Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Ruiz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Sarah Ruiz, I am 23 years old and from Washington, D.C. I am a Music Business graduate student, and aspiring professional model and dancer. I moved to Miami to attend Barry University and pursue my dreams. I always felt that Miami is the perfect place for me to try new things and grow as a person.
When I first moved to Miami, I took dance classes during my free time when I had time and money. I also embarked on modeling and I realized that I fell in love with photoshoots. I have always been an awkward and goofy person so being in front of a camera allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.
I am a creative person and I have always wanted to try other outlets of creativity. During my high school years, I was dancing on my school’s dance team, and continuing to take dance classes. As I reflect on these memories and moments, I honestly felt that there is something else I need to pursue. When I have time to take dance classes, I enjoy Jazz Funk and Reggaeton classes. I am not the most advanced dancer yet but I always enjoy challenging myself in classes because that is the only way I will grow.
I graduated from Barry University in May 2021 with a degree in Public Relations & Advertising and I was confused about what I wanted to do with my life. I was unclear what my next steps would be but I knew I couldn’t leave Miami. Miami is the heart of all opportunities and experiences and I still have that desire to pursue my dreams. Life is a journey and never ever easy, and so I also had to be realistic with myself. A long term goal and career was my next plan and goal. I decided to go to grad school.
Back in 2016, my mom and I visited the University of Miami on a college tour. I dreamed of attending but I had to think of the financial obligation. I definitely didn’t have the money to pay nor did I even have the grades or SAT/ACT scores that UM was requiring. I thought to myself why waste my time and money on an application fee if I know I am not going to get in?
Fast forward to this year, I took a bold risk and decided to apply to the Masters in Music Business and Entertainment Industries program. In January, I was thinking of what I wanted to do with my life (besides dancing of course). My life and living in Miami has made me realize my love for Latin Music and Entertainment. I have zero experience in this industry and learning about this industry can lead to a plethora of opportunities.
In the realm of music, perhaps a company will actually pay attention to me if I start to learn what this industry entails. I randomly was on Billboard’s website and saw the University of Miami was ranked one of the top music business schools. So, I decided to apply to UM. I waited over a month nervously wondering if I was good enough or smart enough to get accepted and thank God I was accepted into the program.
During grad school, I was thankful to land my dream internship with Magnus Media as a Label and management intern. I have been applying to this internship since I was a sophomore in college and the constant push to keep applying and manifesting led to an internship.
I have learned so much about the music industry and have had the hands-on experience to tie my in-class lessons to real-world experiences. In addition, my internship supervisor is a Latina in Music, Director of Label and Management, and has extensive experience in the music industry. I feel blessed that I am learning from the best of the best.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In terms of my modeling and dancing, it has not been a smooth road. I doubt myself often, I feel I am not good enough, and I do not look the way that society wants me to look. I have always felt very short since I am 4 “11” and always wish I could be taller. I have learned to accept myself for the way I am and look for opportunities that do accept my height.
When it comes to modeling, I have stepped out of my comfort by booking shoots and going to photo meet-ups. I always get so nervous since I am a goofy person and do not know how to pose at times. However, I have worked with some great photographers who assist me along the way.
I have been trying to get into modeling more and collaborating with different artists since I always want to shoot a brand-new concept. In dance, rejection is so hard. I have been to auditions where I am never chosen, and I have learned that means I just need to work harder.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a dancer & model. I am not a professional in either of these but I would love to be. In terms of modeling, I have a mission to show girls you can be 4″11″ and natural and still strut your stuff. My height has always made me feel so insecure and my thighs too.
However, I am learning to embrace these features and not care what society wants me to look like. I have made the effort to book photoshoots and attend photo meet-ups where photographers and models collaborate with each other. I enjoy creating art with different people to get someone else’s point of view on creativity.
I am open to all ideas and no idea is a crazy one. I feel I don’t fit into the typical model look or casting look. However, I like to be different and someday show the world this DC Latina can make it big and so can you.
I love to dance, I have been dancing since I was 6 years old. I enjoy training in several styles so that I can adapt to different music, movement, and teachers. I have gained the confidence to start posting my dance class videos to highlight my growth and show my friends on Instagram.
I also love to write. In undergrad, I took a journalism class that allowed me to create my own blog and I created “La Reggaetonera Blog” (this needs some renovations and updating lol) and learned I fell in love with writing about Latin music, I was so excited about brainstorming what article I would write each week.
At the University of Miami, I became an online writer for Distraction Magazine since I wanted to continue writing about music but have a wider audience. In the future, I hope to someday write for Latin Billboard.
What sets me apart from others is I believe there are no limits and you can do as much as you set your mind to. My passion for my goals is so strong that I have made sacrifices to keep my dreams alive.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being happy and appreciative of what you are doing in life whether that be your job, hobby, family, or anything that drives you.
It means accomplishing the goals one has set for themselves and never letting anything get in the way. It’s showing yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to and keep pushing.
Life is not easy; our goals often aren’t easy. I have always read quotes that if it was easy, then everybody would be doing it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @SarahJYRuiz
Image Credits
Katrina Torsoe, Sofia Garcia, Drew Xeron, and Rodrigo Vazquez.
