Our Story

The heartbeat of our brand traces back 3 generations with a shared love of the sewing machine. Follow our brand evolution across 2 continents.

1913

Ruby Sampson is born

Antique Commercial Sewing Machine
Ruby Sampson is born in Guyana, South America. A mother of 8, she’s passionate about education and teaches her daughters to sew and tailor clothes.
 

1965

Ruby’s Clothes are a Hit

 

Vintage Caribbean Woman | 1950s dress | Ruby Sampson

Ruby becomes a renowned seamstress in Georgetown, Guyana

  

1965

Eslyn Takes to the Machine

Ruby Sampson Staff

Eslyn, Ruby’s eldest daughter, learns the family trade and she teaches the next generation. She serves as the principal advisor to her niece and Founder, Ashley Powdar.
 

2012

Eslyn helps Ashley solve a Problem

Ruby Sampson Founder

Ruby’s granddaughter, Ashley has a grueling transition into natural hair and begins lining her head wraps with silk. After receiving countless requests for purchase she realizes a gap in the retail space. 
 

2016

Our Silk Lined Head Wraps Launches

Women in head wraps

Ashley launches Ruby Sampson with the mission to bridge the gap between hair care and fashion for the textured hair consumer.
 

2017

Ruby Makes the List

african print head wraps | Ruby Sampson | Our Story
Word of mouth helps the brand emerge as a fan favorite with press features in ESSENCE magazine, Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, and StyleCaster to name a few.
 

2017

Silk Safe Stain Remover Launches

How to clean silk without dry cleaning

Ashley and her sister Stephanie formulate a silk-friendly stain remover designed to tackle hair product stains, which passes a 3rd party lab test and 90% efficacy rating.
 

2018

Ruby’s Original Home Becomes Headquarters

Ruby Sampson headquarters
Ashley extends garment manufacturing to Georgetown, Guyana.
 

2019

Unique, vibrant prints for a unique, vibrant customer 

Women’s Satin Robe Red Blue Yellow
Custom print apparel appears on rubysampson.com and select retail stores.