Maven Rucker shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Maven, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity.
Intelligence is something we gain.
Energy is something we store then use, but it has to be recharged.
Integrity relies on neither high intelligence nor physical energy.
It’s part a lifestyle framework for people who have high character, positive standards, good morals, and strong principles. I incorporate integrity into both my personal character and the core values for Kumaa Branding.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maven Rucker. I’m an entrepreneur and founder behind Kumaa Branding, an independent brand identity design studio offering services for bold creators and businesses who need help with creating brand identity systems for strategic clarity, market confidence, brand sustainability, and cultural inclusion.
KUMAA specializes in creating visual brand systems: logos, typography, color systems, brand foundations, and strategic direction that help businesses and founders show up with intention and consistency in the their respective markets from day one. Every brand touchpoint is designed and guided in-house—no outsourcing, no fluff, no 3rd-party handoffs—so clients get a focused, highly personal experience rooted in thoughtful strategy, not industry bullshit.
What makes KUMAA different is a balance between operational discipline and creative courage. My career background spans across ownership, operations, leadership, project management, designing, and implementation in hospitality, tech, banking, consumer marketing, and other creative industries. What that translates into is I don’t just design how a brand looks—I help design how it works! Every creative project I deliver is usable, customizable, scalable, and realistic for any company or brand.
The KUMAA Visual Process(TM) is my layout for completing creative projects. My process is influenced by Japanese minimalism and Memphis grit: say less, mean more, and move with purpose. My background as an African-American male from the great City of Memphis, who designs brand elements is rare. I’m also a known beat-maker/artist, which gives me a uniquely creative advantage within the brand design market. (Chatbot my artist: Ponce Beyond)
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose—and must now be released—is the version of myself that felt the need to overextend, over-explain, or overdeliver in order to be taken seriously.
That mindset helped me survive early situations. It taught me transparency, resilience, and range. But today, it no longer benefits the direction I’m moving in. KUMAA is built on clarity, not exhaustion. Intention, not proving.
Always focusing on this as a setback allows me to work with more intention , trust my instincts, and create from a place of confidence rather than urgency. It’s a constant reminder to focus on fear something vs. simply being nervous. It’s about courage and the belief that the right people don’t need convincing—they recognize value when they see it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self this: listen actively, remain calm, and be ready. Even when it’s difficult.
In the spirit of Ikigai (Japanese Philosophy), your purpose will come through observation—watching, listening, analyzing – long before you need to take action. Memphis teaches resilience the same way: you learn to survive by noticing what lasts and by moving with calculated patience.
Trust what you observe and learn from it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s not finished.
I’m committed to ongoing growth and self-improvement, and that means I’m always evolving. What people see is an honest reflection of who I am in that moment—not a fixed identity, but a living one. I adapt well in different environments, not because I’m inauthentic, but because I understand the complexity of human nature.
Recognizing diversity—in people, perspectives, and cultures—requires flexibility, awareness, and respect. Growth demands that you listen, adjust, and remain open. For me, authenticity isn’t about being rigid. It’s about being present, aware, and willing to evolve without losing your core.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What false labels are you still carrying?
One false label I’m still releasing is the belief that I have to prove my ability and capability of providing high level work. Overusing my credentials to earn collaborations or clients.
I believe in building real relationships that transform in transaction. I’ve learned that real alignment starts with relationships—listening first, building trust, and letting the work speak over time. When the foundation is genuine, the collaboration lasts longer and means more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kumaabranding.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumaa.branding?igsh=MWdpeW1nb2pmaHJsaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlon-rucker/
Image Credits
KUMAA, LLC
