At LAMAV, our mission revolves around empowering and uplifting women in every aspect of life. We are thrilled to introduce our new blog series dedicated to Inspiring Women who are passionately contributing to positive change and helping others. So, why not grab your favorite beverage, take a moment for yourself, and immerse yourself in their incredible stories? As they share their personal experiences and invaluable advice, you’ll discover how to cultivate a happy, healthy, and successful life. We are confident that you will find their journeys and insights as enriching and inspiring as we do.

MEET RUCHI PAGE: A VOICE FOR INCLUSIVITY IN BEAUTY

Ruchi Page is a dynamic Indian Australian creator who embodies the spirit of beauty and activism. As a makeup and skincare enthusiast, writer, model, and advocate, Ruchi champions inclusive practices within the beauty and fashion industries. Her work intertwines activism with makeup and fashion, shedding light on critical issues such as social injustices, body image, and personal confidence, all while sharing her journey of being adopted on social media platforms. Ruchi’s unique perspective has made her a sought-after talent in the digital creative space, with her writings featured in renowned outlets like Mamamia, The Iconic Beauty, and Centennial World. Moreover, she is the innovative mind behind the impactful series Faces of Australia, proudly sponsored by MAC Cosmetics. This series not only graced the Pinterest Global Ads Summit but also became a groundbreaking paid partnership on Pinterest, making waves globally. Through her passionate advocacy for visibility, Ruchi made a significant impact at Melbourne Fashion Week 2022 by being one of the shortest models to grace the runway, further solidifying her commitment to redefining beauty standards in Australia.

In a recent conversation with Ruchi, we delved into her fascinating journey into the beauty and fashion realm. She shared her candid thoughts on changing industry standards, the importance of inclusivity, and how she inspires others to embrace their authentic selves with confidence.

INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEW WITH RUCHI PAGE

What sparked your journey in the beauty industry? Was it always an area of interest for you? 

Interestingly enough, I initially resisted the idea of pursuing beauty as a career. (Just ask my friends!) You would frequently catch me enthusiastically discussing makeup and skincare or engaging in creative photoshoots with my closest friend. However, I felt compelled to follow a more traditional career path by studying teaching to meet societal expectations, which led me to suppress my passion for anything creative, particularly beauty. This field was often dismissed as a career with “no financial stability” or deemed “not serious enough.” Yet, when you have a fervent passion for something, it inevitably finds a way to enter your life.

Fast forward a few years, I finally embraced the concept of beauty as a potential career choice. This realization birthed my blog in 2015, titled Lustrous Allure Beauty. With a humble audience of perhaps five readers (including my mum), I began sharing product reviews, fashion discoveries, and messages promoting body positivity, aiming to encourage others to break free from self-doubt. As beauty content exploded on Instagram, I attended my first beauty event and realized that I had to make this my career choice. Despite the uncertainty and emotions that followed, I left teaching, transitioned through various casual jobs, and relocated from my small hometown to the bustling city of Melbourne—just to face a pandemic. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of everything. During lockdowns, I experimented with bold makeup looks, campaign-inspired imagery, and creative video content, all while striving to convey my message. I began sharing my experiences with oppression, racism, and colorism through visuals, discovering an audience and an industry that were eager to listen.

Can you describe a typical day in your life? What aspects of your work do you find most enjoyable? 

Every day in my life brings a different experience, yet there are common threads. My morning routine always starts with a delightful almond latte sweetened with a hint of honey (an absolute must-try!). After that, I check my DMs and respond to emails. On days when I am shooting content for brand partners, my focus shifts to preparing myself, gathering equipment, and dedicating the remainder of my day to editing and crafting captions. On writing days, I thrive in distraction-free environments with coffee in hand and an assortment of snacks. Creative days can either be spontaneous or structured, depending on the inspiration that strikes. Project planning days often involve meetings, location scouting, or simply staying home to research and brainstorm how to bring my concepts to life. Every day includes emails, occasional events, and discussions around topics that resonate deeply with me.

What do I love the most about my work? 

