We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ruby A. Flores. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ruby Angelica below.
Ruby, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
In the early days of starting my business, I had somewhat blurred vision. I decided that I wanted to bring stylish people outside and that I would curate an outdoor space to feel both like an immersive experience and feel like an escape all at the same time. I felt like I was throwing random decorations together to look like a “Joshua Tree ” styled shoot.
When I began designing glamp-sites, I explored wedding venues as the inspiration to keep the designs fresh and inviting. With my experience living in the woods I incorporated utility to make glamping an actual livable experience while keeping it shiny and special.
This is where I align with my vision and keep creativity alive. Now my glamping space is more than a photo-op, it is a living art piece inside my dream world, filled with the comforts of home while satisfying that need for novelty.
My vision evolved and became more clear with every vacation I took or every restaurant patio I visited. It’s important to stay open to suggestions that are always all around us. Creative inspiration can feel like inspired action: you keep your eyes up because all design elements teach you more about a company’s unique vision.
I keep creativity alive by trusting my intuitive vision first and then allowing the external world to make suggestions through anything – an art gallery opening or handbag. If you’re looking for beauty in everything, beauty is what you’ll see.
We appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Ruby A. Flores. I have worked in the arts educational space since 2015, and in 2017, after road tripping for a few years, I opened a glamping company called Bad Moon Glamping.
Building community through the arts is a passion of mine. I was a Performance Coordinator at Fullerton College, served as Director of Student Life at Idyllwild Arts Academy, volunteered for Idyllwild SmARTS Program and now I’m joining San Diego Arts Alliance.
Glamping might be viewed as simply a rental business. For me, these sites are curious centerpieces and they provide a hideaway where people gather to share a novel experience. And last year, we had a great deal of support from photographers renting designs from Bad Moon for photoshoots. Artist communities keep things expansive and I’m so grateful for that.
At this time, I’m focused on bringing design and culture to the outdoors. I’m giving rise to a new project with a Mexican Western feel that will also host unique dwellings. I’m adding in local vendors for a culturally engaging experience.
Of course, Bad Moon’s glamping work is still special because I get to see the delight on peoples’ faces when they approach one of our tents. I see folks at the most memorable parts of their life, when they’re getting married, or attending a yoga retreat. It is such a joy to see others light up with excitement.
I have to announce that, as I’m writing this, the team and I are working on a Baja Retreat in Valle de Guadalupe for Summer. It will showcase some of my favorite local finds and other entertainment in the area. There is a waitlist for tickets. For more information on this awesome event, visit our website or Instagram. Badmoonglamping.com // @badmoon_glamping.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if you had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The first skill I learned was through an impactful conversation with an artist who told me that people are drawn to aesthetic spaces because people like safety. This is where philosophy meets psychology. For myself, a creative entrepreneur, I decided to create so that I am a trusted source of comfort, design, and relaxation. This perspective helps me stay motivated when there are struggles. It’s the idea that someone somewhere admires the work I contribute. Part of that work is providing enjoyment in the form of visually-gratifying and cozy experiences. So my advice here is get in touch with what it is you provide and serve it up beautifully!
Speaking of cozy, we all can learn to prioritize rest. So the second of these skills is to know that the way we show up for our customers, the world, is a reflection of how well we show up for ourselves. I am re-vamping a business while working professionally and the courage to do so comes from the times of rejuvenation. After rest, all the work can flow with ease…I suggest meditation as well.
Lastly, I embrace diverse voices. Doing this has a powerful impact on recognizing my own miscalculations and helps me stay open to suggestions from people of various backgrounds. Mentorship provided from other generations or different cultures will boost your career. I am always eager to learn and “sound silly” with question after question. Remaining receptive to advice can make you a visionary with a fortune! If you are leaving a legacy, it is beneficial to feel passionate about learning through every step of the journey. Trust your vision. Lean on the community and be resourceful.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Of course. We would love to work with any one who curates dreamy designs or provides unique event experiences. Additionally, we are open to collaboration with community groups or non-profit organizations. The best way to get in touch is via email: [email protected], For other projects, bio.site/rubyflores.
Contact Info:
- Website: badmoonglamping.com
- Instagram: badmoon_glamping
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badmoonglamping
- Other: https://bio.site/rubyflores To stay up to date with all of Ruby’s founder projects
Image Credits
Briana Broyles Miles Abrenica Katie Hoss
