In a city known for its bottle service and endless parties, two girls looked around and realized they were in the wrong story.
We were determined to showcase Miami on its own taste: the chefs, the openings, the artists and entrepreneurs actually building here. And we kept seeing the same gap: brands landing in Miami with a playbook built for somewhere else, betting the city wouldn't know the difference. It did.
So we built Ruby, a studio for the people trying to build something that lasts here. Real research instead of assumptions. Design and culture with actual roots.
That's the story we wanted to be in. So we started writing it ourselves.
In a city known for its bottle service and endless parties, two girls looked around and realized they were in the wrong story.
We were determined to showcase Miami on its own taste: the chefs, the openings, the artists and entrepreneurs actually building here. And we kept seeing the same gap: brands landing in Miami with a playbook built for somewhere else, betting the city wouldn't know the difference. It did.
So we built Ruby, a studio for the people trying to build something that lasts here. Real research instead of assumptions. Design and culture with actual roots.
That's the story we wanted to be in. So we started writing it ourselves.
OUR STORY
SERVICES
CULTURAL + CONSUMER RESEARCH
We look beyond what’s happening today to understand where culture, consumers, and the market are moving. Through research and analysis, we uncover what people want, how expectations are shifting, and where brands can find new opportunities for growth.
+
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
+
We help brands define what they stand for, who they’re for, and how that should come to life. From research and positioning to identity, messaging, and creative direction, we build the foundation that gives everything else clarity.
STRATEGIC WORKSHOPS
+
Facilitated sessions for founders to unpack the vision, brainstorm direction, and turn ideas into a clear, structured path forward. Through guided exercises and discussion, we help create alignment around priorities, opportunities, and what comes next.
COMMUNICATIONS
We shape how a brand shows up and what it has to say. That can span communications strategy, content pillars, campaigns, editorial, social strategy and ongoing management, all built around a clear point of view.
+
+
We connect brands with the people who can give them cultural relevance and credibility. Rather than treating influence as a transaction, we build relationships with tastemakers, creators and community voices who genuinely align with the brand.
TASTEMAKER RELATIONS
PARTNERSHIPS + PLACEMENTS
+
We identify the brands, spaces and communities that can extend a client’s reach in a way that feels natural. From strategic introductions and collaborations to placements, we create connections that reinforce the brand rather than simply add exposure.
EXPERIENCES + SPECIAL PROJECTS
+
We create and improve the ways people experience a brand in the real world. From dinners, launches, and activations to guest journeys and experience challenges, we develop thoughtful, brand-aligned ideas that make the experience feel better, work better, and give people a reason to come back.
Every engagement is built differently, combining the capabilities that make the most sense for the brand and the opportunity at hand.
Every engagement is built differently, combining the capabilities that make the most sense for the brand and the opportunity at hand.
CULTURAL + CONSUMER RESEARCH
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC WORKSHOPS
COMMUNICATIONS
TASTEMAKER RELATIONS
PARTNERSHIPS + PLACEMENTS
EXPERIENCES + SPECIAL PROJECTS
Ruby works across hospitality, lifestyle, and consumer brands: design, culinary, culture, spirits, fashion, and brand building a cultural presence.
Engagement takes one of two shapes: a single project, scoped to a specific outcome, a concept, a name, a repositioning, a launch or an ongoing partnership, where we stay on as the strategic team behind a brand's growth: content direction, placements, and activations, adjusted as the brand moves.
Ruby works across hospitality, lifestyle, and consumer brands: design, culinary, culture, spirits, fashion, and brand building a cultural presence.
Engagement takes one of two shapes: a single project, scoped to a specific outcome, a concept, a name, a repositioning, a launch or an ongoing partnership, where we stay on as the strategic team behind a brand's growth: content direction, placements, and activations, adjusted as the brand moves.
A concept, a product or place that doesn't exist yet. We develop it from research to inception: positioning, name, and identity.
Identity is done, but the audience doesn't know it yet. We plan the introduction: placements, social strategy, partnerships, and activations.
The story's gone quiet, or the audience has moved on. We audit the brand, reposition it, and rebuild relevance.
You know your product or concept, but you want to understand the market before you launch. We help you uncover the local audience, competitive landscape, cultural context, and opportunities that shape a stronger brand strategy.
HOW WE WORK
A concept, a product or place that doesn't exist yet. We develop it from research to inception: positioning, name, and identity.
YOU HAVE AN IDEA
+
A concept, a product or place that doesn't exist yet. We develop it from research to inception: positioning, name, and identity.
YOU HAVE AN IDEA
+
Identity is done, but the audience doesn't know it yet. We plan the introduction: placements, social strategy, partnerships, and activations.
THE BRAND EXISTS BUT
HASN'T BEEN INTRODUCED
+
Identity is done, but the audience doesn't know it yet. We plan the introduction: placements, social strategy, partnerships, and activations.
THE BRAND EXISTS BUT
HASN'T BEEN INTRODUCED
+
+
THE BRAND HAS BEEN
ESTABLISHED BUT IT'S LOST
MOMENTUM
The story's gone quiet, or the audience has moved on. We audit the brand, reposition it, and rebuild relevance.
+
THE BRAND HAS BEEN
ESTABLISHED BUT IT'S LOST
MOMENTUM
The story's gone quiet, or the audience has moved on. We audit the brand, reposition it, and rebuild relevance.
You know your product or concept, but you want to understand the market before you launch. We help you uncover the local audience, competitive landscape, cultural context, and opportunities that shape a stronger brand strategy.
YOU'RE BRINGING A BRAND
TO MIAMI
+
You know your product or concept, but you want to understand the market before you launch. We help you uncover the local audience, competitive landscape, cultural context, and opportunities that shape a stronger brand strategy.
YOU'RE BRINGING A BRAND
TO MIAMI
+
STEPHANIE MARINI
CO-FOUNDER
Stephanie is passionate about bringing people together through intentional spaces that foster real community. With a background in investor relations and hospitality private equity, she blends strategic thinking, organization, and natural relationship-building, an instinct shaped by her mother’s gift for hosting
Stephanie is passionate about bringing people together through intentional spaces that foster real community. With a background in investor relations and hospitality private equity, she blends strategic thinking, organization, and natural relationship-building, an instinct shaped by her mother’s gift for hosting
ANDREA SALVO
CO-FOUNDER
Andrea is endlessly curious about how people think and why we do what we do. Her career spans experience strategy consulting, brand strategy, and innovation, always grounded in human insight. She is driven by connecting people and helping brands connect authentically by uncovering deep insights and shaping stories that truly resonate.
Andrea is endlessly curious about how people think and why we do what we do. Her career spans experience strategy consulting, brand strategy, and innovation, always grounded in human insight. She is driven by connecting people and helping brands connect authentically by uncovering deep insights and shaping stories that truly resonate.
What are we thinking?
What are we thinking?