High-energy business owner Maria Graham has turned her lifelong love of design and fitness into a successful activewear line for women of all ages and fitness levels. Maria started Ruby Fury in November 2017. She began making women’s leggings from her dining room table, with the aim of giving women confidence through a great fit, whatever their size, shape or height.

MARIA’S STORY 

Ever since a young age, Maria wanted her own business. In school she would make jewellery and leather bracelets to sell to her friends, which encouraged her to take a creative career path.

When she left school Maria started an apprenticeship at BKS Leather Ltd, a company that specialises in crafting high end made to measure motorcycle leathers. The highest standard of workmanship was expected and she was trained in all departments which included stitching, marking, cutting, pattern making and sales. During the 8 years she spent with the company she also did a lot of repair and alteration work, and helped develop new products.

Later, Maria opened her own clothing alterations business in Exmouth, offering a huge range of garment alterations. She would learn a great deal about how people differ in shape and size and how good it makes people feel when their clothes fit well.

In her spare time, Maria has always had a passion for sport and fitness and has worked part-time as a personal trainer. She is also a Boxercise and TRX instructor and has been practicing martial arts for over 25 years. She has a black belt in Kenpo Kickboxing and more recently has taken up Roller Derby and running.

Roller Derby gave her the inspiration to start Ruby Fury. Until then, she hadn’t worn leggings in an environment where performance and durability were so important. She wanted something fun and eye catching that didn’t have to be altered to fit and would stay put.  She needed a pair which was tough enough to withstand the knocks and falls of the sport and a fabric which would perform well during long sweaty training sessions. This was never going to be easy to find so, with her background in garment construction, it made sense to make her own.

Discovering what an inclusive sport Roller Derby was, Maria knew she wanted to instil some of the same ethos in her own brand. Ruby Fury want women to feel empowered, encouraged and supported to be the best version of themselves, whatever sport or activity they undertake.

Maria Graham

RUBY FURY FOR YOUR

PERFECT FIT

“Finding great fitting clothes isn’t always easy. We’re all different shapes and heights so buying off the peg doesn’t suit everyone. Ruby Fury women’s leggings are made to order, which means I’m able to offer a huge range of sizes and different options of leg length and waist height to give you great fitting activewear. Even if my standard options don’t work for you, I’m happy to speak to you about making something that does.

I’m a non-standard size and have always struggled to find great fitting clothes. Having run a clothing alterations business for 8 years I know only too well I’m not alone in this.

I have over 30 years of professional sewing experience and pride myself on offering quality items finished to a high standard. I’ve tested the products repeatedly during roller derby training so I am confident they are strong and comfortable enough for any activity.

I aim to make you a garment that fits well and gives you confidence. I want you to feel amazing by making you the most comfortable and flattering leggings and shorts you’ve ever worn.”

custom size info

AWARD WINNING BRAND

In June 2021 Ruby Fury was named the best small business at the Exmouth Chamber business awards. Read about it here: rubyfury.co.uk/ruby-fury-won-an-award