What is Rubies Rising and How did it
get started?
Beyond
footwear, Rubies Rising
is a movement. We are dedicated to encouraging, empowering, and enabling women
to live victoriously. Why? Because confident, powerful, vision-conscious women
make an impact. We invite you to browse our collection and join us as we make a
mark that can never be erased!
Do you have any store front
locations, in addition to your online boutique? If not, do you plan to have
any? If so, where and is there a time frame you have in mind for its launching?
Currently
we are online, and can also be found at Dupp & Swat Boutique in NoDa
(Charlotte). As the brand and the collection grows, I may consider a storefront
location—right now, online shopping is a perfect fit!
Have you had any trunk shows to
display your fashions? If so, when is the next one? If not, are you planning
any?
We are looking to partner with local venues host
private shopping event in the coming months.
Do you have female and male
apparel?
Rubies
Rising is exclusively a women’s apparel brand, but I have had several men
inquire about the t-shirt designs. I look forward to doing a line for men in
the future.
Who is your favorite designer and
why?
My
favorite designer is Ralph Lauren, both for his fashion and for his business
savvy. He has created an aspiration brand with classic wardrobe staples that
never go out of style, and has managed to develop his products in such a way
that almost anyone can take home a piece of the Ralph Lauren world. From
couture to ready-to-wear fashion, he has established himself as a perennial
power in the industry. (I’m actually wearing a Ralph Lauren polo right now!)
How do you primarily advertise and
how effective is this method for you?
I
primarily advertise through social networking. Partnering with online magazines
and blogs has greatly expanded my reach; I want to be wear my consumers are,
and that’s on the Internet. I find it’s afforded me the opportunity to connect
with them both professionally and personally, through my website
(http://www.RubiesRising.com), Twitter/Instagram (@rubiesrising), and blog
(Youtube: rubiesrising).
What are your goals within 2013 for
your business?
My
goals for Rubies Rising in 2013 are to build a solid consumer base and partner
with local community organizations to mentor young ladies. I will be hosting a
workshop (Personal Branding) at this year’s D.I.V.A. EmPOWERment conference
here in Charlotte, and hope to book more events like this throughout the year.
I really want to focus on expanding the t-shirt and shoe lines, and am working
on my very first blazers to add to the collection.
What do you enjoy most about the
fashion industry?
I
enjoy the creative freedom! As a designer, I have the power to create the looks
I can’t find in stores, and take an active role in deciding how I present
myself to the world, instead of having to choose from preselected options at
the mall or a department store.
Please tell me anything else about Rubies Rising or yourself
that I did not ask!
I love your blog name!
By Cushena Sheree of Fa'shena's Styling
