Story & Lesson Highlights with Zoe Ruddock of Douglasville, Georgia

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Zoe Ruddock. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Zoe, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
Lately, I’ve been embracing slow mornings and giving myself time to ease into the day. I usually start with journaling or sitting in stillness before getting started with anything. No two days look the same, some days I’m creating marketing materials, taking nail clients, or practicing new techniques in my studio, while other days I might meet a friend for tea or lunch. In between it all, I’m always strategizing, ideating, and researching ways to grow both the nail services side of my business and the retail side of RUDD.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a multi-hyphenate creative, licensed nail artist, founder, and someone who has always been passionate about self-expression through different mediums. Creativity has been at the core of everything I do, whether that’s through design, storytelling, or building community. That passion led me to create RUDD, now a lifestyle and nail care brand rooted in self-expression, self-care, and sustainability. What makes RUDD special is the emphasis on nail health, building a soft routine, and the beauty of intentional maintenance, whether through thoughtfully crafted products on shoprudd.com or the high-quality nail services I now offer. My hope is that RUDD grows into more than a brand, but a space that inspires creativity, celebrates individuality, and nurtures a community built on care and connection.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I’m so happy to take this opportunity to give flowers to my best friend Mal, who has been one of the most grounding and affirming relationships in my life. For over a decade, he’s poured into me, encouraged me, and reminded me of my magic every step of the way. One thing he has said that has stuck with me is, “Most people are talkers, but you, Zo, are a doer.” It makes me emotional when I think about it sometimes. Mal has taught me to celebrate myself always, small and big wins, and he’s helped me embrace that being a multi-hyphenate creative is not something to downplay; it’s something to be damn proud of.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There was a moment where I strongly considered walking away from RUDD, formally a slow-fashion streetwear brand. By year 2, I began feeling stuck, like I was letting myself down, along with those who believed in and invested in me. But instead of giving up, I paused and realigned. Nail care had always been a deep-rooted passion, something I grew up around and have loved deeply to this day. That clarity led me to pivot RUDD into the nail care and lifestyle space. That shift truly felt like coming home.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
In today’s social climate, I’ve noticed people often struggle to understand my forgiving nature. I deeply believe in empathy, even in the most challenging situations. While I hold firm boundaries and advocate for protecting your energy, I don’t align with the harsh “blocked” culture that has become so normalized. It all feels like avoidance disguised as healing, and I wish more people would ask, “What would love, patience, or grace do?” in relationships, in conflict, and even in business. There’s too much disposability in how we treat people, and not enough accountability and grace. Now more than ever, we need to lean into community, focusing on creating inclusive, compassionate, and safe spaces for each other.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I find peace in the little things, the quiet, in-between moments. Listening to ocean waves while reading, spending hours laughing over lunch with friends, going on long walks, or working on a new Lego build. Most days now, creating nail art while listening to music, or sometimes even in silence, brings me joy. Peace for me is a nervous system at rest. I’ve learned to just be present and to take mental snapshots of those simple joys.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shoprudd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoprudd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shoprudd/
• Twitter: https://x.com/shoprudd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoprudd/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zoerudd
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/zoerudd/
  https://www.instagram.com/ruddnails/
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeruddock/
  
  https://linktr.ee/zoerudd

Image Credits
Asia Smith
Malvern Kirvin