Ruth Jennings’ design vision coupled with her business background set the stage for launching RJ Selraef: custom, bespoke, designed and hand made shoes. Both her work as a New Products Development Brand Manager at SC Johnson Wax, along with her work as Executive Director at UHC, organizing medical conferences in post Soviet Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, allowed her to capitalize on her out of the box thinking and problem solving skills while utilizing her abundant creativity – culminating in a shoe making business which truly is art.
Ruth has multiple repeat clients which speaks to the comfort, quality and beauty in her shoes. Each pair is designed and hand made by Ruth in the RJ Selraef studios, which houses her extensive leather library. Her shoes are worn by many, including some Hollywood A-listers. Ruth’s work was selected for the 2017 School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show.
Ruth’s artistic endeavors includes painting custom art for clients which earned her recognition as one to watch.
Ruth studied Fashion, Art, and Shoe making at the School of the Art Institute Chicago, and now sits on their Fashion Council. She additionally studied under expert makers acquiring skills passed down through generations.
Photo by Miles Jennings.
