Ruby Garcia shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Ruby , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of people quietly struggle with imposter syndrome. We question whether we truly deserve the opportunities we have or if we are ready enough to take on new challenges. Some feel they have to know everything before starting, while others doubt their success because of who they used to be. I think about people from my past, childhood friends or classmates who were once labeled as the lazy or unmotivated ones, and now they are thriving. I imagine even they have moments where it all feels surreal. I can relate to that too.
The truth is, most of us are just figuring things out as we go. The people who seem the most confident often have doubts of their own. I think everyone could use a reminder that no one really has it all together, and that is okay. Growth does not come from perfection; it comes from showing up anyway, giving ourselves grace, and trusting that we are exactly where we need to be, even if it does not always feel like it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
RubyGarciaDesigns can best be described by one simple phrase: I make stuff. I have always believed in celebrating life, and I’m grateful that my work allows me to do that every day. Sometimes it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Other times it’s for love, milestones, or honoring a life that was cut too short. Every piece tells a story.
I started my shop eight years ago, just a month after having my daughter. I wish I could say it began with a big dream or perfect plan, but the truth is, I needed the income. I rarely share that, because people often assume small businesses start from inspiration alone. For me, it started from necessity and grew from passion. I’ve always been a maker. Even as a kid, I was creating things for friends, and some of them still have those pieces today, which means the world to me.
Finding my niche wasn’t easy because I love creating so many different things. Over time, I realized my niche isn’t one product, it’s a feeling, celebrating love and life in all their forms. Whether it’s party décor or art, my work has reached people all over the world, and that fills me with gratitude.
Right now, I’m working on sketches and ideas for a book I’ve wanted to illustrate my whole life. It’s a slow process, but I know it will happen: one piece, one purpose, one dream at a time.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
As cliche as it sounds, I would have to say having my kids completely reshaped how I see the world. It is easy to believe the world is an ugly or broken place, and for a long time, I saw mostly its flaws. But my kids do not see it that way, at least not yet, and that perspective has changed me.
I’m a believer that two things can be true at once: the world can be rough and challenging, but it can also be beautiful and full of wonder. Before having kids, I often stopped at what was wrong. Now, through their eyes, I am reminded daily of how much good still exists. The laughter, curiosity, and small moments of joy remind me that the world is still remarkable if you choose to see it that way.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of community. Success can make you proud, but struggle makes you strong. It showed me that even in the hardest moments, I could keep going, adapt, and grow.
It also reminded me that people are often more willing to help than we think. There is something about vulnerability that brings out compassion in others. Those moments of hardship taught me to accept support, to be grateful, and to extend that same kindness when others are struggling.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I don’t think people truly change. I believe we are who we are at our core. What can change are our behaviors, our choices, and how we respond to life. Sometimes it looks like someone has completely changed, but I think what we’re really seeing is them becoming more (or less) of their authentic self.
In other words, I think life reveals us rather than transforms us. Experiences shape how we show up, but deep down, our essence stays the same.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I made them laugh. I hope they say I inspired them to believe in themselves — to create, to dream, or to follow their passion. I hope they remember that I reminded them of their value, that we were all created to create, and that they are capable of anything they set their minds to.
Most of all, I hope when they think of me, they smile, not because I was awesome (even though I like to think I was a little), but because I always reminded them how amazing they are.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rubygarciadesigns
