Meet Ruby Hammer MBE | Makeup Artist and Brand Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruby Hammer MBE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruby, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My origins are British-Bangaldeshi, but I was born in Nigeria, West Africa. I lived there for twelve years before coming to the UK in 1973. I am a South East Asian woman raised in Africa, with formative years and education in the UK and as a makeup artist have travelled the globe extensively. All of these factors have driven me to be inclusive in everything that I do. It is second nature to me, inherent in my personality through the way I was raised.

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.
A chance encounter led to me assisting the lead artist at London Fashion Week and completely changed my working career… and I haven’t looked back since. Working across catwalk, editorial, TV, campaigns, front of house and back of house beauty is in my blood.

As well as the creative side, having studied economics at university I have put my commercial side to good use. Initially launching Aveda, Tweezerman and L’Occitane in the UK, through to launching the first inclusive British Makeup Artist Led range in the UK, through to launching my eponymous range of curated beauty must have’s in 2019.

I launched Ruby Hammed Beauty to empower people to embrace and enhance their features, no filters, no photoshop, just easy to follow beauty advice with multipurpose, multi rewards products… and most of all products that I love and use!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sunday Feast at Soho Beach House Miami Dinner at Mandolin, I just love the restaurant. I don’t have a favourite dish, everything is amazing.
Shop at Mrs Mandolin for the most incredible curated finds.
Faena for drinks
Shopping in the mall, and at Target

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am eternally grateful for first meeting Karena Callen and the opportunities that came my way through her. An ongoing relationship for forty years, she has had an impact on my whole career, from giving me my first role as an Elle Makeup Artist though yo using her for copy on my website. Her positivity and encouragement has always impacted me.

Website: rubyhammer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyhammer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-hammer-mbe-b80a241a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rubymakeup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubyHammerMUA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyONMzg8rjHRyW4yimIeaWA

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rubyhammermua