Celebrity and National Brand Design and Creative Director Barbara Clarke-Ruiz
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- April 21, 2021
Barbara Clarke-Ruiz is a Former design director for tennis superstar Venus Williams. Barbara’s design career reads like a who’s who of international household names that include Nike Europe, Adidas US/Germany, Fila US/Italy, NewBalance US/ UK, Speedo UK, Hanes, Jockey, Asics Europe, Disney, Colosseum, and Zoggs International. She was also the Creative Director for Walmart for six activewear divisions, which grossed close to $750M dollars per season. Hence, what prompted Venus to seek her out to be design director of Venus’ line Eleven by Venus. Now with her design skills being seen globally by Venus wearing one of Barbara’s designs when winning the 2016 Doubles Championship, Barbara has turned her passion towards a new love, her dog, thus, the Lick You Silly Pet Products company was born. A dog lifestyle brand that features a premium line of dog treats 100% US-made, with grain-free ingredients and being used by such names as Olympic athlete Kendell Williams for her dog.
Her brand Lick You Silly Products was created 3.5 years ago because Barbara saw a need in the market. Her small dogs would get sick from store-bought treats made with processed ingredients, so she began to make her own with all-natural ingredients used in the foods her family ate. She quickly realized that wasn’t sustainable with her busy schedule as an Activewear design consultant so she spent a year doing research on the industry and decided to keep it simple. She wanted a single ingredient product that was premium, wholesome and all-natural. She began testing freeze-dried Beef Liver and Chicken Liver and found a supply partner who met her standards.
Selected during the Walmart Open Call out of 8500, Lick You Silly Pet Products was included in the 150 chosen to pitch their product and received a retail slot. The product was also featured in Forbes as Mini Gifts: What To Get For Your Colleagues And Clients For The 2020 Holiday Season.
We Empower Magazine got an exclusive interview with Barbara Clarke-Ruiz.
Barbara Clarke-Ruiz
Tammy Reese: What do you enjoy most about being a Design and Creative Director?
Barbara Clarke-Ruiz: It’s a number of things. . . The pureness of the CREATIVITY and the impact it will have on those who experience it is at the very top of the list.
There’s something very powerful to earn my client’s trust and have the ability to take on a leadership role on the account. I take great pride in any of my work, so being able to use my experience and talent in an expressive way that positively impacts their company is so fulfilling.
I have worked very hard to build a stellar reputation and earn their trust. With every project, I look forward to exceeding their expectations!
Tammy Reese: What was the experience like working with Venus Williams?
Barbara Clarke-Ruiz: It was truly amazing and the most fun I’ve had with any client! Adidas was a close second while living in France.
Every company has that one client they would like to work with and Venus was one of mine. I had the pleasure of working with Serena first.
I admired her before I had the honor of working with her and she was exactly how I had imagined and more. To start, she is extremely funny and super fun to hang out with, which most people don’t know! She’s the one you want to take to your class reunion. She is incredibly kind, generous, disciplined, giving of her time, and always happy to share knowledge.
Tammy Reese: What were some other memorable moments in your career so far
Barbara Clarke-Ruiz: There have been many! I would say the one that started it all was being hired by Adidas right out of college and designing top-selling products that earned me a position in the international design office 2 years later in Fontainebleau, France, and later Germany.
I lived in France for 18 months working with Adidas in a renovated horse stable on the grounds of an 18th Century Chateau that was used for movies. I also lived in the esteemed Fountainbleau Hotel for a year which was across the street from a castle purchased as a wedding gift by Neolian Benepart.
One of my favorite moments was while skiing in Colorado, the instructors wore the Adidas “Burdett” Jacket as a part of the instructor’s uniforms. There’s something pretty awesome about being on a ski lift 20 feet up and seeing hundreds of instructors wearing one the jackets you designed.
I was able to see many of the products I designed for my clients featured in magazines. Publications such as CBS Sunday Morning, In Style, Sports Illustrated, Dr.Oz, Katie Couric, Shape, Elle, Jet, Town, and Country, Good Morning America and Town and Country.
Venus wears only her Eleven brand on the court. During doubles, she wears a two-piece from the collection. Wimbledon doubles championship with Serena wearing one of my designs.
I was a guest at Oprah’s home for an event where I had the honor of meeting the Obamas.
One moment I’m most proud of is creating my dog treat brand Lick You Silly with the help of my husband and daughter. My husband is my business partner and my daughter has an animation degree and created our mascot “Yum-Yum” the orange dog on all of our packaging!
Getting my first Lick You Silly commercial on TV this month! It was on the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet and Discovery Plus.
I could go on and on. . .
Tammy Reese: What was your reaction when you saw your product featured in Forbes
I was in my car. . .I screamed, cried and said Oh My God, this is AMAZZZZZZING a gazillion times! Thanked God, texted my publicist, Chandra Gore to say thank you. . .Called my husband/business partner and I then face timed a few of my besties with the great news!!
Tammy Reese: What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on the growth of my brand Lick You Silly Pet Products. I’m focused on growing sales, brand awareness, seeking brand collaborations, creative ways to connect more with my audience, working on my TikTok Channel, and applying for grants as I need capital.
Tammy Reese: What advice would you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Barbara Clarke-Ruiz: Start TODAY! If there has ever been a time for women of color to get funding and business support, it’s now. Put your ideas on paper step by step and move the needle on doing something with your business every day. Join some women’s business groups, get a personal coach and join Clubhouse to connect with people who can help you on your journey. YouTube is a great source for information as well. By all means, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want for people who want to help, and don’t let NO scare you. That just means, not right now!
For more information please visit https://lickyousillypetproducts.com or connecting on social media @lickyousillyyumyum