Today we’d like to introduce you to Rubi Armijo.
Hi Rubi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started posting YouTube videos in my senior year of high school, initially focusing on makeup and DIY content. As I became a mom, my channel evolved into “day in the life” videos, which is when I saw my YouTube channel really begin to grow. During this time, my passion for videography also blossomed.
I decided to pursue cosmetology school while being a stay at home mom, and I continued documenting that journey. Eventually, I transitioned to TikTok, where I continued to share beauty related content. My love for beauty also led me to do makeup and hair for parties and events.
After much thought, I made the decision to join the military and shipped out on May 8th, 2023. As a mom, I chose to join the reserves. Even while away from home, I stayed connected to my passion for beauty by offering haircuts and coloring services to my fellow servicewomen.
Now, I continue to post content related to hair, beauty, and what it’s like being a reservist. My dream is to one day transition to active duty while still pursuing my passion for beauty and supporting my fellow servicewomen along the way.
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?
Some of the biggest struggles I faced began when I left the father of my kids. I found myself without money or a stable home. I used the little bit of savings I had to buy a small, inexpensive vehicle and secure a tiny apartment for me and my children. At the same time, I had to care for my 1 year old and 3 year old. I decided to work at a restaurant to have a flexible schedule and earn quick money to cover bills’ all while still doing hair on the side for the extra money and mourning the end of my relationship and caring for my kids.
It was a difficult period, but I eventually accepted that it was okay for my children to see a happy mom, not a depressed one. I realized I made the right decision to leave. During this time of healing, I continued posting on social media, and the thought of joining the military resurfaced. It had been something I wanted to pursue straight out of high school, but I never followed through, mainly because I met the father of my kids.
Joining the military as a single, overweight mother was tough, but I began the process in May of 2022. I took the time to get my affairs in order and work toward a healthier weight. When I finally left, it was difficult being away from my kids. I missed some birthdays and important events, and it wasn’t easy not being there for them. But despite the challenges, I remained focused on my goals and continued pushing forward.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My biggest mentor has definitely been my mother. She came to this country without knowing the language and, over time, built a successful contracting business while also doing stock trading. Now, she’s even releasing her own book. She accomplished all of this without any knowledge of the language or resources, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring to watch.
She’s shown me time and again the importance of pushing forward and persevering, no matter the obstacles. She has literally picked herself up from the ashes over and over, never giving up until she finally got it right. Seeing her journey as I grew up has only fueled my own drive. I have an immense amount of respect for her hustle and her unwavering determination to keep moving forward in life. She has pushed me over time to be the better and do better. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubiiarmijo/profilecard/?igsh=b2NjdG5tcmN4czhv
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rubiarmijo?si=tLFZ90nUuuUBF-Ls
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hairbyrubisita?_t=ZT-8vEMZBcBcwY&_r=1
