At just 16, actress and singer Ruby Jay has already broken into the industry and landed a role as the star of Hulu’s hit television series Holly Hobbie (2018). Jay plays Holly, who much like herself has a passion for music and helping save the world. Jay’s character navigates being a teenager and dreaming big – she doesn’t let her age limit herself or her dreams. Jay is also featured in CBS’s The Unicorn (2019) as Grace – the eldest daughter of her widowed father. Both Ruby and her characters show the importance of having confidence in yourself. When Jay is not acting, she is working on her music. She recently released a Christmas single, “My Favorite Christmas.” In this interview, Ruby Jay discusses what she’s learned from her characters, what makes her a Unicorn, and what she hopes to accomplish in the future.
Q. Like you, your character Holly in Holly Hobbie also makes music – What lessons have you learned from your character?
A. Holly has taught me how to be more connected to my music, and let my emotions be heard through the lyrics I write. Watching her process of writing inspired me to try and write in the same way, and I’ve gotta say, it worked!
Q. Hopefully you’ll be shooting season 3 of Holly Hobbie soon! How would you like your character to develop over the season?
A. Well, we don’t have a confirmed third season yet, but hopefully we will see that news soon! At the end of season two we’re left with a cliff-hanger; Holly is trying to decide whether she wants to go on tour with a famous singer or stay home with her family. Either way the story goes I would be so excited to see how it all plays out!
Q. You just released your song “My Favorite Christmas” – What is your favorite Christmas memory?
A. I have so many Christmas memories because it’s my favorite holiday. I’ve got to say that one of my favorite parts is a family tradition of baking and setting out orange rolls instead of cookies for Santa. Making the orange rolls with the family is always so much fun. Marveling at the tree while eating the rolls before we go to sleep on Christmas eve is always so magical.
Q. Who are your favorite fashion designers? Have you had a chance to work with any of them?
A. My favorite fashion designer is obviously my sister,
Pearl. I love being able to work with her and be her personal model as she works on some incredible pieces. Quarantine has given her a chance to be creative with her fashion and it’s so much fun to watch her work go from the sketch in her book to a dress on the mannequin.
Q. If you could only use 3 makeup products for the rest of your life, what would they be?
A. Well… I only use 3 makeup products in real life, so I guess it would just be my normal routine! Mascara, clear eyebrow gel and tinted Chapstick.
Q. I understand one of your interests in crocheting – Did you crochet anything special over quarantine?
A. Quarantine has given me so much time to just sit and crochet and I have been absolutely loving it! I’ve made a few tops, a cardigan, and even some stuffed toys for fun. I’ve loved being able to also expand my knowledge of crochet techniques and putting them to the test.
Q. What makes you a “Unicorn” – Unique or Special?
A. Well, my mom thinks I’m cool.
Q. You have accomplished so much at such a young age – What new goals do you have?
A. One of my lifetime goals has and always will be to be on Broadway. If I had the opportunity to work on a Broadway show, my life would be complete. I would be that happiest girl in the world.
Q. Where do you get your confidence from? What advice can you give to your fans to be confident?
A. The key to being confident is loving yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. You only get one body, mind, and soul in a lifetime so you might as well work with what you got and make the most of the beautiful body protecting and encasing your soul.
Be sure to check out Ruby Jay’s
Instagram and
Youtube to keep up with her ongoing and upcoming projects!
