Meet Mave Rucker

We recently connected with Mave Rucker and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mave, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the sole person in the room representing a different voice within the group is a difficult situation that calls for courage and resiliency. I’ve come to realize that my uniqueness is my greatest strength. I value being bold, quirky, and unconventional—challenging the current status quo to have a significant, novel effect. This point of view has influenced how I handle most situations.

Even if some in the room might not align with my point of view, I’ve learnt to lean into my honesty and let my work speak for itself. For instance, I’ve had to strike a balance between confidence and humility—maintaining my commitment to my principles while remaining receptive to cooperation—when I’ve been the only person of color or the only one contributing a distinctive, original idea.

By sharing my experiences on social media, in realtime conversations, and articles with platforms like MemphisVoyager, Tennessee Highlighter, & CanvasRebel, I’ve learned the value of gratitude, forethought, education, and optimistic strength. I make a conscious effort to establish personal places where I can express my opinions, establish credibility by providing valuable insights and high-quality work. I’m growing my platform to help those who might otherwise feel their ideas get left out of the conversation at the table.

In these situations, the key to success is accepting the duty of representation while making room for creativity, openness, and consistency. This way of thinking has driven my motivation behind creating KUMAA Branding and all of my past experiences, especially in previous leadership positions.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

KUMAA Branding is a company that focuses on brand consultations, brand management, and building brands through bold, minimalist designs utilizing methods that challenge conventional thinking and empower brands to stand out creatively and authentically. I started my company based on building personal courage as I’ve gotten older, my belief that everyone has elements of creativity, and an unconditional love in my approach to trying new ideas. I believe in helping others step into their truest form, where their messaging is authentic & impactful. My work is not about following trends but helping creative people create new movements, stripping away any unnecessary elements and helping them connect deeply with themselves and their audience. The process to truly connect with an audience should be both therapeutic and psychologically rewarding. For example, a founder should be excited by the ripple effect of their clients’ success, as it will promote confidence and growth in their industries. KUMAA Branding is more than a name; it’s a platform for creative empowerment, courage, and authenticity.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in my journey: adaptability, the ability to solve problems, and strategic thinking.

Adaptability: The ability to pivot and adjust to new challenges or opportunities has been a game-changer, especially as I transitioned between industries like hospitality, banking, logistics, sales, marketing, and now branding. Adaptability isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in uncertainty. For those who are established or starting out, my advice is to embrace change as part of growth. Take on roles or projects that push you outside your comfort zone; you’ll build resilience and gain perspectives that others might miss.

Problem Solving : Whether previously managing hotel teams or helping people design their brands, I’ve found that success comes from creating systems that provide solutions — for your personal lives, for your team, for your clients, or for your audience. It’s about building trust, having resiliency, and cross-functional collaboration. For those seeking to become better problem solvers, focus on listening more than you speak, ask pertinent questions, and find ways to create practical solutions for those around you. These are simple but transformative qualities to possess.

Strategic Thinking: Every big decision I make nowadays, whether growing KUMAA Branding or in my personal life, is now grounded in a clear, long-term vision. It’s easy to for me to get lost in the details, but stepping back and thinking of the bigger picture is when real progress happens. To develop this skill, I’d recommend personal reflection on a daily basis, analyzing the success of others in your field, and practicing intentional decision-making. Always ask yourself: “Does this decision align with my ultimate goals?”

Above all, my advice is to stay curious and open to new ideas. The journey often times isn’t linear, but with each experience—no matter how small or large —teaches you something valuable that moves you forward.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely. I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals or businesses that share a similar passion for bold, authentic, and impactful work. I welcome projects and partnerships with visionaries—whether they’re startups, entrepreneurs, creatives, or organizations—who are ready to step outside the norm and build something extraordinary.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with those who value minimalist, purpose-driven methodologies and want to create meaningful, deep connections with their audiences. This could include businesses looking to design, define or redefine their brands, artists or creatives seeking fresh perspectives, or professionals who share a counter-culture approach to their industries.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with these values, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me directly through KUMAAbranding.com (my contact information is on there 2x), [email protected] or Follow & DM me via Instagram at @kumaa.branding. Let’s explore how we can push boundaries and create something truly unique together.

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