If you see an offbeat botanical babe dressed in a hint of tulle, pom poms or feathers in her cool doo or around her neck, she might be wearing a creation of http://www.missrubysue.etsy.com/, an independant vintage inspired accessory company founded by Lori Ward from Rexburg Idaho. - (might I add a very conservative and difficult place for such original creations to be born.)"Every woman ", says lori, "I don't care how old she is or whatever her circumstances may be. She still loves little girly things. So many chics out there use the excuse- "I'm too old" or, "It doesn't look good on me" There is a little girl inside each woman that loves Ballerina tu-tu's, pom pom trim and flowers. I center my work and my heart around this theory." http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21563793
We sat down with Lori, to answer a few questions everyone's been curious about.
WHAT IS MISS RUBY SUE- AND WHERE DOES THE NAME COME FROM?.
Miss Ruby Sue is a brand of accessories that I created for girls of all ages, developed around beautiful Rosettes made of Vintage fabrics. I add feathers for hairpieces, and I also put them on necklaces for a funky original look. I'm also dabbeling with rosettes on the wrist for a corsagee look all year long- Not just at prom! A love for old names hence inspired Ruby Sue. In fact, I loved it so much, my little boy Kyler was going to take on the name before I found out he was a boy.
FROM WHAT SOURCE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION AND GOOD KARMA ORIGINATE?
First I'd have to say the little girl inside of me: I used to be a disctructive kid and tear things up for fun. I don't know why! It was just fun. So that's why I enjoy ripping fabric into shredds for my rosettes. Color also inspires me-color from clothing, nature, and magazines. I decided to embrace the fact that I loved bright colors. Blacks and earth tones just don't excite me. -I got pretty good at matching colors from doing scrapbooks since I was 12 years old. My two daughters, Rilee and Madison are good Karma catchers. I love to see them wear my work more than anything. It makes me feel like a cool mom. I know a hit from a dud from their replies. "OH MOMMY-IT'S SOOOOO CUTE-CAN I WEAR IT? " verses,- "oh. that's cute." http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21363805I used to make them ballerina outfits made from odles of tulle and later made curtains out of fur and pom poms for their bedrooms. Exotic dancing girls in feathers from Vegas always got my attention! I guess I never outgrew those little girly things that made me so happy. You'll notice most pieces always have a little bit of everything I love.
WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU?
Well, I could really go OCD about work, but my little boy keeps me grounded and working pretty much for him during the day. Cleaning up the house so that I can make a mess in my studio and feel good about it is top priority. I get as much done as I can before Kyler wakes up, then pop in the movie CARS after he eats breakfast . I try to beat the movie by finishing all my orders before the movie is over. Then lunch with my toddler, and off to the post office we go to deliver packages. Housework, Picking up kids from school and taking them to gymnastics, making dinner, homework, responding to emails, advertising, wow, that can take up a whole day!
AREN'T YOU EMBARRASED TO WEAR THIS KIND OF STUFF AT YOUR AGE?
Who me? Are you kidding? I think they make me look hot and sexy! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21367364
ARE YOU AFRAID THAT PEOPLE WON'T LIKE YOUR WORK?
I focus on my own work, and not on others. I trust in myself and intuition and do what I want. Odds are, someone will like it!http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21309979
YOU LIVE IN A VERY CONSERVATIVE TOWN- WHAT DOES THAT DO TO YOUR BUSINESS?
That has been a challenge for me- that's why I'm so in love with the internet- I can reach a worldwide audience and not just locals. My work is a little excentric for my town, but I have found people who do like that sort of look and will find me. I had a friend tell me "you'll never sell that here- it's too expensive and excentric" I just smiled becauseI know women want to feel and look beautfiul no matter what the ecomy is like. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21013313
DO YOU HAVE SUPPORT FROM YOUR FAMILY?
YES! My husband is amazed I am doing so well. I showed him I could make a goal and achieve it, even in retail. My children think it's awesome that I can design and sell. They tend to look at me a little different now. Maybe I look at myself a little differently. I think I surprised myself!
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY?
I believe in following your heart! Oh do I ever! You must believe in yourself. Don't let anyone discourage you from accomplishing your dreams - you're never too old. Not ever! And don't forget to Pray,Pray,Pray
