Today we’d like to introduce you to Rugila “Ru” Jones.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Fashion has always been part of my story. I studied Fashion Merchandising and Design and have spent over 15 years immersed in the industry, from retail and styling to brand consulting and creative direction. After years of helping friends, colleagues, and clients find their confidence through personal style, I realized that styling wasn’t just something I was good at, it was how I connected with people and helped them show up as their best selves.
That passion eventually led me to launch Styled By Ru, a personal styling business based in San Diego, Southern California. My goal was to make fashion more approachable and empowering, helping clients build wardrobes that reflect their personalities, lifestyles, and goals, rather than chasing trends.
Like many entrepreneurs, my path hasn’t been a linear one. I launched Styled By Ru while balancing a corporate recruiting career, navigating life changes, and learning how to run a small business from the ground up. Every challenge pushed me to be more resourceful and creative, which ultimately strengthened both my styling work and my brand identity.
Today, Styled By Ru represents more than just curated outfits; it’s about transformation, confidence, and authenticity. I’m proud to work with clients from all walks of life, helping them define their own version of style and feel inspired every time they get dressed.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes entrepreneurship so rewarding. Starting Styled By Ru meant stepping into something deeply personal. I wasn’t just selling a product; I was sharing my creative vision and inviting people to trust me with how they present themselves to the world. That can feel vulnerable at times.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to build a business side by side with my creative work. As a stylist, I’m driven by visuals and connection, but running a business means wearing every hat: marketing, accounting, operations, and client management, and there was a learning curve in finding balance between artistry and structure.
There were also moments of doubt, especially during slower seasons or when I compared my journey to others in the industry. But those experiences taught me to trust my timing, focus on serving my clients well, and stay grounded in why I started.
Every challenge has pushed me to grow not just as a stylist, but as a business owner and creative entrepreneur. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Styled By Ru is a personal styling business rooted in authenticity, confidence, and individuality. I work with clients one-on-one to help them discover and refine their personal style, whether that’s curating everyday looks, refreshing a wardrobe, or styling for photoshoots, events, or professional branding. My goal is to make style feel approachable, not intimidating, and to help people express who they are through what they wear.
I specialize in creating personalized styling experiences that blend my background in fashion merchandising and design with a modern, realistic approach to dressing. Many of my clients come to me when they’re going through a transition, a new career, a life milestone, or simply wanting to reconnect with themselves, and together we rebuild their wardrobe in a way that aligns with who they are now.
What I’m most proud of is the impact beyond the clothes. Styling can truly shift someone’s confidence and energy. When a client tells me they walked into a room feeling powerful or finally see themselves in a new way, that’s what makes it all worth it.
What sets Styled By Ru apart is the personal connection and attention to detail I bring to every client. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter fashion, I believe in helping people define their version of style. Every session is about empowering someone to feel seen, confident, and effortlessly themselves.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is seeing people light up when they feel confident in who they are. Whether it’s a client trying on an outfit that finally feels right, or someone rediscovering their style after a big life change, those moments of transformation are incredibly fulfilling.
I find happiness in creating looks together, styling shoots, and finding beauty in the details. But even more than that, I love connecting with people and helping them see themselves the way I see them, capable, stylish, and unique.
On a personal level, I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by creativity, good energy, and genuine connection, whether that’s working with a client, exploring a new city for inspiration, or spending time with loved ones. Fashion is my creative outlet, but the real joy comes from the confidence and happiness it brings to others.
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:
- Instagram: @styled.by.ru
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/styled-by-ru-san-diego
