Meet Rubi McLaughlin

We recently connected with Rubi McLaughlin and have shared our conversation below.

Rubi, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

When I was growing up, I was definitely always put into the box of the “cute chubby girl.” That affected my self confidence for years. I hid behind comfy, baggy clothes, and didn’t pay much mind to my appearance beyond the ocassional haircut. My mother would buy me such beautiful clothes and accessories and was very patient with me when I would hoard them, but never wear them.
Then I went to college, I met new types of people, and had two of my best friends pretty much force me to dress up (shout out to Sheldon and Ricky)!
It was my first time really playing with makeup, with caring about accessories, and dressing more appropriately to accentuate my body type. I felt beautiful for the first time. I felt like I could finally shine instead of hiding behind my clothes. It was truly empowering. I was attracting many new types of attention and it boosted my self-esteem and confidence!
That is when I embraced the ease of being able to put on a cute pair of earrings, some lipstick, and feeling gorgeous! The simple act of caring about my appearance changed me and my view of plus size beauty. No matter your size you can find beauty and confidence within yourself.
Outward appearances aren’t everything, don’t get me wrong, but knowing you look good or are eye-catching can often help, by being a stepping stone in the confident direction.
That was the inspiration behind my small business RubiSlippers Creations. I want every purchase to bring Surreal Elegance into your life, to allow you to shine and feel confident no matter your size or what you’re wearing.

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

My small business journey for RubiSlippers Creations began during Covid Lockdown in 2020. Having lost my jobs and being stuck inside I wanted to try something new, for fun. Then I found out I was pregnant and my whole world changed.
Fast forward to the end of 2021, I am trying to rediscover myself outside of just being a Mom, and taking some of my hobbies I decided to combine them and start selling my photography prints and handmade resin creations. I attended my first vendor market and the response I got was positive and I decided I wanted to do this.
Now, in present day 2024 I feel like my Resin art skill level has increased immensely and I have really hit my stride in my creative style and purpose.
I want every purchase to bring a smile to your face, confidence to your appearance, and Surreal Elegance to your everyday life.

A part of my Surreal Elegance incorporates Self Defense. As a woman who often works alone and having stories of my own and of my friends about encounters in our lives this was something I wanted to address in my business. Every human should be able to walk peacefully at night or to their car, or Anywhere without fear. Until that day comes, my discreet and study self defense keychains make the perfect protection sidekicks.

My photography has grown in popularity as well and that in itself has been Surreal to experience. I’ve been doing photography my entire life and the fact people love my artistic eye is humbling.

I recently have leveled up again by doing memorial pieces. I have done resin settings for passed pets and loved ones by incorporating their hair, fur, or belongings into resin for their loved ones to wear or add to their Ofrendas. Working on these has been emotional and such an honor. I love bringing people closer to those they lost.
My memorial pieces began when I started encapsulating insects and arachnids into resin necklace pendants. While some may find these parts of RubiSlippers Creations macabre, I find the peace they bring, moving.

If any of my artistic endeavors sound up your alley please visit my website, rubislipperscreations.com to peruse my handmade resin creations, photography prints, or to find my event page to see where you can catch me in person at my next vendor market. I am constantly creating new works of art, I hope you see one that you fall in love with.
Come August my Fall Collection will be available, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

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

On my small business journey I have found the three most important attributes to be patience, boldness, and flexibility.
When I first started out I wanted to be an overnight success, but after doing this for 2 years I now appreciate my slow and steady increase in business. Getting to know my customers and not feel rushed to expand allows me time to really think about what I want, and to plan ahead.
In order to fell successful, sales are important and for that a bit of Boldness is needed. Whether it’s in person or online, grabbing people’s attention and selling your creations or story is key. Being bold and self assured helps here.
Lastly, flexibility. Be it working on your website, setting up a vendor booth, or dealing with our erratic Texas weather, being able to roll with the punches and be flexible helps with problem solving and to not feel as stressed during a small business crisis.
If you are just starting out, try not to compare yourself to others, we have all had set backs or made mistakes, it will happen. However, if you are passionate and love what you do keep going. Keep learning, growing, and trying. Every failure is an opportunity to learn.
Take it one step at a time and enjoy the ride. Life moves faster than you think.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

When I was growing up my parents worked hard to give me more than what they had, to provide a path for an easier future than what they had. I am an only child and seeing the two people I loved the most work so hard definitely impacted me and my work ethic. Since college I have been a “work hard, play harder” type of person. That mentality has transferred over to my small business running ethics and I put my all into my work, just like I saw my parents do. I just am blessed enough to be able to have more time with my family and doing what I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Rubislipperscreations.com
• Instagram: @RubiSlippersCreations