Meet Ruth Love | Fashion/Runway Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth Love and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruth, how do you define success?
To me, success is living in a way that my passion is embraced. I’ll know I’ve truly succeeded when I can wake up everyday and do what I love for a living. I’ll be driven by the desire to create rather than the anxiety-ridden compulsion to support myself and pay my bills. I know that I’m on the path to success because I’m absolutely in love with modeling. Ironically, I tend to enjoy unpaid photoshoots and fashion shows more than paid jobs. I’m willing to work 12 hour days in painful shoes because of the sheer joy that overcomes me when I realize that I’ve become little Ruth’s fantasy. Being able to model professionally is truly rewarding. Authentic success is self actualization, having something going for you that has nothing to do with anyone else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Unlike me, the women in my family have always been voluptuous and curvy. For this reason, it was a challenge growing up with no hips, booty, or breasts; that’s what “makes you a woman”. I heard for years that I was “too skinny”, “boney”, or “manly”. My stick figure body made me feel unattractive and unloved. Until, that is, I watched America’s Next Top Model. It was mesmerizing to see young women who looked like me being thrown into such a beautiful and chaotic industry, many of them fresh out of high school. Not only were they seen as worthy, but they were actually the standard of beauty in the fashion world. I then decided that I would use my thin, lanky body for greatness.

My 8th grade year was all about modeling. I tirelessly probed magazines for poses that I could recreate in the mirror. Anyone close to me would be regularly forced to become my personal photographer. All I could bring myself to watch were fashion shows and America’s Top Model. After about 2 years of this, I was ready to get signed with an agency. My mom drove 16 year old me to The Block Agency in Denver to meet with my agents and decide if I would be signed or not. They took my measurements as well as a few images and an introduction video of me. I instantly knew that I belonged there. I was signed that day by Mark Block and referred to John S Miller for my portfolio shoot.

My portfolio shoot was enchanting. I was completely thrilled to be working with a professional photographer that could give me raw advice regarding my posing, facial expressions, etc. We ended up shooting about 5 different looks, all of which are still on the website that companies use to book me. It took me about 2 years to get my first paid job after being signed. In a slower market such as Colorado, this is to be expected. My first paid gig was with Smartwool, an outdoor clothing company. It was an 8 hour day filled with smiles, learning, and wonder. I’ve worked with countless brands at this point in my career, but I feel that my passion truly emerged when I discovered runway modeling.

My first fashion show was also an art popup with a focus on black creativity. The amount of creatives around me was overwhelming, I could barely contain my excitement. I walked for two different designers, each pass of the runway inflating my confidence a bit more. The ultimate feeling is walking out in a beautiful outfit and knowing that all eyes are on you. I never feel more energized than when I’m on the runway. My first paid fashion show was for Altar’d state, a wedding dress and luxurious gown company. I felt like a princess in the beautiful, flowing garments and the crowd’s energy was unmatched. They whooped and hollered as if Rihanna was on that stage, I loved it.

My modeling career expanded wildly after I discovered Void Studios, a fashion venue in Denver. I first was acquainted with the hub when I auditioned for Denver Fashion Week. It was shocking to be surrounded by such beautiful, down to Earth people who shared my passion for modeling. I booked shows for three different brands that day. The biggest come up, however, was discovering just how many local designers and shows I would be exposed to at void. This year alone I have walked in over 10 shows. This is only the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is so hard for a homebody!

I’d say the best places to visit for daytime fun would be the Butterfly Pavilion, the Denver Art Museum, or Meow Wolf! To eat, I’d say any Mexican restaurant off Colfax that isn’t a franchise. Finally, for night life, I’d suggest visiting either Tracks Denver to party or Void Studios for a fashion show!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people helped me get to where I am right now. First, I have to thank all my friends and family that I forced to take pictures of me when I didn’t know how to pose; your suffering didn’t go unrewarded. Then, my dad for my height and long limbs. I also have to thank my mom for my bone structure and confidence. She was there to take me to every agency interview and pay for my very first portfolio. Love you, Mama! Finally, a big shoutout to anyone who has supported me by attending my shows, booking me, or even just offering encouraging words. I’d be nothing without y’all!

Website: https://theblockagency.com/women/ruth-love/

Instagram: _ruth_._ & rxth.x

Image Credits
ROXIE Photo Paul Abulu II Nick Kalis