Today we’d like to introduce you to Rugila Jones.
Rugila, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Absolutely! Fashion has always been a huge part of my identity. I started Styled By Ru because I saw a real gap between how people wanted to show up and how they actually felt in their clothes. After years of working in both the fashion and tech industries, I realized I could combine my eye for style with a deep understanding of people to help them feel confident, aligned, and expressive in their everyday lives.
At first, it started organically—friends and colleagues would ask me for outfit advice, help packing for trips, or even to completely revamp their closets. The more I did it, the more I realized: this wasn’t just a hobby. There was real transformation happening—clients were landing jobs, going on dates, walking taller, smiling more. So I decided to build Styled By Ru into a business focused on intentional styling for modern professionals and creatives.
Today, I work with clients virtually and in person, offering everything from personal styling and closet audits to event looks and brand-aligned wardrobe curation. My approach is grounded in authenticity, sustainability, and the belief that style is a tool for empowerment. I’ve had the honor of working with incredible individuals at all stages of life and career, and I feel lucky every day to help people feel seen, confident, and powerful in their skin and their style.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I’ve come to appreciate the bumps along the way.
When I first launched Styled By Ru, I was juggling it alongside a full-time career in recruiting, so time and energy were always stretched thin. Building a client base from scratch wasn’t easy either—I had to learn how to market myself, price my services, and navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. There were moments of self-doubt, especially in the early days when I questioned whether people would see the value in personal styling.
Another big challenge was managing growth. As demand picked up, I had to shift from doing everything myself to streamlining processes and being more strategic with my time. And of course, like many others, I was impacted by life’s unexpected moments—career changes, personal losses, and a global pandemic that forced me to rethink how I delivered services.
But through it all, I’ve learned to adapt, to trust my instincts, and to stay rooted in my why. The hard seasons taught me resilience and pushed me to be more creative. And honestly, those struggles have made the wins even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Absolutely! At Styled By Ru, I specialize in personal styling that goes beyond just putting outfits together—my work is about helping people align how they look with how they feel and want to show up in the world. I offer services like wardrobe audits, event styling, capsule wardrobe creation, and ongoing personal shopping, both virtually and in person.
What I’m known for is my ability to really see people—understand their personality, lifestyle, and goals—and translate that into a style that feels authentic and empowering. I take a holistic approach, blending fashion with function, confidence, and sustainability. I’m not just focused on trends; I care about fit, longevity, and helping people invest in pieces that reflect who they are.
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Whether it’s someone stepping into a new career, navigating a life transition, or just wanting to feel more confident day-to-day, I’ve had the privilege of helping them show up as their best selves. Seeing that transformation—inside and out—is what drives me.
What sets me apart is my unique blend of fashion industry experience, personal styling intuition, and background in recruiting. I understand how appearance plays into confidence, perception, and professional presence. I meet clients where they are, make the process fun and judgment-free, and help them build a wardrobe they love and actually wear. It’s personal, it’s impactful, and it’s always done with intention.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing people come alive when they feel good in what they’re wearing. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching someone’s posture shift, their energy lift, and their confidence grow just from putting on the right outfit. It’s not about vanity—it’s about alignment. When how you dress reflects who you truly are, it impacts everything: how you show up, how you connect with others, and how you move through the world.
I also find joy in creativity and connection. I love the process of curating looks, discovering new pieces, and finding ways to make fashion both expressive and functional. But even more than that, I love the one-on-one conversations, the trust my clients place in me, and the relationships that grow from this work.
At the heart of it, what makes me happy is helping people feel seen, celebrated, and empowered—because I truly believe style is a form of self-respect, and everyone deserves to feel their best.
Pricing:
- Wardrobe consulting (depending on project) starts at $100+/hr
- In person and virtual styling $100/hr
- Virtual Shopping List (curated specifically for you) $300 +
- Bridal/Bridal Party Styling $100/hr
- Personal Shopping $100/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://styled-by-ru-yd064gdaa0ckex7v.builder-preview.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styled.by.ru/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/styled-by-ru-san-diego
