Ruby Roxanne Agresta is a powerhouse. She is one of those women you meet and later ask yourself, “How does she do it…and how do I get some of that energy?”

Not only does Ruby have a successful business as the creator of Ruby Roxanne Designs leather jewelry and hats, she has been married for 11 years to her handsome husband Jim, and together they raise three beautiful children in Scotts Valley.

She is deeply involved in the art community through her work with Pivot; The Art of Fashion and explores her avant-garde creative side by creating Wearable Art and mentoring teens through FashionTEENS Santa Cruz.

“I love creating very unique pieces that makes one wonder what is that made out of? whether it be a dress, jumpsuit, hat or headpiece,” she said.

I was surprised to learn that Ruby considers herself “kinda shy” because she really does have a big, sparkly personality, just like the wearable art she creates. She is known for her gorgeous, often blinged-out, leather cuffs. (You may well know someone who has been “cuffed” by her – I know I have been!)

It makes sense that, as a designer and stylist, Ruby feels more comfortable behind the scenes, even though she doesn’t fade into the background herself at all.

“I’m very proud of myself for never turning down a challenge. I push myself to think and design outside of the box,” she said.

Her latest challenge has been designing hats for Watsonville-based American Hat Makers Ruby Roxanne Designs and American Hat Makers have joined forces to get their hats seen in the world of high-fashion, and guess what? They are making it happen!

“I didn’t really think I could do it [design hats], but with the encouragement and support of Garth & Hannah Watrous  – plus the incredible production team –  we came out with a collection of amazing hats,” Ruby said.

And that quest to get their hats seen in the high-fashion world? Well, it’s happening. The hats were featured on the runway at New York Fashion Week for Tumbler & Tipsy and a gold metallic top hat Ruby designed was featured on the cover of Lux-PR Magazine.

But that is really just the beginning. “I am super excited to announce my new venture with American Hat Makers,” Ruby shared.  “Ruby Roxanne Head Couture is a luxury high end wearable art collection of gorgeous hats and head pieces that will make anyone who wears them become ART!”

When I asked Ruby what the keys to her success are she didn’t hesitate, “Having an open mind,” she said. “If I hadn’t been open to working with Garth and Hannah and American Hat Makers I wouldn’t be on this new path.”

It looks like a path to the runway to me!