Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Tafolla.
Hi Ruby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was 14-years-old when I discovered my passion for filmmaking. My dream early on was to work in Hollywood. When I began my college journey, I began doing photography. I also had a deep passion for photography, but my main goal and dream was to create movies that made people feel something. I began my photography business at 19-years-old. I almost ignored that voice inside of me that was telling me to pursue this dream of mine due to fear and self doubt. However, I had two high school friends who saw something in me before I was able to see it in myself. They hired me to film a very special moment in their life; their wedding. That’s when everything truly changed for me.
As time passed, I got pregnant during my third year of college. It was one, if not the most difficult time of my life. From the very beginning of my pregnancy I knew that I was going to be a single mom. However, dropping out of college was never an option for me. I knew that whether I had to crawl, cry and bleed to get to the finish line I was going to do just that. So, I did. I am a first generation graduate & proud to say that not only did I graduate with a bachelor’s degree in cinema, but also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in photography, along side 3 associates & two certificates.
Throughout the eight years of my college journey, I always stayed persistent in building my business. Whether I was working full time to provide for my daughter and I, or taking night classes; I always made sure to make time for this deep passion of mine.
Eventually, I decided to quit my full-time job to pursue my business full time. I had a 1-year-old during the time & no savings. I sure trusted myself a little too much to figure it out. Thankfully, I had amazing support from my parents who helped provide a roof above my head during those struggling years.
When I met my now husband, my life made a huge turn. I was happy. I became even more motivated and determined to accomplish my goals. I’ve been able to experience first hand how important it is to be with someone who not only believes in your dreams, but supports you through them.
My business wouldn’t be what it is now without a lot of people who have trusted me, believed in me, but most especially it wouldn’t be what it is now without my parents, my husband and my kids.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been far from a “smooth road”. I had a lot of family issues going on at the beginning of this whole journey, I was making poor decisions, hanging out with the wrong crowds, failing classes left & right, then got hit with the news that I was pregnant with a guy I hardly knew. Being a single soon to be mom was very difficult – emotionally. However, being a single mom POST going through an entire pregnancy alone, was by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to face – mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, etc. However, it was also the thing that pushed me the most to persevere and come out stronger. My purpose quickly changed when I had my daughter. I was no longer chasing my dreams for myself, but for her. My goal was to not only proof to her that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, but that you may have to readjust along the way and that it’s okay. it’s part of life. The important thing out of all of this is that you stay true to yourself and your dreams.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance photographer/videographer. I like to consider myself comfortable with many areas of photography including weddings and quinceañeras, however, I specialize in shooting families, couples and individuals. Everyone and anyone is welcome in front of my lens, however my main clients have always been people of color, specifically the latino community. I have accomplished many things which I am proud of, but being able to dive deep behind the reason of what my business stands for, who my business is for and simply the meaning and purpose behind my business is something I take a lot of pride in. It’s about staying true and being proud of our culture. It’s about not dimming who we are, where we come from, even if that means being loud and bold. Especially, after growing up in a state where you’re often made to feel like you have to look a certain way, talk a certain way, act a certain way. I would often times be the only or one of very few POC in my classes and neighborhoods, all throughout grade school and even into college.
I have enjoyed seeing how much more diversity is coming into play in the state that I live in & it truly makes me feel proud to be a part of making people feel seen and celebrated who have often had to tone themselves down for being “too much”.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is simple and very vague…
It’s the fact that I was able to have an actual childhood where nothing mattered.
It was simply being a kid… Playing outside all day & using my imagination to create a different world for myself every day. If I wanted to be a dentist that day, I was going to set up my imaginary dentistry. If I wanted to be a top model, best believe I was going to pull out something to create a runway.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.preciousstoneproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preciousstoneproductions?igsh=MWI1MGhrNWpiMmFkMw==
