Meet Alicia Ruby | Mom and Proofreader

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

Hi Alicia, where are you from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Camden, right outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1992. My Dad was born and raised in SoCal (North Hollywood), and my Mom was born and raised in Rochester, New York. From the way I’ve been told the story, they met through mutual friends in Las Vegas and then later started dating after my Mom moved to LA. That was the late seventies; they married at Temple Beth Hillel in Valley Village in 1982. A few years after getting married, a job opportunity brought them back to the East Coast. A few years after that, I came along. Unfortunately, when my Mom was around six months pregnant with me, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia. I was born via c-section, and my Mom was immediately started on aggressive cancer treatments such as Chemotherapy and Bone Marrow treatments. Sadly, she passed away in the Spring of 1994 when I was around 15 months old.

Growing up without a Mom had a definite impact on my life because I grew up knowing my life differed in a huge way from those of my peers. When you’re the only girl in Girl Scouts whose Dad is showing up to everything and not their Mom, it’s kind of hard to miss the fact that you’re a bit different.

One of the biggest impacts I believe my Mom’s death has on me is that I fell in love with Photography. From a young age, I realized we didn’t have many photos or videos of my Mom prior to her death, and part of that is simply because of the times (the ’90s weren’t what they are now as far as photo/video accessibility), but part of it is simply because no one had the interest. Now, you’ll never find me without my phone or my DSLR in my hands, trying to capture anything and everything I think may be sentimental.

I also never wanted kids of my own because I was so scared that if something ever happened to me, they would be left growing up with that empty space in their hearts like I did. Eleven Years ago, I met my Husband, who has two children from a previous relationship, and I was more than happy to be their Bonus Mom. Ten years ago, I found out that having children would be especially difficult for me due to a condition I have called PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; I was surprised when that news upset me. I think being a Bonus Mom for ten years made me realize that I actually was in love with the idea of having a child and being able to help guide a tiny human into their own being. In February of 2024, I found out I was 20 weeks pregnant and in June of 2024, we welcomed our Son, Van Lamar Johnson.

Van (for my Mom, Vickie Anne)
Lamar (for my Husband’s late father Byron Lamar Johnson Jr.)

Now that I have my own Son, nothing is more important to me than him knowing who his parents are, whether that be through pictures, videos or journals, I don’t want him to ever wonder how much we love him or wanted him should anything ever happen to us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2020, I experienced a layoff from my dream job due to budget cuts caused by COVID-19, and then I faced another layoff in 2022. Since that time, I have been on the hunt for my next opportunity. My professional background includes roles in Administrative and Executive Support, Customer Success, and Operations/Logistics, but I think what sets me apart is that I’ve worked in such a unique group of industries, from Theme Park Operations to Non-Profit Development.

I began my career at Universal Studios Hollywood when I was 18 years old, which equipped me with the unique ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Starting as a Studio Tour Ambassador (the people who get you on and off the Tram) and ending as a Seasonal Supervisor for their famous Halloween Horror Nights. I also was part of their Audition Team and the Special Events Team. Most recently, I served as the Customer Success Manager for Groombuggy, a leading mobile dog grooming service in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, due to rising startup costs, my position was eliminated.

My previous roles have primarily focused on administrative support and customer/client services. I have gained valuable experience across various industries, including entertainment, non-profit, food and beverage, and theme park operations.
I am known for my friendly disposition and ability to remain calm under pressure. During my time at the American Lung Association, I earned the nickname “Concierge Captain” due to my knack for quickly and effectively resolving any challenges that arose. A genuinely kind and caring individual, I strive to bring a smile to everyone I encounter. I strongly believe that if you enjoy the work you are doing, you’ll never work a day.

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?
FOOD:
Bacari Sherman Oaks
Jon and Vinny’s
Castaway
Phillipe’s Downtown
Hanks Bagels
Olvera Street for Mexican
The Farmers Market @ the Grove

PLACES:
La Brea Tar Pits (everyone needs to see this at least once in their life)
Warner Bros Studio Tour
Day Trip to Santa Barbara or Solvang or Both
The Last Bookstore (DTLA or NoHo)
The Getty
Griffith Park (have a picnic and read a book)

HANG OUT/SHOPPING
Santa Monica Promenade/3rd St
The Grove
Topanga Canyon/Vintage Market
Rose Bowl Flea Market

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of my Husband, Lionel. He not only showed me what unconditional love is like but also what unconditional support is like. After being laid off twice in two years, he has been a super hero while I figure out what my next move is in my career. Spoiler alert, he really wants me to write a book….something I’ve been talking about for years.

My God Mom, Mindy Shemtov. There really aren’t words to accurately explain what she means to me. She was my Mom’s best friend and has kept her promise for the past thirty years to keep her eye on me.

To my High School Theatre Teacher Lacey Stanley who made me feel seen in High School and who I continue to be especially close to these 15 years later.

To Author’s S. Trout and AJ Sommers, who have put their trust in me when I Alpha Read and Proofread for them, you’ll never know how seriously I take that trust and how much I admire the two of you.

To my old Girl Scout Troop Leader Lorraine Dumais – the fact that you still check up on your scouts just proves that incredible leader you were/are.

And to my Bonus Kids, Ethan and Bree….you taught me that I wanted to be a Mom, and you gave me a 10year (and counting) trial run. I love you a lottle.

Instagram: @ohthatruby

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciarubyhechter/