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

Hi Ruthie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For better or worst, I’ve always lived my life by the age-old adage: “no risk, no reward.”

From working up the courage to climb (and, consequently, fall from) mango trees during my carefree childhood, frolicking under the warm rays of the Caribbean sun, to acting on impulse and moving to NYC as a teenager with a few hundred dollars to my name,  and taking a wild leap of faith by starting my boutique PR firm AND moving across the country to Los Angeles, all at once, I’ve always chosen the road less traveled. And I’ve accepted both the failures and rewards that inevitably came with the many risks I’ve taken.
Like the many nasty falls I sustained, losing my footing and falling out of trees when I was a little girl, I’ve also taken risks in my career and business that caused me to lose my footing, livelihood, and even the very roof over my head. I’ve made wrong choices and formed alliances that were doomed from the start. I’ve been burned—touched the smoldering coal, and got burned again. But I’ve also seen so much success from my risk-taking. I’ve experienced joy, peace of mind, and a sense of freedom that I could never have experienced had it not been for the risks taken.
And while I can say, without a doubt, that I have no regrets, as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to take more calculated risks. Instead of acting on pure intuition and impulse, I now weigh the pros and cons; seek valued advice from my mentor, and make decisions to consider the benefits of risks taken.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Birds of Paradise Public Relations is a boutique PR and digital communications agency powered by daughters of the Caribbean. We are a small shop with a global footprint, having served a roster of national and international clients. We are a perfect blend of world-class public relations savvy with a strong Caribbean work ethic. We provide strategic PR, digital communications, and influencer engagement services to established brands and startups alike and have a soft spot for multicultural brands.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Thursday Evening: My BFF arrives at LAX, and she is whisked away in an Uber Black—it’s been a long week, and she deserves it! Also, I refuse to subject myself to LA’s notorious traffic (Lol). And because we only live once, I’ve rented an Airbnb for our little getaway. Tonight, it’s all about catching up on each other’s lives and enjoying our home for the weekend over delicious sushi and sake from SUGARFISH.

Friday: It’s officially the weekend, and what better way to kick things off than a morning hike up Runyon (because I mean, it’s so LA) and delicious smoothies at Body Energy Club in Hollywood. In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive down the PCH for sightseeing in Venice and Santa Monica and stop for lunch at Broad Street Oyster Bar in Malibu. Later, for dinner and drinks, we head downtown LA to my favorite rooftop bar, Perch.

Saturday: Whether it is indulging in some delicious shopping or just window shopping, a stroll down the picturesque streets of BH is a must. We will start our day with much-needed facials at RAYA, then stop for coffee and pastries at Café Sheera Beverly Hills before getting to some serious shopping. Later, after we’ve had time to get pretty, we head back to BH for dinner AVRA Beverly Hills.

Sunday: Since it’s my BFF’s last day in LA, we have to make every minute count! First up: brunch! There are loads of fantastic brunch spots throughout the city. One of my favorite places is Home Restaurant in Loz Feliz. After a delicious brunch and copious bubbly, it’s time to relax and enjoy some of the amenities back at our Airbnb before getting ready for a catered dinner on our last evening, courtesy of my friend Chef Bernard James. He is a private chef who specializes in Caribbean fare.

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?
Oh my! The list is endless. I’m blessed to have an amazing support system. But my sister Gandra Thomas White and mentor Gloria Johnson have been some of my biggest cheerleaders, therapists, and confidants. Without them, I would not be where I am today.

Website: https://birdsofparadisepr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsofparadisepr/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6983371

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsofparadisepr

Image Credits
Photographer: Analinda Meneses

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