Beyond the Feed: Kiara Ruth on Fashion, Identity, and the Art of Influence
In a world dominated by trends, algorithms, and engagement metrics, the true meaning of influence can feel lost. But for Kiara Ruth, it’s clear.
After beginning her career in the medical field, Kiara found her way into social media through two pivotal life moments—the birth of her son and the transition of relocating to a new city. Rather than chasing likes or rushing to post, she’s carved out her own lane, leading with faith, family, and fashion. Her approach is intentional, rooted in integrity, and grounded in showing up authentically.
Here, Kiara reflects on what being an influencer truly means to her—and reveals the woman she is beyond the feed.
Let’s start off with how you got into social media- were you involved in Fashion previously?
I started sharing on social media once my son was a newborn. I was new to North Carolina, I’m originally from Arkansas, and I used social media as a diary. It was also an opportunity for people back home to keep up with me since me and my family relocated. I would talk about my son, motherhood and how it was moving with a new baby. People started to resonate with my posts and started following me and supporting me and I grew from that.
I never worked or was involved in Fashion previously; before I moved to North Carolina I was a pharmacy tech! I’ve always had an interest in style, but my approach to fashion has usually been different from the people around me. Growing up in Arkansas, I loved dressing up almost every day for school—even when my classmates weren’t. “I was very much in my own world, doing my own thing”. Back then, I was the BCBG and Jessica Simpson girl, always making sure I had the best bags and accessories to complete my look.
How has your relationship with fashion changed as your platform has grown?
I was a stay-at-home mom when my son was younger, so I styled myself around my baby and my lifestyle. You know when you’re chasing a toddler around, you could be in heels…. but for me I had to transition to a more functional style. My style over time has grown based on the seasons of life that I’ve been in. I genuinely just wear what makes me happy for where I’m at in life.
Has being “seen” digitally reshaped your sense of identity—personally or professionally?
I am a believer, I’m a Christian, and I know that I am seen by my Lord and Savior- I’m not rooted in who I am inside of the platform.
“I know who am outside of the space. So, with that I show up authentically myself, instead of what I think people want to see.”
Social media is often about “the feed”- likes, follows, and the algorithm. How do you go beyond the feed to make sure you’re connecting with your supporters and community?
I don’t focus on all of that at all, I share what makes me happy, and that keeps me authentic. I don’t follow trends at all, matter of fact I may post about a trend that happened last year that I’m just now getting around too! I make sure to not get caught up if someone is going to like it. At the end of the day…it’s mine and this is the platform that I’ve created, and God has been very good to me allowing people to be drawn to that.
Sometimes I wish that I was little more buckled down because I know more opportunities would come. But I also have things I enjoy outside of social media, and maintaining that balance is important to me. I want to grow my career while still making space for life beyond the screen.
How do you balance curating beautiful content with keeping your voice and message genuine?
I try my best to meet everyone in person whenever I can. It’s important to me that I build real connections and be fully present. At the same time, I have to remind myself to stay grounded—remember who I am and who I represent. I don’t try to mold myself into what I think others want to see or hear. I show up authentically, open, and honest, and I make sure the way I present myself reflects exactly how I want to be perceived.
What role does vulnerability or authenticity play in the way you present yourself?
“I involve myself in communities that need a voice, and I bring a perspective rooted in authenticity”. Storytelling is at the heart of what I do—both in marketing and in fashion. I use that to help others share their message in a way that feels genuine. That’s how I’m able to shape a room and create impact.
When it comes to fashion, I’m always thinking about the greater good. For example, instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, I might suggest hosting a shopping event at a boutique that gives back to women or supports a specific nonprofit. It’s about creating experiences that are not only stylish, but meaningful.
With influence comes visibility—how do you navigate the responsibility that comes with your platform?
I try to never be careless with the people who follow me. I see my community as something I’m responsible for, and I treat my social media the same way I would my home—mindful of who I invite in and intentional about what I offer. Integrity leads everything I do, and my audience always gets 100% of who I am. If something doesn’t feel right, I say so. Authenticity matters and being honest with my community will always come before anything else.
