Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Ruth.
Hi Victoria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person. I grew up threading needles in my great Aunt Aileen and Uncle Bill’s upstairs bathroom whenever I came to visit in Philly. She always had needles and spools of thread around. You could say this was the beginning of my interest in sewing.
Even as a child making sure, my outfits were stylish was a must! I can still remember the day I got into a mood to up-cycle a sweater of mine by hot-gluing pennies and broken watches to it. Having supportive teachers also helped. In 3rd grade, I directed and wrote a play for my class – without it being an assignment. I guess you could say creativity has always poured out of me.
It wasn’t until high school that my creativity narrowed into fashion. I had a hard time finding a prom dress that really spoke to me senior year. Feeling overwhelmed from dress shopping and the pressure of senior prom being a week away, I decided to take a nap. Once I woke up, I knew exactly what I was going to do, and I needed sewing assistance so – I called Ms. Corbett and persuaded her to help me make a prom dress. “We don’t have enough time,” said MC. “I think we can make it work. Let’s try!” I replied. From there, I was hooked.
After my freshman year of college, I lost someone very close to me suddenly. When I returned sophomore year, I decided to sew to distract myself from the pain. From there, I went from making my friends party outfits, designing for student-run fashion shows, putting a line into mid-west fashion week, purchasing a men’s consignment store, to now having my own custom line.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were many challenges, however, only ones that made me stronger and eager to do more. The best challenge I encountered was owning the men’s consignment store in Indianapolis, IN. Once I purchased it from the previous owner, I created an alterations department in the store. I learned what it took to run a brick and mortar… on the fly. Mind you, I went to school for journalism, so I had the charisma, but I needed help with the business side. I ended up finding a business coach through the score program. Which was such a great idea, and I recommend any entrepreneur to look into the different options they offer.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
specialize in custom garments. I love to create outerwear/jackets and bridal alterations. Custom means taking any clothing idea and bringing it to life from start to finish; I sketch, create my own patterns, and sew. I am most proud of the confidence my clients feel after completing a garment for them.
What sets me apart from others is my journalism background. I love to research new techniques, and I love getting to know people. It makes me a great listener, so I can get down to the nitty-gritty of what a customer wants. I also know and will always be honest about what looks good. This helps me create one-of-a-kind intricate designs.
Any big plans?
I plan on opening my own shop in Atlanta, Georgia, selling the new line I’m creating while providing alterations and custom design work. The only big change would be my upcoming podcast, “Focused Conversations” I still have a love for journalism. I’d like to use that to bring healthy conversations about how to better one’s self and bring like minds together while also promoting looking fabulous from the inside out.
Pricing:
- Custom design consultations start at $50
Contact Info:
- Email: info@shopviru.com
- Website: ShopViru.com
- Instagram: @Victoria_Ruth__
- Facebook: @ShopViru
- Other: @ShopViru
Image Credits
Photographer of headshots/solo photos of: Facebook: Yaakoa Stylz: Photography & Design or Toshia Damptey Instagram: @yaakoa_stylz or @toshiadvisuals Photographers for model photos: Instagram: @ikxenna & @lilbabyog_ Stylist for model photos: Instagram: @ styledbyfei
