In the vast landscape of social media, where trends come and go, authenticity shines as a beacon of empowerment. In a recent interview with Rubina, an influencer whose journey is a testament to embracing one’s true self, we discovered a narrative that resonates beyond the pixels on a screen. Rubina’s story is one of resilience, self-love, and the transformative power of being genuine in a digital world that often demands conformity.
Daughter of Filipino parents but raised in Los Angeles, Rubina always clashed with societal expectations and her individuality. Her biggest challenge? Staying true to herself when told to conform. Despite the pressure to pursue a conventional career path, Rubina defied stereotypes, becoming neither an engineer nor a nurse. Something that she at one point felt ashamed of.
“Being Filipino, the goal is for you to either be an engineer or a nurse, but I am neither of those.”
Not only that, she only received her AA in College, before dropping out, and worked as a bartender for many years; then, COVID happened. Her journey began with a commitment to authenticity, a choice that would pave the way for her inspiring narrative.
“The world was completely shut down and I realized I could do whatever I wanted
She explored various hobbies, and the roller skating community became Rubina’s refuge—a space where empowerment and support thrived. She started creating content around it that resonated with many.
“Roller skating wasn’t just a hobby; it was a metaphor for falling down and picking oneself back up.”
However, Rubina started facing self doubt, her account was growing and she was only posting content around roller skating. She felt like it didn’t fully define who she was. She started to wonder if people would keep following her if she posted other kinds of content, or did they only like the one version of herself she was putting online?
“I didn’t want to be boxed into roller skating because I like to do a lot of things.”
So she didn’t. She refused to be confined to a single identity. Acknowledging her multifaceted nature, she expanded her content beyond roller skating, fearlessly venturing into uncharted territory.
“It’s not about what you do; it’s who you are.”
Rubina shared her evolution from conforming to trends to embracing authenticity, and started posting content that she felt described who she was, with the only obstacle being herself.
She discussed the impact of her journey on self-love, highlighting the importance of being confident in sharing who she is and what brings her joy. In a world that often dictates standards, Rubina’s commitment to self-discovery became a beacon of hope for those seeking to break free from societal expectations.
“Now my day-to-day is feeling much more confident in just sharing who I am.”
Her content serves as a sanctuary for women, a place where they feel seen and appreciated for who they are, weirdest parts included. Rubina’s message is clear: authenticity is a superpower that can counteract the societal pressures that weigh on women, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-worth.
“Embrace all parts of oneself, especially the weirdest parts.”
No matter what anyone else says. Inevitably, Rubina faces negative comments due to her unwavering authenticity. However, she approaches criticism with self-awareness.
“Negative comments say more about the commenter’s character than my own.” reflecting that not seeking validation from others, is how you live the life of your dreams.
“The best thing you can do for yourself is do more things for you—for you, not for anyone else’s expectations.”
Rubina’s story is a call to action for individuals, especially women, to prioritize self-happiness and pursue passions unapologetically. Her advice resonates: do it for yourself, break free from societal norms, and remove the notion that self-care is selfish.
“We need to remove the idea that it’s selfish to do things for you because guess what? Ain’t nobody else gonna do it.”Rubina’s inspirational journey is a beacon for those navigating the complexities of identity and societal expectations. Through her content, she not only entertains but also empowers, leaving an indelible mark on the digital landscape.
As Rubina continues to share her authentic self, she inspires others to do the same, fostering a community where individuality is celebrated, and self-love reigns supreme.
You can reach out to Rubina @withrubina on Instagram!
