Ruth Yaro is part of the boomerang demographic of native Fort Waynians who left after high school to explore other cities and regions (in her case, Boston, Massachusetts and then Seattle) before returning to her roots. She had a thing for fashion and style from an early age and her mother quickly gave up control, allowing her to dress herself in bright and bold colors and mix patterns – all based on whatever mood she was in. Not much has changed since then. She can be seen swanning into rooms around town in stylish, interesting and always colorful ensembles. She spends her workdays as a producer for Upper Valley Film Co. (a full-service video production company) and as a freelance photographer. She lives in a pastel palace with her husband Nate and two furry and wiggly Corgis, Fern and Frankie.

How do you start your day? I’m one of those weird morning people. I typically start my day as part of the 5:30am club at Pure Barre FW, which not only is a great workout, but a lovely morning crew. After that, it’s getting ready, breakfast and diving into work. Mornings are my golden hour to be the most productive.

What item of clothing do you wear the most? I go through phases of which item gets worn the most and there is no rhyme or reason to it. Currently, it’s a quilted jacket I bought back in October and it’s so cozy and comfortable.

Footwear of choice? My favorite and most worn shoes are my bright green cowboy boots. I now have two different pairs and they’ve basically become my personality. I have always been in love with shoes. When I was three, I asked my aunt where her shoes lived – I was fascinated with the idea. I recently transformed one of my closets into a very bright shoe sanctuary, so my own shoes live in a really fantastic place.

What color makes you the happiest? Do I have to pick just one? Royal blue, mustard yellow and bright pink make me very happy. Those are my favorite colors to wear.

What do you think your style says about who you are? Colorful, fun, aggressively pastel and probably a little weird. I used to play dress-up from a box stocked with random pieces at my grandmother’s house, and I pretty much maintain that same spirit today.

Whose closet would you like to raid? Fictional: Carrie Bradshaw’s. IRL: Jonathan van Ness, Caroline Vazzana or Mallory Talty’s. They all have such a fun mix of unique items, and I love how they style them.

What’s at the top of your fashion wish list? The perfect fanny pack. I have no idea what that would look like, but I think I’ll know it if I ever come across it.

What’s an item you swore you’d never wear but now own? Cowboy boots (my dad used to be a legit cowboy, so I guess it was only a matter of time).

What is your favorite scent? Lavender and eucalyptus or Aveda’s classic hand cream scent.

Sweet or savory, and what is your snack of choice? I have a strong sweet tooth and my favorite treat to get is the GF chocolate cake from 3 Rivers Natural Grocery.

When are you most inspired? I’m a visual person, so I look at magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, Lookbooks, etc. for inspiration.

Favorite no-skip album? “Mama Mia”, the musical soundtrack (ABBA’s version).

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? I once walked past a stranger on the sidewalk and he said out loud to himself, “What in the world was she wearing?!” I’d consider that my favorite compliment. LOL

What’s the locally owned Fort Wayne business you patronized last? 3 Rivers Natural Grocery

What do you love most about yourself? That when I set my mind to something, I’m determined to do it, and that I’m genuine and loyal to my people.

What do you love most about Fort Wayne? The people and community I have in Fort Wayne. I have some pretty great friends that I’m grateful to have here.