faq

Q. Where did the name "jenuine ruby" come from? 

A. My great grandmother's name was Ruby Hart. I have fond memories of sitting on her lap, eating grapefruit (sprinkled with sugar) and memories of her behind her sewing machine. She was the crafty one in my heritage. She sewed baby blankets, clothes and dolls, and she crocheted doilies and curly hair ribbons for my sisters and I.  She died when I was really young, but she left warm memories and I decided to use her name to honor her legacy. When I considered what's important as a part of who I am, and what I want my business to represent, the word genuine came to mind. Genuine as in true, authentic, sincere, legitimate, actual, honest-to-goodness, natural. I changed the spelling just because it jives with my name. =)

my great grandma Ruby and I, 1973

Q. How would you describe your style?

A. "practically imperfect" (because imperfect is more practical). I like bright, cheery colors as well as natural backgrounds, fabrics and textures.    

Q. When did you start making things?

A. I've loved arts and crafts since I was very young.  My interests have varied from all types of crafting, but it seems I've always loved making things for as long as I can remember.  I was into scrapbooking for quite a while, and enjoyed photo journaling our family's daily life as well as celebrations and events.  I started making baby blankets as gifts for friends when my oldest daughter was a toddler, and I never stopped.  I've lost count of how many I've made, but it's well over a hundred.  If only I photographed each one!  

Q. What else do you make?

A. I have a line of coffee sleeves in my shop, and I started making laptop and iPad sleeves as well.  I also love making bags and purses. 

Q. When did you start painting?

A. I discovered a love for mixed media painting shortly after having my fourth baby in 2008.  I stumbled across Kelly Rae Roberts' book Taking Flight and devoured it.  I checked out just about every resource she listed and that's when I became acquainted with Mati Rose.  Mati was looking for an intern, we met for coffee and connected, so I became her gal.  She taught me a lot about her process, as well as the business side of things, and I helped her organize and get etsy orders packaged and shipped.  I'm so grateful for her and the time we spent together.  She was very generous with her knowledge and encouraged me so much.  We had some pretty awesome lunches throughout the Mission District in SF.  She's the real deal and a great inspiration to me.  Bonus: You can learn from her too!  Her book is available here!

Q. How do you stay sane as a single mom with four kids?

A. I think I'm still figuring this out!  Honestly, my kids keep me going.  I want them to live joy-filled, abundant lives and I know they learn best by example.  We have endured some pretty major changes the last few years, and I'll be honest.. it's been rough.  But God is good.  I stay connected with Him and daily (or sometimes multiple times a day)ask for wisdom, strength (and energy) to keep going as He leads.  He fills me up as I pour out to my kids. Sometimes I get weary and sometimes I feel like I'm totally blowing it... but His grace is so amazing. Sometimes I just take a deep breath and remind myself I can make it through today.  I don't have to have everything figured out.  I just have to make it through today.  He is my Provider, my Defender, my Strength and my Redeemer.  He's also blessed us with the most amazing family and friends.  They have been there for emotional support and helped me out of many binds.  I'll never be able to repay their kindness and generosity, but I'm forever grateful.