Rubi McLaughlin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Rubi, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
Recently I have had a LOT of repeat customers come back to my table or events and they all have one thing in common. Each one is still in LOVE with the creations they have bought from me and want to keep building that collection. Makes me proud that my work is lasting and beatiful.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Thank you for the opportunity to reintroduced myself. I’m Rubi McLaughlin, owner and operator of RubiSlippers Creations. My 100% handmade small business specializes in Surreal Elegance for Everyday life. Brining joy and light to your day and your life with crazy and unique fanart accessories, keeping you protected with my self defense keychains, and broadening your idea of beauty with my Oddities pieces. From the writing and photography aspect where I began to this beautiful and surreal businesses I have become, it truly has been a fun journey so far.
You could say I’m a Jack of All Trades, a master of some. This year I feel I have really hit my stride with my style, themes, and adding even more beautiful and bizarre works to my vendor table.
I’m currently working on new Oddities pieces, where I preserve bugs and bones into my resin and turn them into wearable works of art or pieces for your home. I can’t wait to show the world more of what goes on inside my head and what inspiration come to life looks like.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child I felt small despite growing up in a “plus size” body. I always wondered whether I was capable of making a difference and in high school and my early college days that manifested into feeling like nothing I did really mattered because I was just one person.
Oh man, I was so silly and SO WRONG!
During this time in our country, and in our world, it’s hard to not feel so small and so meaningless, and divided, but I have come to a profound realization.
The little things matter! The small kindness, those gestures of humility, the everyday interactions MATTER. I matter, you matter, we all are important and deserve to treat each other that way. Through my business I have discovered one of my purposes: to bring joy in those little moments. Hearing someone say “OMG, I love this” and seeing someone smile over my creations is my purpose. To provide goods and services that can help make someone’s day and even if just for a moment bring them joy. Then hopefully, their small interaction with me leaves a positive memory every time they look at their new accessory or creation.
We matter. Us everyday little people, matter the most.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could sit my younger self down at a table and give her the business i would tell her “You are stronger and more important than how the world has made you feel. One day, you’ll find that confidence and the voice to be yourself.”
I like to imagine I’d listen.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I always tell my friends and customers when they compliment my charisma or “sales pitch,” that when I’m behind my vendor table that is my stage.
I am not putting on an act, you’re getting me, Rubi, at my most confident and most genuine. That’s still me, but like every human I have doubts, fears, grief, you name it. However, when I’m “working” all of that gets pushed aside and the passion for what I do and what I create takes the stage and you get to see me at my best.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
Peace is different for everyone. Peace for me is a bit difficult because my mind is almost always on the go or thinking of inspiration or focusing on my beautiful journey and responsibilities as a mother and small business owner. Yet among all that noise and the hustle of life I find Peace regularly in two ways.
When I spend time one on one with my daughter, especially when we are enjoying our garden. Also, when I’m creating. When I’m mixing, molding, and painting. You could argue that I find Peace in the face of beautiful things that I’ve created since my daughter is my most sacred and divine creation and my Surreal creations are my beautiful works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Rubislipperscreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubislipperscreations?igsh=MWZyYjZycGFxYWFocQ==
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