Meet Ruby Durham

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ruby Durham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ruby below.

Ruby, 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.
My mom. At a young age she always reminded me that I can do all things and that I was phenomenal. In middle school I remember her telling me to try out for every sport and to also find clubs to get involved in. Now that I’m older, I realized it wasn’t to overwhelm me, but it was to push me to work with a team, find my tribe and to figure out what I’d commit to for a long time not a short time. In high school I ended up being a part of student council, running track, cheerleading, playing softball and competing in pageants. In each activity she was my biggest supporter and made time too help me maximize every experience. We didn’t have much money for me to have name brands but she taught me that confidence, hard work, discipline, being my authentic self and always presenting myself in the best way will catapult me into my purpose and the rest will follow.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m in the middle of creating the woman I want to be. I just released a single called, “TOXIC,” on all music streaming platforms, I am working on a women’s clothing line that’s starting off with business and professional wear clothing and I’m constantly finding new ways to get in front of a photographer to build my modeling portfolio. I still have my hand in interior design. By day, I’m a design consultant at RH Charlotte learning how to re-imagine spaces for clients who want to create luxury in their homes. All of this comes after being crowned Miss North Carolina for America Strong 2022 and resigning from my job on tv as a news anchor and reporter for almost seven years. I’m in a season of taking the leap of faith, being uncomfortable and betting on myself in all ways.

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 we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey would be building relationships, speaking up for myself and asking for help. I would recommend for folks early in their journey to stay present and optimistic about the direction that they want to go. Building relationships with people who have been successful in a similar position or having mentors who have time to walk them through necessary steps in the direction that aligns with his or her passion or purpose. A main priority for me is always using my voice and speaking up for myself in what I want, believe in or support because if not you, who? I believe there is power in vulnerability and putting your ego or pride aside to ask for help. In the long run, you’ll receive a learning lesson that could help you get to where you need to go faster or learn how to do a task more efficiently.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I need a team. I’ve been holding off because I want to make sure the meaning behind my brand is understood and I know exactly what I need. I believe you get closer to your goals when you have more hands than one. I’m looking for the right people. Creatives who constantly have new ideas, who have perspective and always open to environments or opportunities that are never the same. People who come up with solutions and also full of energy. My goal is to build a go-to team around design and fashion which includes hair, makeup, models sizes XS-4X, photographers, videographers, creative directors, social media managers and those who love brand marketing and graphic design.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Marlana.Semenza.Photo mjwphotoclt

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