jewels. I want to design affordable, unique and quality pieces in the future! That’s a whole other beast I wish to tackle and I believe I found my purpose in that.

Needless to say, I am still in the process of finding my true purpose in life. It could 100% change or expand from here, only God knows my future and I fully trust him!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As I mentioned earlier, I’m the owner of Kosita Jewels, a jewelry brand that offers beautiful, tarnish-free stainless steel pieces, as well as carefully sourced vintage jewelry.

What I truly love about my brand is its focus on individuality. From a young age, I always wanted my style to stand out, especially since I’m naturally introverted and shy. Fashion has brought me so much joy and meaningful friendships. It’s something I have full control over and that can never be taken from me. I wanted this emotion to carry into my brand, creating a community for people who love to stand out and take pride in accessorizing their unique outfits.

As an Afro-Latina navigating many different worlds and cultures, I love bringing people from all backgrounds together and supporting our small owned businesses. Definitely give me a follow @kositajewels on Instagram and TikTok and I appreciate your support!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Over the past year of freelancing and starting my own jewelry business, three key skills have stood out:

Implementation – I’ve been able to apply a vast range of knowledge from previous experiences, often in situations where I had no clear roadmap. This adaptability has allowed me to deliver results even in unfamiliar scenarios.

Persistency – Although I continue to develop this skill daily, persistency has proven crucial. It helps keep me in people’s minds and demonstrates my commitment and seriousness about my work.

Agility – The ability to swiftly adapt my work methods and embrace new skills and techniques has significantly propelled my progress.

It definitely takes time to improve on these skills, I’m still learning them every single day. It’s always best to ask as many questions as you can and really taking the time to listen to people who are in the position you wish to be and try to implement as much as you can! Everyone’s journey is different!

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The biggest obstacle I’m currently facing is actually myself! I tend to overthink things when it comes to my jewelry business, Kosita Jewels, and pursuing my creative styling with full confidence. Thankfully, my partner is a huge support in this area, and I’m incredibly grateful for their help.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Models – Mahek M, Stephanie D, Chandler B.
Photographer – Marika H

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