About Ruth Romero - Personal Stylist and Image Consultant

When Ruth Romero was a little girl in Southern California, her oldest brother crowned her “La Reina de Van Nuys.” This daughter of Mexican immigrants grew up to cultivate the regal air that now graces the 73-year old woman’s every gesture. Unlike many women in her generation, Ruth has no qualms about sharing her age, perhaps because she looks easily twenty years younger. This Idaho Business Review’s 2008 honoree for Idaho Women of the Year has earned her beauty by facing life’s challenges with her unique combination of grit and grace. Life has not always been easy for Romero. But as a young girl, she discovered a secret to inner peace and tranquility that has served her throughout her life. “I heard a still small voice as a child,” she says. “I realized that when I listened to that voice within, I could follow my heart to action. This is the source of my courage and my strength.”

After 18 years of marriage and homemaking, this mother of two found herself unexpectedly divorced and faced with making her own way in the world. Romero set about the task with her characteristic boundless energy and enthusiasm. “Life is a journey,” she says. “You have to be open to all the possibilities, even when you are experiencing situations that are painful.”

Romero adopted the same optimistic attitude when she discovered that she had skin cancer. She lost her big toe, and was faced with the challenges of learning how to walk again. “The worst part was thinking I wouldn’t be able to wear heels again,” she laughs. But with perseverance, she was able to start wearing the shoes she loved. Facing her own mortality was a turning point in Romero’s life. “The pain and vulnerability I felt facing cancer did not feel nearly as painful as the termination of my marriage once did. I realized I was getting stronger,” she says.

Romero moved to New York where she specialized in promoting Chinese antiquities at a time when Asian artifacts were first beginning to attract the attention of collectors in the States. Later, she put her unique eye for fashion to work managing a boutique, where she prided herself on helping her clients develop distinctive styles. Ruth also worked for several years with Brooks Brothers, the prestigious business clothiers, in their New York flagship store.

Perhaps Romero’s most unusual career move came when she was hired by Miss Universe, Inc. as a traveling companion for Miss USA. She served as Traveling Manager and Companion to Miss Universe and Miss USA, assisting the title holders in all aspects of professional wardrobe and grooming. She also imparted her extensive knowledge of business etiquette and protocol, guiding the pageant winners through myriad press conferences, broadcast appearances, and special events. “Ruth Romero is a lady of quality, style and grace,” says Frank L. Sweeney, former Vice President of Miss Universe, Inc. “For more than a quarter of a century I have seen Ruth integrate a sense of the classic with an awareness of the moment.”

As Miss USA in 1982, Terri Amos worked closely with Romero. “Ruth was an inspiration to me then and continues to be to this day. She epitomizes wisdom, courage, and a passion for life that only a few ever attain,” Amos wrote about her dear friend and mentor.

“Ruth was instrumental in transforming me into a sophisticated and confident young woman during my reign,” wrote Lorraine Downes, Miss Universe 1983. “Ruth has a truly wonderful sense of style in everything she does, so she helped me develop my image to the standard one would expect of a Miss Universe.”

Romero relocated to Eagle from Southern California last year, following her daughter Denise Abbott and two of her four lovely granddaughters. She decided to put her comprehensive knowledge of fashion and style, coupled with her drive to make a difference in people’s lives, to work in a new career as a personal stylist. “Style is so much more than what you wear or how you fix your hair,” she says. “Your personal style reflects who you are. It projects your soul to the world.”

Romero consults with clients on an hourly basis, doing everything from closet audits to personal shopping to advising on makeup, hairstyles, and even underwear. Sharon Cummons with AllPro Realty was particularly impressed with Romero’s simple and affordable advice: “I was so amazed that a dramatic change in my appearance could be accomplished with simply wearing a headband or scarf in a different way, or flipping up my coat collar to further promote that sophisticated or sassy look we were striving for,” she says.

Romero is also an accomplished and enjoyable public speaker and a member of Toastmasters International. Her well-told anecdotes and sparkling enthusiasm can motivate business groups and organizations to accomplish their goals. She has recently begun coaching with Dr. Vincent Kituku, a powerful motivational speaker. Ruth’s main message is to encourage everyone to “Be the rage at any age.”

Romero has custom-tailored her “Business Essentials” workshop to motivate any size office environment—in a Brown Bag lunch or after-hours setting, she outlines the basics of business style, from dress codes to thank-you notes. “Proper business etiquette is essential to business success,” she says.

In addition to her work as a personal stylist, Romero volunteers her expertise as Art Curator for Eagle City Hall, coordinating monthly exhibits of local artists’ work. She also provides invaluable support to “Dress for Success,” a charity that assists low-income women with career development and employment. Ruth is an active member of AICI—Association of Image Consultants International.

From her head to her one remaining big toe, the little girl who was once the Queen of Van Nuys has become a gracious grandmother, successful businesswoman, wise mentor, and cherished friend. Ruth Romero embodies the qualities that make a woman truly regal.

Romero offers these style tips to her clients:

• Every woman has a beauty that is special and uniquely hers. Celebrate it!

• Accessories and jewelry are the key to making the adaptable basic wardrobe work. They will extend the look of any wardrobe and make a dynamic fashion statement for you.

• Less is more. Buy simple, tailored clothes that have staying power.

• Your style has nothing to do with the size you are. The right accessorized garment can be combined to trim pounds from your figure.

• Shoes say a lot about who you are. Put your best foot forward by keeping them in top polished condition and avoid worn down heels. Remember that your feet will be with you for the rest of your life. Buy the best shoe you can afford.