“Most of the time if you see me post something, it’s because I’ve owned it at some point, and I truly love it.”
How do you balance being a full-time creator, a mom, and a wife?
Kiara: “I don’t subscribe to balance”.
There is no such thing as balance because there are seasons of my life where one area might get 40% and the other two might get 30%. So, through this journey I’ve had to sit down and ask myself “what’s important right now in this moment?” I want whatever percentage I’m giving to be the best.
On the other side, I’m married to a wonderful guy, and he takes on a lot of those extra things, where if I can’t give the whole percentage, he steps in. So, I’m very thankful for that. As far as handling it all, I really just take it day by day. I write out what I have planned, prioritize the most important tasks, and whatever doesn’t get finished, I move to the next day. As a mom, pivoting becomes second nature—life and schedules are never a straight line. You never know if your child is going to get sick, have a tough day, or act out at the dentist. Learning to approach life with that mindset allows me to sit with the unknown a little better.
As the oldest girl in my family, I’ve always been the one to get things done. So, when challenges come up, I tend to think I’ve planned well enough to control the outcome. But I’ve had to let go of that mindset—because for me, being okay with the unexpected has replaced the idea of balance.
Has Faith driven your work ethic and overall success?
Yes, and it’s tough at times—because as a believer, I want to share my gift freely, but as a creator I also have to acknowledge the value of my work. I’ve done community projects where I’ve used my platform as a content creator to highlight the vulnerabilities in my community, and for a long time I did that work for free because it felt like a gift God gave me to use within His will. But I’ve also reached a point, with guidance from my business coach, where I’m learning that it’s okay to monetize that gift while still honoring its purpose.
In your view, what separates influence from true impact?
With influence, you’re trying to gain an outcome, trying to get more likes, followers, and overall engagement. With impact you’re leading with “how can I help you?”.
“The truth is I can influence you to buy a sweater and you’re going to look good but at the end of the day I want to know the person that’s in the sweater…I want to know her story and impact does that.”
Impact also means using the people I influence to bring the community together. For example, I recently partnered with the Sweet Sparrow Bakeshop to create a raspberry pistachio donut, and in addition I reached out to Willow House Coffee to see if they could partner with us for the event. Willow House Coffee ended up creating a signature brown sugar latte with raspberry pistachio cold foam to pair with my custom donut! The first 20 people received a signature latte and donut on me, and we all gained exposure through this intentional partnership. Now, the coffee shop permanently carries those donuts. It was a win for everyone—and a true example of community engagement.
What do you want your audience to take away when they engage with your work?
“Number one is that I love Jesus, and number two is that my family is very important to me, and then three is community impact.” I think that my style also encompasses that. When I show up there’s intentionality and that I present myself in the best light possible.
How do you decipher what partnerships and brands to collaborate with?
Most of the time, I work with brands I already know, but if I’m unfamiliar, I always do my research. I look into where they’re putting their money, who owns the company, and what they stand for. I even check their social platforms—do they feature people who look like me? Representation matters, and I want to feel seen. Above all, I lean on the Holy Spirit to guide me in those decisions.
In your opinion, what is the most powerful role influencers play in shaping the future of fashion?
Our goal is to help brands resist the pull toward the mainstream, keeping their voice fresh, fun, and truly innovative. For influencers, or those who dream of stepping into that space, my advice is this: “stay rooted in who you are and do you!” Don’t bend your style to fit trends or force yourself into someone else’s mold. Authenticity is magnetic, and the audience that’s meant for you will find you.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Editor’s note: In an age where influence is often measured in numbers—followers, likes, and engagement rates—Kiara Ruth reminds us of the power of authenticity. Her story is not about algorithms or trends, but about faith, family, and finding purpose in community. What drew us to Kiara is her commitment to showing up with integrity, using her platform not as a performance but as a place of honesty and connection.
Stay in touch and follow Kiara’s journey on Instagram @the.bananamoon
