We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruby Juu and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ruby, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
How to know whether to keep going or to give up ? Great question. One of the things I learned in life is that quitters never win. So when it comes to giving up, for me its not an option depending on the situation. Lets just take a second to talk about the person that is contemplating on should they keep going or should they give up. There are many factors that play a role in making decisions. Let’s take a minute to reflect on the definition of giving up and to keep going. Giving up means to abandon a particular feeling, influence, or activity. To keep going means to continue moving forward. Now that you have explored the definition of each option, decide which option fits your life or current situation. Sometimes giving up on someone or something could be a great thing and on the flip side giving up could also be a bad thing. Sometimes keeping things going could be a good thing or it could turn out to be a bad thing. It’s your choice to decide what’s best for you. If it is making you happy and its improving your life, keep it going and if its causing confusion and turmoil, give it up. That’s how you know whether to keep going or to give up.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well the last time me and Voyage ATL spoke I was on my path of growing my marketing company and continuing my singing career. Now my life has taken a turn and my vision is clearer on what I want to do. About 8yrs ago my brother was killed in prison. I wanted to do something in his honor so I created a sauce in remembrance of him. In addition to that I created a variety shop in remembrance of my grandmother who passed last year. What sets you apart from others ? What sets me apart from others ? That is a good question. It’s a few things that sets me apart from others. I am passionate about what I do. I love what I do. I take pride in everything I create and I am not afraid to be myself. What you are most proud of or excited about ? I am most proud of my progress in my business ventures, how I have grown to want to learn more and create more. The progression has not been easy but it has been well worth it and that I can be proud of. I am most definitely excited about my future. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? Let me start by just saying everything is a process and things take time. Where I am today is because of patience, being transparent, keeping a level head, learning to balance things out, and keeping faith in everything I do. There were a lot of times I doubted myself and I thought that it wouldn’t work but it did. I just got up and did it. Oftentimes we over think things which keeps us from pursuing our dreams. Stop thinking about the what if’s and just put a move on it. I overcame my challenges by realizing if I gave up I wouldn’t be a winner because quitters never win. I also thought about the people that believed in me I was letting them down just as well as myself by giving up. This thought alone was motivation enough for me to keep pushing. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way ? There were a few lessons I learned along the way. I learned to be consistent and persistent, I learned that everything isn’t as easy as it seems, I learned to network more, I learned that I am a inspiration to others, I learned to do more research, I learned that it is ok to be creative in my own right and last but not least I learned to BELIEVE. Believe in myself and my brand even if no one else does. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? I want the world to know that Ruby Juu is unstoppable, Ruby Juu can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. I want the world to know that my story and my brand is going to touch many people and inspire many people to do great in all aspects of their life. Most of all my brand and my story is going to help people BELIEVE.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My first stop would be to introduce her to some good southern cooking, So we are going to head to The Beautiful on Cascade Rd for lunch. After we eat we are going to head the world largest aquarium ,Georgia Aquarium. When we arrive there we are going to enjoy the dolphin show, see the albino alligators, and just explore all the sea animals. The night time has come and she wants to explore the Atlanta nightlife. We are headed where they give you a slight Caribbean feel. Guess where we are headed ? Josephine’s Lounge on Buford Highway, Where you can get a variety of cultures in one atmosphere. We would also visit one of Atlanta’s most famous and well known places for breakfast. The Waffle House. Definitely need a strong breakfast after a night of fun. For the rest of the week we would explore Atlanta and the surrounding areas. We would hit up Andretti’s in Alpharetta where we can eat, play, and drive race cars. My friend may not be Vegan but we are absolutely going to hit up the infamous Slutty Vegan to get Slutty. Ponce City Market is definitely on the list for the roof top bars and restaurants. The Edgewood strip would give her a feel of the 90’s. It’s a strip of different bars that are very versatile. Atlanta Braves Stadium/SunTrust park is a must with the new restaurants, game rooms, and bar activities added that would be an awesome outing. Last but not least we would hit up the world famous skating rink Cascade Skating rink for one last merry go round.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have encountered some pretty amazing people in my life and on my journey to success, but it is one person that has always been in my corner. My big sister/mentor Lynn Huber. Lynn has been my mentor since I was 12yrs old. Lynn has always inspired me to do great things and to be creative in my own right. There are no words that can express the love and support Lynn has given throughout the years. Lynn is a professor at Elon University which is based out of North Carolina. Lynn loves to travel and enjoy the great outdoors. She loves her dogs and her partner in crime Mel. Lynn has a heart of gold, In some of my toughest situations Lynn has been my hero. Lynn if you are reading this I want you to know that I love you and I am so grateful to have you in my life as a big sister /friend and a mentor. Thank You. Be sure to follow Lynn on Facebook to keep up with her and her adventures. www.facebook.com/lynn.huber.338
Website: www.rubyjuullc.org
Instagram: www.insatgram.com/mellowssauce93
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rubyjuuvarietyshop