Hidden Gems: Meet Ruby McNeil of Ruby T’s Hair Design Studio

Hi Ruby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am so nervous to share my story, but my life story has taught me perseverance! My grandmother raised me in Cedar Hill, Texas. At the age of 15 I became pregnant and was sent to a girls home in Georgetown, Texas for teen moms. The home had a  self-paced school and I went from 9^th-12^th grade.  After  graduating with a baby, I returned home. Shortly after I found myself pregnant again with a second child. Continuing to fill a void of not having my parents around and looking for love in all the wrong places.

At the age of seventeen I had two baby boys and acquired my first job and apartment. Being on my own with two children and adult responsibilities put me into survival mode, which consisted of many dead-end jobs. Once I realized I was going in circles, my goal was to be better and do better. That is when I decided to enroll and finish Cosmetology school as a licensed hair stylist.

I was well on my way to becoming my own self, so I thought. There were many challenges along the way. Not knowing the business from the inside was difficult. Having to work at salons that were commission-based or hourly, meant they took a percentage of the funds I made or paid me hourly. This was challenging for me to take care of my responsibilities.

Fortunately, I built a clientele that contributed to my growth internally and professionally. Most of my long-term clients came from those challenging days in the salons. I was also blessed to befriend a stylist that believed in me and encouraged me to take the next step toward my goal. You always need to surround yourself with people who are doing something and going somewhere, and she was that. Her knowledge of the business and the industry was and has been a tremendous blessing to my business. Through her mentorship I learned that having my own business would mean that I would be responsible for all overhead cost like rent, supplies and booking my own clients.

I believed that I could, so I stepped out on faith believing that God would provide what was needed for me to provide for my boys. Soon after I found a booth, and many of my clients followed me which was a blessing!

I have always wanted to lead by example with my sons by showing them it takes commitment. I was officially an entrepreneur and held an Associate Degree from Richland College. I got my education and was my own boss. A little after two years at my shop God moved me again. One day I came into the salon where I rented a booth and there were signs stating that they were closing in a week. I was in total shock! No one gave me a heads-up.

Shortly after my move from that salon I entered a new chapter of my life. I was blessed with a new suite that came with a sink, dryer, and a chair. I decorated and painted to make it my own. This was the official birth of “Ruby T’s Hair Design Studio”!

When I look back, I really do not know how I did this. Won’t God do it! At that point, I was a real-life self-sufficient boss lady! Sometimes doors must close for new ones to open. A few years later Covid-19 hit, but I was able to keep my business afloat. During the pandemic, I educated myself in the beauty industry and started making wigs. I didn’t have enough space in my suites to market them. Soon after a vacant suite that was double the size of my current became available. I was not thinking of moving but I knew a larger suite could improve my business.

It was a gamble during Covid 19 because it took such a huge toll on people lives, mentally, physically, and emotionally… Not to mention financially… During all of this, God showed me favor. Businesses were shutting down and people/families were facing unimaginable challenges. When I entered that suite God told me it is yours. God had bigger plans for me even before I knew it! The next month I moved into it and made the extra room, my new baby “Ruby T’s Wigs and Bundles”. This was the start of me displaying and selling my wigs and hair. This was a huge addition to my business. I was just obedient to God and listened to his guidance! This was the best thing I could have done for me and my business.

This past year has been amazing! Both of my sons graduated from high school. I am engaged to the man of my dreams. I have clients, friends and family who love me. I am very proud of the woman I have become. Knowing I have come a very long way from that lost and broken little girl.

I can truly say that life can be hard, but if I can make it through you can too. My main mission is to inspire others and let people know that no matter what your goals in life are, the only person that can stop you from achieving them is you.

Push through the hard times and cherish the good times! In the end, it is all worth it. Keep the faith and put God first.

Professionally I struggled when my employer laid me off and tried to move all my clients to another stylist without me knowing. One of my clients reached out to let me know, luckily most knew my contact information and followed me. There will always be situations in life that will try to overtake you. Anytime your professional life is based on people making a choice to choose you, there will be challenges.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ruby T’s Hair Design Studio?
Ruby T’s Hair Design Studio’s motivation is to make you feel like you are worthy and special. I am a stylist who is big on self-care! I motivate my clients to take care of themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. My personality is bubbly, yet firm mixed with humility and grace. It’s not just about getting your hair done.

It’s about helping you see the beauty inside of you. My clients look forward to sitting in my chair because of the positive energy I bring. I am known for doing great silk presses throughout the Dallas area, and I take pride in my work! If you are natural and don’t want to use chemicals in your hair, I’m the one you should come see. I’m set apart because I get to know what my clients like, and I don’t overbook my schedule. I value focusing on one customer at a time and getting them out in a timely manner. Ruby T’s Wigs and Bundles is the brand that I am the proudest of. I make customized wigs with my sewing machine. I also have lace closure/frontal wigs, headband wigs, and hat wigs available for purchase. The most recent service I’ve added is tape-in extensions. I love tape-ins because the look is so natural and flowy! I always make sure I provide a place that my clients can come and relax. My salon is a place for women to take a break from the troubles of the world. I practice self-care with my clients and provide a space where they can take a break from their businesses, jobs, husbands, or children. I want to be a safe haven for my clients. I also provide refreshments and have a television with apps, so my clients can watch movies or catch up on the latest shows.

What matters most to you?
First my relationship with God, who strengthens me where I am weak. My grandmother introduced me to church and to God at an early age. God’s love covered and guided me through my life. This relationship helped me when I couldn’t depend on anyone. When in dark times, I would remind myself that he wouldn’t give me more than I can bear. Next is family, I’m very big on love, support, and staying connected. To also break generational curses. My greatest accomplishment is seeing the God-fearing, respectful, educated young men that I have raised. They are now 18 and 19 years old. I’m so blessed to be able to extend my family with my fiancé’ and my bonus children. It’s still surreal to have met the love of my life, my person. Also my mental and physical health is very important to me, having a piece of mind and taking care of my body. To always keep my morals and values no matter how successful I become. Having a good heart and display the fruits of the spirit.

Pricing:

• Silk Press $75
• Tradition Sew-in $175
• Crochet Braids $150
• Bundles 16-24 inch $75-$120
• Tape in extensions $270-$330

Contact Info:

• Website: Rubytshairdesignstudio.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: rubythairdesignstudio
• Facebook: Ruby T’s Design Studio
• Other: snapchat @rubythairdesignstudio

Image Credits
Calvin Klein