Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Ruby.
Tracey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In January of 2022, I decided to do Dry January—you could say drinking had become a not-so-great pandemic hobby—it was like we were all living in upside-down world, and I leaned in. Anyway, during my newfound sobriety, I discovered a new-found creative energy. I took some sewing lessons in March of that year and a new addiction took hold. I was obsessed with sewing. The idea to start a small business (really, it’s teeny tiny) was an idea formed over breakfast at I-Hop between a newly sober grandma (me, also known as “Peaches”), who had become obsessed with sewing soft bright pillows, and my preteen granddaughter (Bella) who had become obsessed with all things French. We decided over pancakes and bacon that the new venture should be called ‘Belle Pêche’—a fittingly French combination of our names: Bella and Peaches. And thus, Belle Pêche (Beautiful Peach) was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I think I’m still struggling with Imposter Syndrome. Who am I to enter the creative space with my soft oh-so-bright pillows? I think the struggle, psychologically, is the feeling of being swallowed up by the marketplace; there are so many big companies that can offer something similar (though not nearly as cool) at a bargain price. I also naively believed that once I set up my website I’d be inundated by organic clicks and follows. That has not been the case; I think it’s incredibly difficult for artists and creatives to try to don a business that while staying inspired and driven to create; the duality of those roles, businesswoman and artist, has been particularly challenging. There are just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Belle Pêche is all about looking on the bright side, and that is evident in the soft, colorful, whimsical throw pillows I create. Everything (I make quilts too) is handmade and created with a bright and colorful consumer in mind. As a country, we are just coming out of a very dark time, and by many accounts we are still in it. But, if we can add some brightness and light, and some levity to our living space–a space we’re spending more time in than ever–then that is something I want to participate in. As I continue to grow my online store, I want my customer to continue to explore their quirky cheery selves when it comes to adding something bright to their space. I am most proud of my willingness to lean into bold, bright, unexpected fabrics–like lime green oranges, and purple bananas; I mean… why not?
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am woefully inadequate at finding a mentor or networking in general. I have been burdened by the I-can-do-it-all-by-myself personality trait that leaves me completely worn out at the end of the day. This is definitely one of my flaws.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bellepeche.com
- Instagram: belle_peche__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089024360314
