We had the good fortune of connecting with Rutu Shah and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rutu, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Over time, my approach to work-life balance has shifted dramatically, especially in the past year or so. 2022 and 2023 brought significant changes to my life, including getting married and welcoming our sweet baby. Initially, it was about figuring out how to balance time between my partner, household responsibilities, and my work. But now, my baby has become the number one priority, and my daily schedule revolves around her routine—from the moment she wakes up to when she goes to sleep. I find myself working around her schedule, fitting in household chores and work tasks during the pockets of time when my family is playing with her or when she’s taking a nap. It’s been a learning process, but I’ve come to embrace this new rhythm and learn to multitask accordingly.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was always that kid who was fascinated by art and design from a young age, whether it was drawing, painting, or quilling. This passion led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and work as an Interior Designer, which gave me a strong foundation in the design field. Design is everywhere around us. From the cars we drive to the clothes we wear, everything around us is designed in some way. Transitioning from Interior Design to Graphic Design was a journey full of challenges. Learning something new requires a lot of time, patience, and practice, and there were definitely moments of struggle along the way.
I’m most proud of my ability to adapt and continuously learn, whether it’s moving between different design disciplines or taking on new projects that push my boundaries. Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. It took perseverance, embracing failure as part of the learning process, and constantly challenging myself to grow. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay open-minded and curious. I want the world to know that my journey, both personally and professionally, is about evolution and creativity. My brand and story are rooted in a love for design in all its forms and a commitment to bringing that creativity into everything I do.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, we’d kick things off with brunch at Bread & Butterfly for some amazing comfort food. After that, we’d head over to the Atlanta BeltLine for a leisurely walk and to check out the street art. I’d definitely plan a visit to the Ponce City Market—it’s got a great mix of shops, eateries, and a rooftop amusement park with stunning views of the city.
For dinner, we’d have to try Staplehouse for a unique dining experience, and later grab drinks at The James Room, which has a really cool vibe. One of the days would be spent exploring Piedmont Park and maybe rent bikes to cruise around the trails, followed by a picnic.
Mid-week, we’d hit up The High Museum of Art to soak in some culture, and later that night, catch a live show at The Tabernacle. For a little history, probably a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park!
We’d end the trip with a day at Stone Mountain Park—hiking up the mountain and then relaxing by the lake. To wrap up the week, a visit to Krog Street Market for some last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner at Canoe, right by the Chattahoochee River. Atlanta has so many fun, interesting, and exciting places, and this itinerary would definitely showcase some of the best.
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?
Absolutely! I’d like to give a big shoutout to my parents, sister and my husband. Their unwavering support has been my biggest source of strength, pushing me to do better and helping me stand strong in the face of any obstacles. From a young age, my dad’s outlook on life and the lessons he’s shared have been my guiding principles. I owe so much of where I am today to the love, encouragement, and wisdom they’ve given me.
Website: https://rutushah.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutu.shahh/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rutushah17/