– Connecting with my community through shared lived experiences. Much of my growth stems from learning about others’ stories and how they have navigated challenges like racism and targeted behavior.

– Bringing my creative concepts to fruition. Many ideas come to me during showers or long drives, and witnessing them transform from mere thoughts into visual representations is incredibly fulfilling.

– The privilege of opportunity. I deeply appreciate when someone extends their hand with trust in their eyes. Whether it’s an email, a budding friendship, a DM, or simple acts of kindness, I hold these moments close to my heart. Having experienced negative workplaces, I understand that opportunities can manifest in various forms. It’s not merely about being told, “yes, you’ve got the job!”

Your confidence is truly inspiring! What fuels your confidence and have you always been this self-assured? 

That’s music to my ears! I believe confidence is contagious; when I witness someone radiating confidence, it encourages me to dig deeper to find my own. Interestingly, I grew up quite shy, to the point where I would struggle to ask for a glass of water at a friend’s house without feeling anxious. Yet, a part of me always craved to perform on stage and showcase my most vibrant self. This realization made me understand that being confined to a stereotype or category would only suppress a significant part of my identity. You can be incredibly shy while still dancing in front of strangers or wearing casual activewear one day and an extravagant outfit the next. I believe that true confidence stems from liberating yourself, allowing every facet of your identity to shine without limitations.

Have you ever experienced a dip in confidence? What advice would you offer to those struggling with confidence? 

I find myself losing confidence frequently—in social situations, during photoshoots, at home, and everywhere in between. This is especially true regarding my body image. I recognize the power of my body, both in its aesthetics and functionality; however, there are still moments when negative self-talk prevails.

I’ve realized that while confidence may not always be the most reliable tool, it is certainly accessible. When you learn to navigate life with confidence tucked into your back pocket, that’s when you can start chasing your dreams, exploring fashion choices, trying new makeup styles, or taking on dating challenges. Though confidence can waver, it’s crucial to focus on how we regain it to move forward. 

My advice? Engage in activities that excite you; they will undoubtedly foster a sense of pride. If you spot a dress or power suit that resonates with you, or a bold lipstick that embodies the shade you’ve always wanted to wear, take the leap and wear it. Confidence is all about acting on those impulses and embracing that deep-rooted desire. Remember that opinions are fluid and ever-changing. You will never be able to please everyone, so focus on what you love instead. I’m also very selective about whom I seek advice from.

Surround yourself with individuals who can offer honest feedback while allowing you to make the final decision. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, but try to avoid seeking guidance from perfectionists, as that may lead to mutual dissatisfaction. Lastly, don’t shy away from following your own advice and learning from your emotional responses—that’s often my guiding principle.

How do you maintain balance and health? Do you have any daily self-care rituals to support your overall wellbeing? 

I prioritize open communication about my fears, failures, and concerns while also taking time to celebrate the positive aspects of my life. I find that when I am honest with myself and share that honesty with my closest friends, I feel my healthiest. This practice allows me to address stressors while fully appreciating my victories when they arise. I’ve often been disappointed when I haven’t been present or have suppressed parts of myself, realizing that it’s all interconnected with my overall health and wellbeing.

Another strategy I use to stay balanced and healthy is embracing kindness as my immediate response to moments of sadness or anger. Practicing self-kindness is essential for both mental and physical health, and it manifests in various ways.

I’ve come to understand that ‘health’ doesn’t solely refer to abs and thinness. I prioritize nourishing my body with nutrients, love, and positive affirmations.

Additionally, I’ve shifted my focus away from discussing my body’s appearance, especially in social settings. If I do refer to my body, I strive to use intentional and celebratory language, emphasizing appreciation rather than criticism.

Skincare is a fundamental part of my daily rituals. Given that it’s our largest organ, I ensure it receives the care it deserves through a solid routine. I’m a huge fan of LAMAV facial oils, and yes, indulging in Maccas also plays a role in my self-care balance.

What advice would you offer to young women striving to express their authentic selves despite societal pressures? 

