Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Ruddock.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Zoe. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For as long as I can remember I’ve always been a creative. As a child and in my adulthood, I was always drawing or deconstructing something and putting it back together in my own way. Anything I could get my hands on to create or customize I did. I especially did this with clothing; whether it was my dolls clothing or my own I loved turning things into how I wanted them to look. I knew from the age of 10 that I wanted a brand of my own where I could just create what I wanted, how I wanted.
Fast forward to now after years of saving, planning, and manifesting my brand was born and it truly feels surreal, but I’ve worked so hard for RUDD. The Label and all that it is and will be. The work literally never stops but words can barely describe how rewarding it is to pour into my actual passion. Despite the state of the world, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to focus on building my brand while taking care of myself.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am optimistic by nature so I’m always looking at the glass half full mostly. I would say it hasn’t been a smooth road but it’s a road I’m willing to continue going down.
There are disappointments and frustrations here and there but even in those times there’s always a lesson that I’m learning. “Fail forward” is my favorite business quote because failures are inevitable but NECESSARY for growth. Really when it comes to business there are no smooth roads. You’ll likely encounter road blocks, speed bumps, u turns, pot holes, etc., but just as long as you stick with a “keep going” mentality you can almost guarantee that at the very least you’re heading in the right direction.
RUDD. The Label – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Rudd. The Label is a minimal streetwear brand. Currently the brand features a lineup of t-shirts that come in 7 unique color ways with a simple message “humble.”. I wanted to start out with my “humble.” t-shirts because it represents my actual journey and what I incorporate into my life every day and that is being humble.
I realize quite a few people confuse humble with “making yourself small” or those who are “insignificant” but I implore anyone who perceives humble in that way to look into its meaning more deeply; a good place to get a different perspective is on my website’s “About” page.
It’s important for all of my current customers and future customers to know that my brand is not a drop-shipping or a “buy wholesale then re-sell” brand. I actually select fabrics, choose colors, design, have the item produced and on hand ready to be shipped. So, every item leaves my hands and ends up in yours. THAT is what makes my brand different.
RUDD. The Label aims to create quality, minimal, and timeless pieces that can be worn in endless ways, customized or modified however you want, and each piece blended seamlessly into anyone’s lifestyle.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The support for sure from not just friends and family but from people all over the world, and honestly, I’m proud of myself for just starting. There was never going to be a perfect time for me to launch and doing it at the height of a pandemic seemed crazy but I did it and its been nothing but love and support; so, for that I am so proud.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ruddthelabel.com
- Email: ruddthelabel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruddthelabel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruddthelabel
- Other: https://ifundwomen.com/projects/rudd-label
Created with RNI Films app
Created with RNI Films app
Created with RNI Films app
Image Credit:
Malvern Kirvin- Far Longer Photography @farlonger
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