Ruuby Founder Venetia Archer On Her Daily Tech Use

We speak with the Ruuby CEO about her favourite gadgets, the apps she uses uses throughout the day, and the daily runnings behind her beauty concierge empire..

What is the first app you open when you wake up and why?

Geckoboard – it’s what we use to monitor our Ruuby volumes, and I like to see how we have done overnight.

Do you use any fitness apps? Which is your favourite?

I use the Peloton app which is fantastic for short workouts alongside (the occasional…) spin on the bike. I also use the Apple Health app to track my steps.

Which is your favourite food app, whether it be for recipes, ordering food, or planning grocery shops and meals?

I am so dependent on Deliveroo. When they introduced groceries, I was in trouble.

Which is your favourite social media app?

Instagram! Like everyone… it’s a bit love hate. I love using it to keep up with Ruuby customers and therapists – a lot of people post about their experiences which is so great to see.

Tell us a bit about the daily running of Ruuby.

Every day is completely different. Since COVID, we have been working predominantly remotely, with one day in office. I spend my time working with my team on new concepts or launches – geographical openings (we recently launched in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire) or brand partnerships, for example. I also spend a lot of time discussing and planning strategy with shareholders and advisors, particularly now, given all the ups and downs of this year.

Do you have any favourite beauty gadgets?

Yes I do! I love the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask and the Foreo cleansing brush. I’m also really into micro-needling devices

Which programmes do you use to help keep in touch with the team and plan content?

We use Slack daily, which I love. It also integrates with Ruuby so we get key business updates there too. We use Canva for content creation (it is SO easy to use if you’re not a designer), Planoly for Instagram, and Mailchimp for emails to our database. Planoly allows you to plan and schedule your content for Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter.

What app is missing a trick?

I feel like my HSBC app is a bit old world, and could do with some new features.

What app can you not live without?

Uber. I love being three minutes away at all times from my getaway car!

Which app do you love to hate?

All of them! It might be time for a digital detox..

Do you use any health apps?

I downloaded Pregnancy + when I found out I was pregnant. It is such a useful tool in tracking your pregnancy, especially if it’s your first time. There is a lot of relevant content there, and they liken the baby to size of fruit… more novel than accurate I think!

What is your favourite emoji?

The sparkles emoji! ✨ It’s delightful.

Do you have your apps organised in folders by categories, or is it a free for all?

It’s a free for all, with so many random apps in there that I downloaded and never used… a stretch app to do the splits, shopping apps, novelty fashion apps like Gucci… time for a spring clean I think.

Do you use any meditation/sleep sound apps? Which ones?

I used to use Calm, but have replaced the habit with reading my Kindle. I loved those sleep stories

What app would you create if you could?

Well the first one was the one to book beauty therapists direct to your door, but now we have Ruuby! I don’t know if this has been done, but I think a dating app where you recommend people to your friends. Sometimes there are people on there that would be perfect for someone else you know, but there is no share function. That also means people in relationships can get in on the dating app fun and look for their friends.