This question aligns with previous ones. I’ve discovered that people typically fall into one of two categories: they either don’t care at all or they care excessively. Walking your own path is key to fulfilling the desire to live an authentic life.

Your journey begins when you decide it does.

Words hold immense power, but so do actions that propel you toward your goals. If you catch yourself saying, “I could never do that,” but feel a spark of excitement within, take the plunge! Whether it’s wearing a dazzling gown, running errands in a bold lip, or granting yourself permission to try something new, remember that your life belongs to YOU. Women and femme-presenting individuals often face standards that attempt to box us in. Defying those pressures will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.

You’ve expressed your views on fashion and beauty standards. Do you believe these standards are becoming more inclusive and realistic? How can these industries further evolve? 

In the realm of beauty, I can confidently say yes. However, when it comes to fashion, I believe there’s still significant work to be done.

Inclusive practices require a genuine intention to consider individuals from all walks of life. It’s essential to respect and acknowledge diverse perspectives, considering aspects such as culture, size, abilities, skin tone, hair type, sexuality, and gender identities.

The beauty industry, while not perfect, has made notable strides. We see this through the introduction of makeup products that cater to a wider range of skin tones beyond just medium tan. Skincare brands are now celebrating aging and promoting healthy skin rather than solely focusing on youthful appearances. There’s a growing recognition of skin concerns that affect deeper skin tones, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Though there are still gaps, the beauty community is acknowledging these issues, and many are courageous enough to address them.

However, in fashion, there remains substantial work to be done. As a size 16 shopper, I find my options limited, which has adversely affected my mental health and exacerbated my insecurities. The number of times I’ve left a mall feeling like I’m the one who needs to change is concerning. Recently, while searching for black knee-high boots, I scoured every shoe store and left empty-handed, as nothing fit over my calves. It’s frustrating to witness the industry’s disregard for sizes beyond 16, as shopping experiences seem primarily geared toward smaller bodies. Equal accessibility in clothing should be the standard.

Moreover, it’s crucial to ensure we’re not diminishing the experiences of marginalized communities by implying that their struggles didn’t occur or were ill-intentioned. Listening to their experiences is vital for creating safe spaces within both beauty and fashion. Both industries must embrace unrestricted advertising and product offerings. Assuming there’s no market for larger bodies or deeper skin tones not only harms those communities but also represents a significant loss for the brands themselves.

Walking in Fashion Week must have been an incredible achievement for you. How did that experience feel? Can you share other notable moments in your career or personal life that you’re proud of? 

Participating in Melbourne Fashion Week was an out-of-body experience for me. The concept of walking the runway as a model was still quite unfamiliar, and I vividly remember needing to hype myself up before accepting their offer. I didn’t believe I fit the conventional model criteria. I’m petite, curvy, and of brown descent—characteristics you rarely see combined on one of Australia’s largest runways.

The entire experience felt surreal. I had to tap into my creative mindset to strut with confidence, reminding myself that I deserved this opportunity. I take immense pride in the Faces of Australia series I created, which was showcased at the Pinterest Global Ads Summit, sponsored by MAC Cosmetics. This series was a tribute to everything I stand for, and seeing both Instagram and Pinterest show interest in it was nothing short of incredible. On a personal note, I discovered my biological mother’s name late last year, marking a significant life-changing moment for me (as I’m adopted). Although there’s still much to uncover, this was a major step in my journey.

What’s your secret to radiant skin? Are there any skincare products you consider essential? 

My skin tends to be prone to dark spots and congestion, which is why vitamin C and chemical exfoliation are staples in my skincare routine. These elements are essential for achieving that desired luminosity. Additionally, I can’t live without a high-quality facial oil and an ultra-hydrating serum that provide immediate plumpness and glow to my skin.

Who inspires you, and why? 

In addition to my obvious icons like Beyonce and Rihanna, I draw inspiration from my closest friends, family, and fiancé. Their unwavering support and strength greatly contribute to my personal growth. I consistently feel rich in spirit thanks to their love and encouragement.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why? 

The Maldives tops my travel wishlist; a