Rewind to 2017.
I was working in acute care as a nurse in Las Vegas hospitals, and somehow, I always found myself in some version of the “OMG we should totally start a scrub company” conversation. Every time, I thought it was a terrible idea. Let’s be honest—the scrub market was already oversaturated (Sophia Vergara had her own scrub line for crying out lout)—and I never gave it much thought.
One shift, while charting at the nurse's station, I overheard that familiar conversation again: “OMG we should totally start a scrub company!!” But this time, something clicked. I realized that the business opportunity I was looking for wasn’t in scrubs themselves, but in everything around them—socks, underscrubs, and the things that made the job more bearable. As the idea took shape, it felt like a wildfire inside me. I knew I was onto something.
Once I committed to the idea, I prayed to know the right name for my business and I had full confidence the answer would come. In the meantime, I thought about how I could make this brand stand out from my competitors; I wanted to make products that would be fun to wear, products that would make life a little easier for those that would wear them, and—since I had already decided that my initial target market would be nurses—I knew that I wanted the products I created to be antimicrobial.
I remember the moment the name “Ruby” came to me like it was yesterday. I was rounding a corner to care for a patient when the word dropped into my head. “Aww, that’s cute,” I thought. But then came a strong impression: look into what it means. After my shift, I went home and did some research. I discovered that many ancient cultures believed rubies had protective powers—symbols of wisdom and safety, often worn by warriors going into battle.
The analogy wasn’t lost on me.
As nurses, we are not typically faced with hand-to-hand combat (though the full moon can change that, haha), but we still need to be protected as we care for others—moving the combat zone to a microscopic level and increasing our need for antimicrobial protection from tiny invaders.
I also realized that sometimes we engage in personal battles; overcoming ourselves and our comfort zone to achieve a variety of goals, be it fitness related, working on our feet all day to provide for our families and making our part of the world a better place, or facing the Goliath of health challenges. I realized Ruby and her products could address all those things—bringing a small piece of armor, a touch of strength, and refuge to those who would wear Ruby products.
The name Ruby was absolutely perfect.
I immediately set to work researching and learning about business, hunting for the perfect production companies, and rolling everything around in my head. After thousands of hours (and a lot of arguably reckless bravery), I launched Ruby three years later in 2020 during the pandemic.
To say I was terrified would be an understatement. I was so far outside my comfort zone that my newly found anxiety kept me up the entire night before launch.
Now, I wish I could tell you that all that fear was unfounded and Ruby became an overnight success—but that would be a lie. I made mistakes. Big ones. Some five-figure ones. I released products that flopped. I invested in people and agencies that brought zero value. I continued to be humbled by the process to new levels of humility that I never knew existed.
All that said—I did two things really, really right.
First: Ruby’s branding.
I attended a branding workshop where I learned how to put heart and soul into the building of a brand. As I internalized those concepts and worked through my personal process, I learned how to connect my analytical brain with my creative side and create something cohesive. I learned how to weave my personal values in with Ruby’s brand values.
Speaking humbly but honestly: I nailed Ruby’s branding. The community that has gathered around this brand is beyond incredible. Thank you for that—truly.
Second: Product development.
I was personally involved in the process of fabric development for Ruby’s underscrubs; high quality, luxurious, and permanently antimicrobial. To develop Ruby’s compression socks I tested socks across the spectrum—compression socks, tube socks for roller skates, even mens socks. I made a list of what I loved and what I didn’t and sent my specs in to my production company. The result? a compression sock fit for the gods. Again—proudly—I knocked Ruby’s product development out of the park.
It’s been surreal watching Ruby grow and be embraced by such a wide range of people: nurses, roller skaters, cancer patients, those with disabilities—the list goes on and on. It has been an honor to make products that help people be their best selves and better the world around them.
Thank you for being here—for being part of this brand and this community. I’m so glad we’ve found each other, and I’m grateful you’re part of this incredible network of people.
You inspire me.
I’m so glad you’re here.
Love,
Emily x
