Meet Miriam Ruvalcaba | Stylist Assistant and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miriam Ruvalcaba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miriam, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I view risk as taking a chance on the unknown, holding onto hope for a positive outcome—especially when it comes to my career. As an inherently optimistic person who tends to overthink, I often find myself nervous about stepping into uncertainty. However, I always remind myself to stay positive because without taking risks, personal growth and career advancement would be impossible.

Risk has been a defining element in my career from the very beginning. Three years ago, I balanced school with a retail job at Nordstrom. I was thrilled to work for one of the biggest fashion retailers, eager to learn about brands and engage with customers. Simultaneously, I had a taste of freelance work by assisting AG Jeans with e-commerce shoots, campaigns, and editorials. I found this work incredibly fulfilling and began building connections on set. Despite this passion, I often had to turn down opportunities due to my retail job’s demands.

I recognized that freelancing would be financially unpredictable, with inconsistent job availability, but I was ready to risk a steady paycheck for something more exciting. I felt stagnant in my retail role and knew I needed to push beyond my comfort zone to grow.

After two years at Nordstrom, I made the leap and committed fully to freelance styling assistance. Within a year, my career transformed in ways I never imagined. I had the incredible opportunity to work with Meghan Trainor, Marshmello, Charm La’Donna, House of CB, Cult Gaia, AG Jeans, and Dazed Magazine. These experiences allowed me to collaborate with industry professionals I had admired for years.

Taking that risk to leave my retail job was the best decision I’ve made. It launched my styling career and opened doors I could have never accessed otherwise. Looking back, I have no regrets—only gratitude for having the courage to pursue my passion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of my proudest achievements was assisting Meghan Trainor and her team during her Timeless Tour. After quitting my retail job, I was introduced to Meghan’s stylist, Allison, at the beginning of Meghan’s Timeless album era. Allison trusted me to assist with numerous projects for the album and tour visuals, which was an incredible experience. I got to be part of a creative team that translated those visuals into the wardrobe for Meghan and her dancers.

It wasn’t easy to get where I am today—juggling multiple jobs, studying fashion design, and interning to gain experience was challenging at a young age. However, my family and friends were a constant source of support, helping me stay strong through tough times. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how crucial networking and connections are in this industry. Whether it’s designers, photographers, tailors, or assistants, building relationships is key to future success.

What I want the world to know is that I truly love my job. I get to work with dream clients and essentially play dress-up, which is a passion of mine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend visited me in Inglewood, I’d start by taking them to Hilltop, the best coffee shop around, or for an excellent matcha, we’d head to Nook in Gardena, even though it’s a bit farther. After grabbing our drinks, we’d spend the day thrifting, checking out spots like Savers, The Rodium Swapmeet, or Salvation Army. Once we’ve shopped ’til we dropped, I’d suggest one of my favorite local restaurants: Ding Tai Fung, John n Vinnys, Boiling Crab, or Ysables. Since I’m from LA, we’d have to catch a Dodger game for some fun, drinks, and food. To wrap up the day, we’d head to the beach to unwind and enjoy the sunset, the perfect way to relax after a busy week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shout-out to McKall—without her, I wouldn’t have had the incredible opportunities I’ve experienced in this industry. From the very beginning, McKall showed kindness and trust in my skills, recommending me to industry professionals. Thanks to her, I had the chance to work on the Cult Gaia fashion show and connect with Allison Cartagena, Meghan Trainor’s stylist.

Both McKall and Allison welcomed me onto their teams during Meghan’s new album era, allowing me to work on my first music video and commercial with her. McKall’s support from the very start means the world to me, and I’m so grateful to have a friend like her in this industry.

I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to Allison for believing in me and bringing me onto the tour. She’s been an amazing mentor, teaching me the ins and outs of the styling business and what it takes to build your own brand from scratch.

Thank you, McKall and Allison, for shaping my career and for being incredible mentors and friends. I’m beyond grateful!

Instagram: iamiiriiam

Image Credits
1. Kenya Grajeda
2. none
3. Phillip Macias
4. none
5. Felisha Tolentino
6. Lea Colombo
7. Issac Sterling
8. Phillip Macias