Introducing the one and only Ryan Pugsley! As Marketing Director at Brunette the Label, Ryan leads the Brunette babes in all things marketing, design and graphics. His passion, skill set and love for Brunette constantly inspire and motivate the team. Ryan joined our sister business Brunette Showroom in 2011 and was right by our founding babe Miriam Alden’s side when Brunette the Label launched in 2014. We’re so thankful for the continuous support and laughs he brings to the office daily.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
I feel that we all have a responsibility to each other and to ourselves to be authentic. Giving kindness and support to others allows our hearts to open, so we can reflect that kindness onto ourselves, to be the best we can be for each other. There’s more than enough success and opportunity to go around, and we’re stronger together. Babes supporting babes, babes!
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
“No is a gift.” We’re meant to receive what we receive when we receive it. Be grateful for the protection you receive from something you thought you wanted, that isn’t right for you at that time.
Also, “Honor the process.” Focusing on the results or outcome can interrupt the motivation.
And “Don’t be a dick”. …I don’t think I need to explain that one.
What’s your spirit animal?
Swift Wind. Not a seagull, no matter what anyone says.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
It’s very easy to be proud as a member of Team Brunette. Being a part of the Brunette journey since the beginning, there have been many milestone moments. As the Marketing Director, I get to passionately create meaningful content that inspires babes to join the Brunette community and allows me to grow as an artist. But I have to say, it will always be a surreal moment when I see someone in a random city or small town wearing one of our pieces. Knowing that something we designed as a team has connected with someone, enough for them to spend their hard earned money to purchase and proudly wear it, continues to be one of my proudest moments.
What’s your most used app?
I am a bit of a photo hoarder, so there isn’t a ton of space on the old iPhone for apps. You never know when you’re going to need that blurry pic of a drink you once had at a bar when you were at on vacation in 2011. #neverdelete Jokes aside, it’s Insta.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling it anymore?
I am a Burts Bees addict. And if superfruit flavored Real Fruit ever go extinct, ugh. *gelatin free
What emoji best describes you?
There’s one, in particular, that has a wide, mystery grin; you can’t tell if it’s a smile or a freakout. That’s me.
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
@ErniesJourney. Life changing content.
When I dance I look like….
Depends on the location, but the older I get, my “mom dance” impersonation is becoming more of a go-to and less of a party trick.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Solo: Stuck in the Middle with You — Steelers Wheel.
Duet: (with Miriam Alden only) Fancy — Reba McEntire
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
My circle of babes is quite small but very supportive. My closest friends have allowed me to feel safe enough to let my true colors blossom and grow. As a bit of a passionately “out there” thinker, that means the world to me. I also wouldn’t even be answering these questions without the unwavering love and support from Brunette the Label founder Miriam Alden. I won’t get teary on you all, but she has provided me with an unconditional love that I will cherish forever.
How would you describe your personal style?
I love fashion and self-expression through personal style. I enjoy having the freedom to allow my own interpretation of those things to vary over time. Right now, I like simple, classic pieces with the occasional dressed up, going out moment.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Vancouver?
Cartems vegan donuts.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
At the office, on your birthday, you get Cartems vegan donuts.
What inspired you to start pursuing the fashion industry?
I was spontaneously given an opportunity to work in the fashion industry many years ago. A very special person took a chance on me and saw something in me that I didn’t even know was there. I always knew I had a passion for design and fashion, but never thought I would be fortunate enough to have the chance to build a career in the industry.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Bob’s Burgers and BBQ chips in bed. You asked.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
As an artistic person, it can be hard to have ideas or creations turned down or rejected, especially when you take a lot of pride in what you do. I’m continuously working on separating the task at hand from the heart on my sleeve.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Valuing my work. In many ways, I’m a graduate of the “trial & error/ self-taught” university. Having the confidence to find my voice in the industry is a hurdle that working with Brunette the Label has helped me overcome.
What advice do you have for those trying to break into the fashion industry?
I think that in any industry, trying on as many hats as possible is the way to success. Appreciating what goes into every channel of a business will not only give you the knowledge to communicate deeper, but allow you to have compassion and understanding for all the amazing moving parts that it takes to run a company. We were all dishwashers at some point, in some way, and a restaurant can’t operate without clean dishes. We all have an equal part to play and should respect each other.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Ryan on Instagram @rjpugsley.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Brit Gill.