Your Interview Ruby Jadwet

Introduce yourself (name, company, position, country) and tell us how you got into lighting design (including education/qualifications).

Hi! My name is Ruby Jadwet and I am the CEO and founder of the Truly Green Solutions family of companies. My company is located in the city of Los Angeles where it all started back in 2010. Before TGS I ran a sales division for a lighting manufacturer. Prior to this job I had no experience in lighting, only in business and supply chain, but I quickly saw that lighting is an industry which I will never get bored of. LED lighting is an ever-evolving technology so there is always something new for me to learn and that’s why I chose to stay.

Many people have asked me why I chose to start my company in the middle of the 2008 recession. To this I say lighting is a necessity in every single industry. I can live without Starbucks coffee but I can’t live without light. Everyone needs light every single day of the year making it a recession-proof industry.

Tell us about your work – is there a specific type of project you like to work on or an area you specialise in and why?

TGS is diversified in several different industries, mainly indoor, outdoor which includes sports and high-end architecture. With the official launch of TGS’s architectural brand Lucielo coming up there has been a major focus on high-end architectural lighting this year. We’ve been taking a lot of inspiration from European design in the making of this new brand and are excited to enter a new market of high-end lighting. It’s been a lot of work and time, but it will be so worth it

What project are you most proud of and why?

A project that’s particularly close to my heart is our Urban Light Project which we did for LACMA. I really love this project because first of all it is so close to home in Los Angeles. It took about 2 1⁄2 years to prepare for this project since we needed to create special made lenses in order to have the perfect color temperature. The mayor of LA was actually a part of the grand ceremony that took place at the completion of the project.

A close second favorite is our Kennedy Space Center Project. Being able to work with NASA was a dream come true for me since I have always been interested in technology and they are leaders in innovation.

What is the biggest challenge that you have overcome in your career?

Fear is my biggest challenge but also my biggest motivator. As an entrepreneur there are many risks you have to take and setbacks you will have to overcome and these will both cause fear. You can either allow the fear hold you back or you can allow it to push you towards your goals. I am continuously finding ways to learn and grow through facing discomfort.

How does light inspire you?

Every morning you get up and see light, every evening we look for the last light and in bad times we are always trying to find the light. For our world to come to life, we NEED light and that is why I believe light in itself is inspirational.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

My message for women is that we need to work together and uplift one another because together we are stronger. My goal as a business owner is not only to lead but also to inspire other women to become leaders themselves. I am constantly trying to be coachable and I encourage other women to never stop learning as well. No one can take your knowledge away.

Lives in:
United States
Born in:
India
Started working with light in:
2007
Now works at:
CEO of Truly Green Solutions, TGS Sports, and soon Lucielo
As well as being:
A mom to her 7 year old daughter, the love of her life
Professional membership:
Board of Directors for the National Lighting Bureau, Women's Business Enterprise, US Green Building Society, IES, and more.
Loves:
Playing with Stocks, Reading, Fashion, Tennis, Golf, and Lighting!

“My message for women is that we need to work together and uplift one another because together we are stronger. My goal as a business owner is not only to lead but also to inspire other women to become leaders themselves. I am constantly trying to be coachable and I encourage other
women to never stop learning as well. No one can take your knowledge away.”

Selected portfolio:

LACMA Urban Light ProjectKennedy Space Center Project (In Construction)

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