Meliza Ruby Abreu

I attribute my success to a combination of passion, courage, education, and the support of the people who have believed in me throughout my journey. My mother introduced me to art at a very young age and taught me that talent is a gift that must be nurtured, educated, and continuously developed. My father also shaped my entrepreneurial mindset by encouraging me to take initiative and believe in my ability to build something of my own. Their influence taught me that creativity and discipline can work hand in hand. My husband and son remain among my greatest sources of strength, reminding me to pursue my dreams while staying grounded in what truly matters. I am also grateful for the mentors, artists, and creative communities who have encouraged me to experiment, grow, and trust my unique voice. Ultimately, I believe my success comes from remaining curious, embracing change, and being willing to evolve as both an artist and an entrepreneur. Through BY MELRUB LLC, I have created a platform to express my artistic identity, explore new opportunities, and connect with others through my work. I see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and every creation as a chance to inspire, because true success is not simply about recognition but about staying authentic, continuing to grow, and creating something meaningful that resonates with others.

The best career advice I have ever received came from my mother, who taught me that talent must be supported by education, discipline, and continuous development. Having a natural ability is a wonderful gift, but it is only the beginning. We must be willing to study, practice, seek guidance, and remain humble enough to learn from others. That lesson influenced my decision to pursue formal education and continues to shape my approach to art and entrepreneurship. I have also learned the importance of having a meaningful purpose that motivates you to keep moving forward, especially when challenges arise. Whether it is a passion, a dream, or the people who inspire you, knowing your reason for starting can give you the courage to persevere when progress feels slow. Finally, I believe that taking care of yourself is just as important as pursuing your ambitions. As women, we often balance careers, education, family, and other responsibilities while overlooking our own needs. I have learned that protecting your peace, prioritizing your well-being, and allowing yourself time to rest are essential to long-term success. My advice is to keep learning, stay connected to your purpose, and remember that building a meaningful career is not just about achieving your goals; it is also about growing into the person you want to become along the way.

My advice to young women entering the art and design industry is to find something meaningful that motivates you, whether it is your family, your faith, or a personal purpose that keeps you moving forward. Learn to love your art and trust your creative voice, because developing confidence in your work begins with believing in yourself and embracing what makes you unique. Knowledge is equally important, so remain open to learning from books, podcasts, mentors, other artists, and every experience that comes your way. Never assume you know everything, because there is always something new to discover, regardless of how much experience you gain. Be patient with yourself, embrace opportunities to grow, and do not be afraid to experiment or make mistakes. Your journey does not have to look like anyone else's. Stay curious, remain authentic, and remember that your passion, combined with continuous learning and self-confidence, can help you build a meaningful and lasting career.

One of the greatest challenges for artists is balancing creative authenticity with the business demands of visibility, sustainability, and earning a living from their work. At the same time, digital platforms, international collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with designers offer exciting opportunities to reach new audiences and share culturally meaningful stories across borders. I believe the future belongs to artists who embrace innovation while staying connected to their roots, their communities, and the emotions that make their work uniquely human.

Authenticity, creativity, passion, empowerment, and connection are at the heart of everything I do. I want my art to celebrate life in all its complexity, reminding people that imperfections can hold beauty and that strength can emerge from chaos. In my personal life, family, self-care, continuous learning, and meaningful relationships ground me and remind me that true success is not simply what we accomplish, but how we inspire others and remain faithful to who we are.