Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Walker.
Hi Alexis, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Peoria, Illinois, but my roots are in Greenville, Ms. Growing up it’s been an uphill battle for my family and me for as long as I could remember. With my mother suffering from mental health issues and no father around, we were always on the move. I was able to make Memphis my permanent home when I moved with my aunt in October 2002.
I met my now husband 2 years later and we’ve been together ever since. We both came from a tough upbringing. Which is where the name Ruffintough was created from. “Life may be tough but so are you”, is a creed I believe in and live by every day.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in business administration at LeMoyne-Owen College and three years later started Ruffintough in November of 2020. With 1,000 thoughts going through my head on how things could go wrong. I ignored every one of them because I knew I wanted something better for myself and my family.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would be lying if I tell you this journey was on an easy street. One of the hardest struggles is the lack of engagement whenever I post on social media. Even my personal page is a ghost town whenever I mention my business. With 95 percent of my business coming from social media, it’s vital I’m posting consistently to build my brand and get the right exposure I need.
This takes some real convincing to continue this method. However, I believe in this brand and know that one day the right people will come along and engage with my posts and content. So I keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I still work full-time for the United States Government but Ruffintough is my baby. I initially began customizing t-shirts and apparel, now I provide an assortment of other products. This is because I enjoy creating so much and it’s truly my passion.
Most of the items like the soaps and jewelry are handmade and are my specialty. Currently, the most popular item is the lemon pound cake whipped soap that has the aroma of real lemon pound cake.
We may be small but we’re big on variety. You’ll find everything from handbags, and outerwear, to apparel. Also, we ship direct, so there are no waiting weeks for your order to be delivered.
What I’m most proud of is, in spite of my difficulties in life, I don’t blame anyone for it and I remain optimistic knowing trouble doesn’t last always. So I will always keep going.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I give credit to my husband and my sister. They are my biggest advocates and engage with all the content I post. If it wasn’t for them I’d probably have given up a long time ago.
I also give credit to the supporters of my business, I call them the tough ones. They show their support of my dream and I appreciate them for being there to see the value of my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ruffintough.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ruffintough1
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/RuffinTough1
- Other: linktr.ee/alexis.walker
