In this captivating episode of Peak Performance Perspectives, host Mark Talukdar sits down with the inspiring and innovative Shelby Ring, a cinematographer and founder of Ruby Riot Creatives. Shelby’s journey from yacht chef in the British Virgin Islands to becoming a sought-after visual storyteller for tech entrepreneurs is not only inspiring but filled with valuable lessons on resilience, creativity, and finding one’s true calling.
Shelby begins by sharing her transformative experience while working on a yacht. She describes the freedom of her island life and how a simple GoPro and a passion for capturing underwater adventures sparked her love for filmmaking. This pivotal moment led to her discovery of visual storytelling, where she merged her fine arts background with her growing passion for video, eventually turning it into a thriving business.
Throughout the episode, Shelby reflects on how she turned moments of personal reinvention, like her divorce and moving back to the United States, into opportunities for growth. She discusses the challenges she faced while starting her business from scratch, including navigating a new city and industry with no network or proof of her capabilities. Her persistence, despite these hardships, demonstrates a powerful message: autonomy and passion can fuel incredible success.
Shelby’s journey didn’t stop at weddings or personal videos. She found her niche in brand storytelling for tech founders, using her unique approach to create meaningful narratives that humanize brands. In a world where tech entrepreneurs often feel overlooked, Shelby emphasizes the importance of diving into the "why" behind their products and services, drawing out the quirks and passions that make each founder and company unique. Her love for capturing authentic moments and her ability to bring out the best in introverted leaders shines through in her work, as she highlights the often-overlooked human side of the tech industry.
One of the key takeaways from this episode is Shelby’s dedication to pushing boundaries and refusing to settle for the “vanilla” version of creativity. Her bold decision to move away from cookie-cutter wedding videos and take creative risks set her apart in a crowded market. She began infusing energy and emotion into her films, adding elements of high-energy music and unique perspectives that transported viewers right into the celebration.
Shelby’s philosophy of visual storytelling is simple: make people feel. Whether it's through a wedding film, a corporate brand video, or a behind-the-scenes narrative, she believes that it’s not about what you shoot but how you make people feel during the process. This empathy, combined with her ability to put clients at ease, has made her a standout in the industry.
In the episode, Shelby also talks about her upcoming project— a masterclass designed for introverted tech founders. This course aims to help them shine in front of the camera, offering practical advice on how to feel confident, look polished, and share their story in a compelling way. Her passion for ensuring that every individual feels comfortable and capable in front of the lens is central to her mission. Shelby’s goal is to break down the barriers that often keep brilliant minds from sharing their stories.
As Shelby reflects on her experiences, she also delves into the importance of staying true to one’s vision, even when faced with naysayers. Her drive for independence, coupled with her refusal to conform to industry standards, is a testament to the power of self-belief and determination. For Shelby, autonomy and the ability to create without compromise are worth more than stability or security.
Mark and Shelby explore the emotional and practical aspects of entrepreneurship, the importance of building a community, and the lessons she’s learned in managing her business and creative team. Her story resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull to break free from the ordinary and pursue a path of passion.
This episode of Peak Performance Perspectives is a must-listen for creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to balance practicality with passion. Shelby’s insights on the power of storytelling, the value of perseverance, and the importance of staying true to one’s creative vision will leave you inspired and ready to unlock your own peak performance.
Tune in to discover how Shelby Ring turned her life around through creativity, risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of her dreams. Her story is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to create our own narrative and shape our future, no matter where we start.
Catch all the inspiring lessons and behind-the-scenes insights in this episode of Peak Performance Perspectives with Shelby Ring!
Use code "PEAKPERFORMANCE" for 15% Off the "The Art Of On Camera Interviews" Masterclass. Join the waitlist at rubyriotcreatives.com/interview
Austin-born-and-bred, Shelby Ring traded landlocked life for boat life as a yacht chef in the BVIs. Turns out, she was more into filming fish than cooking 'em. She swapped a chef knife for a camera, and started raking in cash for those "highlight videos" the fancy yachts couldn't get enough of. Fast forward to 2013, she swapped sailboat life for Charleston, SC, and opened up a video production studio. Eleven years and scaling to two cities later, Shelby's still the same freediving dork with a camera permanently glued to her hand.
Website URL: https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/shelbyring/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rubyriotcreatives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyriotcreatives
Website URL: https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/shelbyring/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rubyriotcreatives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyriotcreatives