Firm for the Culture

Ever feel like you're expected to show gratitude for crumbs when you've earned the whole table? I'm here to say enough is enough. . Black women shouldn't have to beg for what we've earned through skill, sweat, and sacrifice. . We're not here to perform gratitude for opportunities we rightfully deserve. . The constant expectation to be thankful for positions and promotions—especially when we work twice as hard—is rooted in systems that undervalue our worth. . And that ends now. . We are not charity cases. . We are qualified, capable, and deserving of success, fair pay, and genuine recognition—no compromises, no apologies. . Rest isn't a sign of weakness; it's an act of resistance. . When the world demands that we shoulder every burden, we choose to pause, recharge, and reclaim our peace. . This is our declaration: We refuse to settle for less than what we deserve. . We are reclaiming our right to thrive, to shine, and to demand the respect that should have been ours all along. #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed ——— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? ——— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp ——— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

What happens when clients trust you with their brand journey? . Something incredible. . I've seen entrepreneurs go from hesitant to confident. . From wondering if they belong to owning their space. . From building in silence to scaling with protection. . Because here's the truth: High-quality legal services should not be a luxury reserved for the few. . I've had conversations with visionary founders who thought protecting their brand was out of reach—something only "big companies" like Spotify or Facebook could afford. . But here's what I remind them every time: ?? You don't need to be a billion-dollar company to own your name. ?? You don't need a boardroom to deserve legal protection. ?? You don't need to “wait until you're bigger” to safeguard what you're building now. . Intellectual Property is a Civil Right. . And every creator, every change-maker—regardless of their scale—deserves access. . That's why we've structured our legal services on a flat-fee basis. . No surprises. No gatekeeping. Just real, accessible legal protection that gives you the confidence to show up fully. . Because when clients trust us with their brand journey, we make sure they're met with clarity, protection, and a strategy built for their future. . So, if you're wondering whether it's time to trademark your brand—consider this your sign. . Drop a ?? if you're working on something big this year. Let's talk about protecting it. . #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed —— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? —— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp —— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

Imagine waking up every day immune to the noise of criticism—a day when no opinion, no rejection, can shake the foundation of who you are. . Sound impossible? I used to think so too. . I remember a time when every “no” or dismissive glance felt like a blow. I'd replay those moments over and over, wondering if I wasn't enough. . Then I realized something crucial: opinions are just that—opinions. They don't define my worth; they merely reflect someone else's perspective. . I made a choice. . I decided to stand firm in my truth, to invest in my self-belief, and to cultivate a confidence so deep that it couldn't be undermined by external voices. . The journey wasn't overnight. It took embracing every quirk, every strength, and yes—even every perceived flaw. . I learned that true confidence isn't about being perfect; it's about being unapologetically you. . And when you trust in your own value, every setback becomes a stepping stone, and every criticism fades into background noise. . Become so confident in who you are that no one's opinion or rejection can rock you. . Own your strengths, celebrate your uniqueness, and let your authentic self shine through—even on the toughest days. #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed ——— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? ——— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp ——— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

"But you're an attorney… but you're an attorney… but you're an attorney." . I've heard this phrase more times than I can count. . When I stepped outside the traditional legal path. When I pursued work that didn't fit the mold. When I chose passion over predictability. . I was in the middle of a smooth interview with Facebook when the recruiter stopped me. . She looked at me, curious. “So… you're an attorney. Why would you want to transition into diversity recruitment?” . I explained how DEI work had always been a passion of mine—how I felt called to create real impact, to help open doors that had been shut for too long. . And then, she hit me with something I never saw coming: . “Oh, you talk to God? Well, let me tell you what God is telling me to tell you.” . At that moment, I was reminded of something bigger than career titles or what people think we should do. . Sometimes, the path we believe we should follow is interrupted by a calling far greater than we ever imagined. . It's not always easy. It's not always clear. But when that quiet voice (or, in this case, an unexpected recruiter!) tells you to pay attention—listen. . You don't have to fit into a box. You don't have to justify your purpose. You just have to walk in it. . #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed —— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? —— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp —— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

There's something magical about capturing moments with my sisters—women who inspire, uplift, and challenge me every day. . These photos aren't just snapshots; they're a testament to our journey together. . Every smile, every shared glance, and every burst of laughter reminds me that our strength lies in our unity. . As we celebrate Women's Month, I reflect on the power of our sisterhood. . Growing up, I often wondered if my voice was loud enough. . Today, I stand alongside these phenomenal Black women who taught me that our collective brilliance isn't just seen—it's felt. . We've built our paths with resilience, creativity, and a fierce commitment to lifting one another up. . These moments, captured in time, honor the legacy of those who paved the way and inspire the trailblazers of tomorrow. . Let's celebrate the women in our lives who make us better every day. . Share your story, tag your tribe, and let's amplify the unstoppable spirit of Black womanhood together. . Your voice, your presence, and your passion are the change the world needs. #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed ——— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? ——— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp ——— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

