Hi! My name is Ruby. I grew up in an Asian family where handcraft was always around me — watching my aunt sew quilts, knit sweaters, and make clothes and shoes by hand. I loved sitting beside her, listening to the soft rhythm of fabric and thread. Before long, I started picking up scraps to make tiny outfits for my dolls. Back then, creating with my hands made me feel safe and happy.

But like many of us, I was taught that crafting wasn’t a “real future.” So I did what I was supposed to do: study hard, chase stability, and work the kind of jobs that look good on paper. Over time, I let my childhood passions fade — one by one.

It took more than 20 years, complete burnout, and a deep struggle with anxiety and depression before I finally asked myself:

What if I stopped everything and simply started over?

That’s how CasualRuby was born.

CasualRuby is an art-inspired tote bag brand built around one simple belief: "your everyday pieces can be practical and beautiful at the same time." We create roomy, comfortable cotton canvas totes designed for real life — commutes, bookstores, grocery runs, museums, beach days, and everything in between. And we pair that function with something that lifts the day a little: "famous artwork prints" that feel like quiet company on your shoulder.

My style has always leaned toward simplicity — but not the cold kind. I like things that feel gentle, honest, and a little playful. A tote that holds your world without shouting. A print that makes you pause, smile, and notice beauty again.

The studio has grown a little too. I’m joined by a few helping hands now, and we’re still learning — production, shipping, and all the messy bits in between. But we try to keep it slow, stay true, and leave room for joy in the process.

If you’ve read this far — thank you. Every order keeps this small dream alive. And sometimes, I tuck in a little gift, just to say: "I see you, and I’m grateful."

Let’s keep building something "artful, wearable, and true".

— Ruby