Meet Jonah Ruffin | Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonah Ruffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonah, what principle do you value most?
Being authentic. In today’s society, there are so many distractions and opinions that can take you off the track of being yourself and staying grounded. Authenticity matters so much to me. Being able to have your own energy in any room that you walk in is truly powerful. Knowing that you are staying true to who you are inside and out, and not letting others change you is one of a kind.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a creative in all aspects. I don’t like to limit myself to one title because am extremely multifaceted. Anything that has to do with expressing myself through forms of art, I love to do. Fashion is one of my main interests. I am very passionate about how fashion allows you to express how you feel through what you wear and chose to showcase. I am most excited to create a platform for Black Queer men to feel comfortable and welcomed. I have always been an advocate for my people and my community and that is something that I want to always emphasize. Getting to where I am today has not been easy at all. I have faced several trials and tribulations along the way as every individual does, the difference for me is bouncing back from those setbacks and not only that but helping others learn from my mistakes so that they won’t have to endure the same things. I want the world to know that my brand is pure and authentic, there is no room for labels or assumptions. Being true to who I am in every form is my mission.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On the first day, I would first start by taking them to get food at my favorite hangout spot Ponce City Market, then I would take them to some thrift stores around town. Goodwill, Value Village, and Lost N Found are all some of my favorite thrift stores. Thrifting is a very big hobby of mine. I absolutely love taking pieces and making them my own. After we thrift, we would head to my favorite parking deck in the city and hang out and take pictures. Lastly, we would go get dessert at my favorite cookie spot Insomnia Cookies. On the second day, we would wake up go to breakfast at Breakfast at Barneys and take pictures in the city, then we would go to Little 5 Points and shop and take pictures there as well. Lastly, to end the night off we would go on a nice night drive and get some fast food. On the third day, we would probably go to a concert at the Masquerade for an artist that we both like. On the fourth day, we would go to Piedmont Park and have a nice picnic play games, hang out in nature, and talk to each other. To end the week off we would go to a fun party in the city with great vibes!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out to all the Black Queer creatives in the world. In this creative industry, it is so hard for us to make a name for ourselves just based on the different stigmas society has placed against us. It can get very hard to persevere and push through. We work so hard and deserve our flowers and very often we don’t get them. The Black Queer perspective is one that needs to be heard and appreciated just as much as anyone else. For me being a Black Queer creative is something that I hold lots of pride in, my community, and my reason. So huge shoutout to all those Black Queer creatives. We deserve a seat at every table and we will have one.

Instagram: jonahruffin

Youtube: jonahruffin

Image Credits
Instagrams: 1. daniellaalmona 2. bouvisions 3. untitl3d_imag3s 4. tysins.jpeg 5. eli_azansou 6. chuckrare 7. lostkidsfindaway