Do NOT sign that speaker's contract… yet. . I get it. You're excited. You've been invited to speak. The opportunity sounds amazing. The platform is huge. The exposure? Incredible. . But before you grab a pen and sign on the dotted line—pause. . Because what's in (or missing from) that contract could impact more than just this one event. It could affect your finances, your intellectual property, and even your long-term business growth. . Three critical things to negotiate before saying YES: . 1?? Payment Terms → Clarity is key. ? Are you getting paid? How much? When? How? ? Who's covering travel expenses? . 2?? Intellectual Property → Your words. Your work. Your rights. ? Some contracts try to claim ownership of your content. Don't let that happen. ? Make sure you can repurpose and reshare your own materials. . 3?? Recording Rights → Who owns your speech? ? If they record it, they might own it. ? Negotiate access to the footage or bring your own videographer. . Your voice is powerful. Protect it. . Speaking engagements are incredible opportunities to expand your reach, share your expertise, and make an impact. But exposure is only valuable when it comes with proper terms. . So before you sign that speaker's contract—read it, negotiate it, and advocate for yourself. . Because your expertise isn't just valuable—it's yours. . #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed —— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? —— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp —— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

During my recent visit to the African American Art & Culture Complex, I encountered an artwork that truly moved me. . It featured two Black children holding hands, accompanied by the heartfelt words: “Dear strong Black child, don't be afraid to sprinkle your magic everywhere.” . That simple yet powerful message reminded me of the deep well of strength and brilliance that each of us carries within. . But this isn't just a message for Black children—it's a call to all of us. . In our professional journeys, we often face challenges that make us question our worth or abilities. . Yet, our diverse backgrounds and experiences aren't obstacles; they are our greatest assets. . They fuel our creativity, drive innovation, and help create inclusive environments where every voice can shine. . I've learned that when we embrace our unique gifts, we don't just survive in our careers—we thrive. . Every perspective brings a new spark to our work, every unique story deepens our collaborative spirit, and every individual contribution builds a stronger, more resilient community. . Step forward, own your brilliance, and ignite change that echoes through every corner of our professional world. . Now is the moment to unleash your magic—let's transform our future, one bold step at a time. . #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed ——— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? ——— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp ——— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

Is AI culturally incompetent? . This is a question a lot of diverse creators have probably asked themselves from time to time. . And for those who have not, ask Chat GPT what CEO looks like and you'll immediately see what I mean... . As AI companies engage in a fierce battle to gain maximum market share, many will stop at nothing to obtain, train on, and learn vast amounts of data, especially if they want diverse folks across the world to use their models over another. . For Black creators and other diverse voices, AI presents a paradox—offering new opportunities while simultaneously threatening cultural integrity and intellectual property. . So, how can diverse creators safeguard their work in this rapidly evolving landscape? . For my recent Founders' letter, I share three ways creative founders, business owners, and thought leaders can protect their intellectual property from AI misuse and misappropriation. . Now, y'all know gatekeeping is not my style. . So if you want to access this Founders' letter, feel free to join my free Founders' community here: https://lnkd.in/d-QsjuUi? . #ForTheCulture #IAmWhatAnAttorneyLooksLike #Trademarks #Copyrights #Licenses #ThoughtLeadership #LetsPlayBig #SocialImpact #Blessed ————— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gxq-Hf9t

Diversity isn't just about who we are—it's about where we come from and the realities that shape us. . When we talk about diversity, we often focus on identity—the Black voice, the Asian voice, the White woman's voice. . But diversity is more than just who we are—it's about where we've been and the realities we've had to navigate. . I grew up in a space that was congested, constrained, and resource-limited. . There were no shortcuts, no easy access, no built-in networks. . But what that space gave me was creativity, adaptability, and resilience. It forced me to think differently, engage differently, and innovate differently. . That's what true diversity is—it's not just representation. . It's the perspectives that come from overcoming obstacles. It's the ability to see opportunities where others see barriers. It's the mindset that says, "If the door isn't open, I'll build a new one." . So, when we talk about diversity, let's go deeper. Let's not just ask who is in the room—let's ask what shaped them, what they bring, and how their lived experiences drive change. . #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed ——— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? ——— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp ——— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com

We're not asking. We're deciding. . Today, I'm choosing to refuse permission for anyone—or any space—to define my worth. Respect isn't negotiable, and representation isn't a favor. . Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren't just trendy buzzwords; they're the bare minimum we deserve. . For too long, we've been handed breadcrumbs—a token seat at a table that never truly felt ours, invitations that seemed more like afterthoughts than genuine welcomes. . I remember the countless moments of feeling overlooked, wondering if my voice mattered. . But every single experience has led me here: to build my own space, to join forces with those who see us, hear us, and truly value what we bring to the table. . I'm aligning myself with companies and communities that invest in our potential, celebrate our unique contributions, and insist on action over empty gestures. . It's not about shutting doors—it's about insisting on opening the right ones. . It's about transforming our frustration into fuel for progress, demanding opportunities that honor and elevate us. . So here's my challenge to you: Are you settling for spaces that merely tolerate you, or are you ready to choose those that genuinely celebrate your brilliance? . Let's stop waiting for inclusion to be granted and start creating the environments we deserve. #ForTheCulture . #IAmWhatATrademarkAttorneyLooksLike . #Trademarks #Copyrights #LicensesForSocialImpact . #LetsPlayBig . #SocialImpact . #Blessed ——— Hey y'all, I'm Ruky— a Brooklyn-bred, Berkeley-trained, Big Law girlie who loves the Culture so much that I started Firm for the Culture to help ambitious founders and thought leaders leverage, monetize, and protect their intellectual property. Like for real, y'all keep me going. ???????? ——— If you're interested in scaling your brand through trademark, copyright, or licensing, let's work together: https://lnkd.in/gmAZtvSp ——— To Join Our Free Founders Community for Social Impact, Click Here: https://fftc.substack.com