It was a fashion show that brought us together – I met Ruby while wearing a baby blue JLo jumpsuit (oh, the horror!), but that was 2002 so let’s say it was acceptable. However, eventhough we went to the same university and had many mutual friends, we didn’t really get to know each other until recently. It was common interest that reunited us – a common interest in all things pretty. Ruby has picked up photography and has surpassed many who call themselves photographers by profession. My personal favourites – her travel photography; it is because of her that India is now on my list of places I must visit. Her photography is genuine & thoughtful, with real attention to detail.

Her blog, SuiteXIII is a collection of great photos, inspiration & cheeky remarks, but that’s to be expected from such a clever girl. Ruby is also a valuable contributor @ The Dress Society – a fashion blog we started as a side venture. She’s a beautiful, talented girl who recently became a friend, and I could not be more happy than to have her be my first “Creative By Nature” victim.

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name/location: Ruby, Cambridge, ON

what’s your craft? how did you get into it? I’d like to believe that my craft has recently become photography. I’ve always admired the beautiful world of photography for as long as I can remember, so last summer, I finally decided that I was ready to buy something better than a regular ‘point and shoot’ camera. While doing my research on what to buy, a friend of mine presented an amazing deal on a DSLR camera that I just couldn’t pass up. Needless to say, I bought the higher-end camera that was far beyond my photography skills at the time. But, because I knew how much I enjoyed photography and how much I wanted to capture all the beauty around me, I didn’t hesitate on this deal. It was at this point that my love for photography became more serious – which is a good thing, as this helped to further justify the purchase! :)
weapon of choice? Nikon D300.
where do you go for inspiration? who inspires you? I feel that inspiration is around us, everywhere, at all times. Although I try my best to focus on this ideology, inspiration can still find ways to run dry. When this does happens, I resort to good conversation, music, and my friends and family. Travelling to new places, or just exploring my existing surroundings in more depth are sources of inspiration too. I also gain inspiration from my good ol’ imagination and from photography – no surprise there!
what’s playing on your ipod a.t.m.? These days, I have house music on heavy rotation, but my musical preferences on my iPod honestly change quite often. For me, music is based on my personal mood at the moment, not the trends on MTV, MuchMusic, or whatever other station that dictates what’s ‘cool’ right now. I’m open to all sorts and types of sounds, beats and melodies – anything that can get my feet tapping and my ears smiling is all right in my non-judgemental musical book. Although, no matter how hard I try to listen to country music or heavy mental, it still eludes me!
favourite artist? why? Janet Jackson. I have been a fan since I was a young girl. I appreciate her fun-loving personality, sassiness, quiet confidence, and her dancing skills inspired me to get into dance at a young age. In my eyes, she is fierce yet down-to-earth, and I admire her quite a bit for being able to exemplify both characteristics so gracefully.
if you could live anywhere, where would that be? Although Canada is my home, I would really welcome the opportunity to live and work in India at some point in my lifetime. Northern India is a magical place, as is the rest of that mystical country. Life is simple there. The people are humble and extraordinarily happy considering some of the hardships they face. And, the food – don’t even get me started on that!
describe a perfect future. A perfect future would involve good health, a simple yet happy lifestyle, and the continuation of creating lasting memories with those that I cherish. Also, the ability and opportunity to pursue my passions in life, such as travelling, would definitely be a part of this perfect future.
what would you like to be known for? I want to be known as a genuine person. I also want to be known for making a difference in some way, shape, or form – big or small, it doesn’t matter, it’s the raw principle of it that means the most to me.
Check out more of her photography here.
Thanks, Ruby! You’re a doll. Xo.