Ry Velasco: Get To Know Me Beyond The Content

Here’s what doesn’t make it online

by Ry Velasco

Hey friends!

I'm Ry, and I just became havaianas' Gen Z editor. Before we dive into all the amazing things we're planning together, I wanted you to meet the real me first. Because let's be real, there's so much more to this whole journey than what fits in a 15-second clip or a perfectly curated post.

Think of this as that heart-to-heart conversation we'd have over coffee, shoes off, where I actually tell you what's going on behind the scenes of my life.

That Monaco Moment — When Everything Just Clicked

There was this moment not long ago when I found myself on a boat cruising the French Riviera, breaking the rush of a daily routine. After spending a full day exploring Monaco, I literally had to pause and take it all in because it felt so surreal.

In that moment, I felt this wave of gratitude for everything in front of me. I promised myself then and there that I wouldn't take any of it for granted. Like, 18-year-old Ry would be absolutely losing her mind right now—in the best way possible.

That's what I call a ‘Monaco moment’: when you step outside the chaos, breathe, and realize how far you've actually come.

Learning to break the rush

But here's the thing, getting to those breakthrough moments isn't just about hustling harder. Here's something I've learned about myself lately: I can't do everything all at once. Growing up, I was so in love with the hustle culture, but I didn't realize I was quietly draining myself in the process.

But now, I've discovered the importance of breaking the rush by pausing, recharging slowly, and then getting back to the grind. It's about sustainability, actually enjoying the journey. Those Monaco moments? They don't just happen, you have to create space for them.

on feet: High Platform

When I need to reset, I completely step away from being online. I give myself space through daily movement: running, hitting the gym, playing with my dogs (Loki, Loopy, and Deuce). There's something about moving your body that brings you back to yourself when the online space gets too loud. 

And in these moments of reset, my havaianas are probably my most-worn items. There's something about slipping on a pair of flip flops that signals to my brain: we're in comfort mode now. Whether I'm walking the dogs or just stepping outside to breathe, they're giving that effortless energy I absolutely need.

Who I Am Beyond the Screen

This is probably the sweetest thing that's come out of all this content creation—people telling me I'm like free therapy for them. I never realized that my silly videos and photos could have such an impact on someone else's day.

What’s beautiful is how this connects to what my friend recently said about me. He said: "You know you’re a very good listener, and sometimes it feels like I’m talking to a therapist ‘cause of your calming presence.”, which proves that these qualities are also breaking through my content. I’m unconsciously creating the same supportive space online that I naturally provide to my friends.

There's something about being able to make someone's day even a tiny bit better that just hits different, you know? Maybe I'm helping you find your own Monaco moments through these little digital breaks.

Living beyond the content

on feet: High Platform

Beyond all the content and the aesthetic posts, what I really want to create has nothing to do with social media: Monaco moments (a life where I can just live in the moment). More pause-and-reflect experiences where I can truly appreciate how far I've come and where I’m headed.

So yeah, that's me beyond the content. The girl who's learning to slow down and actually enjoy her life, who's building something bigger than just online presence. She's building a life worth pausing for.

And honestly? I think that version of me is the one I'm most proud of. It's the version that exists in those quiet moments, in comfortable clothes (okay, fine, usually in my havaianas), focused on what really matters.

I'd love to hear about your own breakthrough moments—and I'd love for you to get to know me beyond the content too. This is just the beginning of our real conversations. Stay tuned for more heart-to-heart stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and deeper dives into what makes this journey worth it.

Check out havaianas' latest collection for those authentic, comfortable in your own skin days when you're ready to create your own beyond-the-content moments.