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

Hi Ruby, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My grandparents raised me, and while growing up, I would see my grandfather work all day while my grandmother attended to the house, cooking and cleaning. I didn’t think much of it then, but today I see how they kept a wonderful balance at home. As a first-generation daughter, I was expected to go to school and eventually find a high-paying job. Time management wasn’t a conversation we had at home; the goal was simply to find a good job, no matter how many hours it took. It wasn’t until I started my first corporate job as an education coordinator at 17 and continued in corporate roles until I was 30 that I realized I didn’t want to spend my whole life working in a cubical.

As early as eight years old, I knew I wanted to become an artist. What type of artist? Who knows! But I was determined to become one. When I entered high school and learned about graphic design, it became clear that working from my computer would give me the freedom to be present in my family’s life while also continuing my career. Today, I am able to work from multiple locations while attending to my clients. It’s the type of work-life balance I had always envisioned, but it didn’t come easy. I believe that work shouldn’t consume your entire life because that’s not truly living at all.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets my business apart is my unique upbringing and story—the first-gen girl who decided to go for it even when nobody believed in her dream and vision. From an early age, I didn’t know the how, when, or where, but I knew exactly what I wanted to become. What makes me most proud of my journey is that no matter the different environments and situations, I never let go of my goal.

Business-wise, I was able to set up my business by not being afraid to ask questions. Working in a corporate environment from ages 17 to 30 trained me to learn systems that could be reapplied to my business and helped me establish habits that eventually became discipline. It wasn’t easy—nothing in life or business is. I overcame many challenges by accepting my failures and understanding that change was necessary.

Each challenge and mistake taught me what not to do so I could keep going. From those many lessons, I learned that nothing lasts forever, including the feeling of failure. I want the world to know that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be in life. Everything isn’t meant to happen all at once. No matter how much your business consumes you, never lose sight of who you are. Staying true and being authentic is the key to everything.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a Chicago native, my mind immediately runs to all the amazing things my city has to offer! First, I’d take my friend on a tour around the city—there’s nothing more mesmerizing than seeing the skyscrapers in downtown, the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, the Cubs and Sox stadiums, and Millennium Park. Eventually, we’d make our way to smaller neighborhoods like Little Village, where you can eat the best tacos, and Humboldt Park, where the Jibarito (a Puerto Rican steak sandwich) will make you rethink the concept of a “regular sandwich.”

Of course, nothing beats Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza, which is more like a pie because one slice will keep you full all day. Fun places for me are more than just bars and clubs, so I love going to Utopian Tailgate where you can eat, drink, and play outdoor games. Visiting Lake Michigan is a must—the vibes are always fun and exciting, with plenty of restaurants along the lake to check out as well.

Attending a baseball game is another highlight, where you can enjoy tailgating and meet random people who are just as happy and excited as you. I’d end the week with a nice dinner at a Chicago rooftop at night—nothing beats the city lights, making everything feel so dreamy and memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to highlight an amazing organization called The Miracle Center in Chicago, IL. They use the arts as a catalyst for personal growth, leadership development, career advancement, and community engagement. When I graduated college in 2017, I was unsure of which path to pursue. Even after taking a corporate position, it didn’t feel fulfilling. So, I took on side projects from The Miracle Center. Simply being in their presence pushed my creativity and made me a stronger designer over the years. Today, we still work closely together on many exciting projects, including collaborations with The Chicago Bulls, songwriter/actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, and actress/producer Justina Machado.

Website: https://www.rubycreativeco.com

Instagram: @rubycreative_co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubyherrerarivera

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubycreativeco

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