be you conversations: ruby veridiano
Be You Conversations: Ruby Veridiano
By: Nicki Patel | 7.7.18
Fashion Changemaker, A Role Model
"She is what the world loves to hate - pure, authentic, tested and brave. And that is why her kind will save the world." ~ unknown
When I first launched milo+nicki, Ruby was one of the first people I reached out to share our story. I was so nervous and excited because she is one of my role models. She is a proud Filipina-American from California with a voice that will and is making an impact for generations to come. Ruby is THE fashion change maker. She is a writer, fashion correspondent and speaker who promotes women empowerment, socially-conscious fashion, and diversity & inclusion in the fashion industry. She is a contributing correspondent for NBC News, NYLON Magazine, and Mic.com to name a few, and has interviewed designers Anna Sui, Vivienne Tam, and Prabal Gurung, among so many other multicultural designers. Her courage, strength, and resilience in a powerful and sometimes overwhelming industry makes her one of my favorite #girlbosses around. Her passion to change the world makes her fierce, but her love for what she does makes the world admire her. I am so thrilled to share her story, and hope you love getting to know her. <3
Her Story
I am a daughter of immigrants raised in California. Being a woman of color has shaped my voice and perspective, and ultimately, my purpose. I've discovered at a very young age my calling to use my voice and my words to empower women who grew up like me. This calling ultimately led me to the ethical fashion movement: when I found out that 80% of the people making our clothes are black and brown women ages 18-25, I understood that ethical fashion is a feminist issue. Today, I use my words and voice to champion these causes as a writer, speaker, and fashion journalist based in Paris, France. One last thing: if you can sum me up in 3 words it would be: Glamour for Good! Make sure to follow Ruby on Instagram @rubyveridiano, and read more amazing pieces by her at http://www.rubyveridiano.com/.
What is your favorite food/dish (because I love FOOD)?
Oh dear, does it have to be just one? I have so many, but I'll go with my favorite dish of the moment: my boyfriend's mom's homemade chicken curry (I actually avoid the chicken and just go for the potatoes and carrots!)
What does it mean to you to be you in a world of others?
To me, it means knowing your value and standing strong in a core foundation of self-worth, self-love, and self-acceptance. However, I acknowledge that this is lifelong work. These ideals take a lot of inner work to achieve, and it's a constant, imperfect process - one that I'm constantly working on myself! But investing in the daily work of tapping into the power within so you can radiate it outward is the best way to bring your highest YOU as an offering/blessing to others.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self – about life, career, hopes/dreams, anything?
Follow your heart, but take your brain with you. I don't have many regrets, but one that I do have is not achieving financial literacy at an earlier age. As women, we must learn to be economically empowered. I wish I knew more about investments, stocks, and retirement as a teenager! (Sorry I know this is totally NOT a finance blog *lol* but I think this is important!) Those I know who did have a level of financial literacy growing up now have an amazing portfolio that has allowed them to support and build their own dreams. Lastly, to go back to my answer in the previous question: knowing your value also means asking for it. Learn to negotiate/ask for your worth and be confident in what you bring to the table!
What would you tell someone who is trying/struggling to find themselves in the chaos/noise of the world?
When in doubt, look IN, not out. Get still and quiet. Listen to your intuition; the answers are within you.