Scooter Ray: More Than The Patron Saint of Derby Fashion

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Antonio Pantoja and Provided

Scooter Ray Minyard’s creativity has never been something he turns on and off. It stays with him through everyday life, showing up in fashion, makeup, photography, styling, and set design with the same energy that has made him one of Louisville’s most recognizable style personalities. Around town, Scooter has become something of a local fashion icon, known for unforgettable Derby looks, playful glamour, and a visual presence that always feels larger than life. Beyond Louisville, he has also worked as a model, appearing on the covers of romance novels and in editorial spreads that showcase his unmistakable flair and charisma.

But beneath the sparkle, color, and eye-catching style, Scooter says he was raised understanding that every person is different. While many people might see his artistic ability as his biggest strength, he sees it another way. “I would say that my superpower is more about personal connection,” he says. “From an early age, my parents always supported me in anything and everything that I did, and because of their support, I was always able to do so much more.”

That support framed the way he approaches creativity today. Even though his work tackles several mediums, Scooter sees all of it connected through expression, emotion, and storytelling. “With those expressions and personal connections, there is a story in everything that I do,” he says.

His mind rarely slows down. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere, and creating has become part of his rhythm. “I seriously do something artistic daily,” he says. “It’s a part of who I am and a part of a way to express myself.”

That constant creativity is impossible to miss in his personal style. Whether he is building a dramatic Derby ensemble, designing a set, styling a client, or stepping in front of the camera himself, Scooter wants every detail to feel authentic and memorable. “When I do something, I make sure that I do it in my own way and that it catches people’s eye,” he says.

Part of what makes Scooter so beloved in Louisville is the joyfulness he brings to fashion. His looks often carry a wink of nostalgia, references to pop culture, or tributes to icons like Dolly Parton. There is always personality woven into the glamour, making his fashion feel approachable as much as aspirational. For Scooter, clothing and beauty are never just about appearances.

One of the projects closest to his heart was Celebrating Life, which reflected on grief, love, and the influence of his parents. Through that work, he explored how childhood experiences mold identity and perspective. “Because of my parents, I would not be here,” he says. “I feel we should also celebrate and acknowledge the life that was given to us.”

Scooter also speaks openly about living with ADHD, something he sees as an advantage rather than a setback. “I always make the joke that I’m medicated. Which is true of my ADHD, I would say as a blessing,” he says. “It was never looked at as a disability or problem. I was raised to cope with it and to utilize it in my daily routine. And have you ever heard the term ‘trash to treasure’?”

Even with a glowing reputation and a style instantly recognizable around the city, Scooter still finds the most fulfillment in creating for the people in his hometown. “Creating for other people brings me a lot of joy,” he says. “It also gives me joy because they chose me among so many other talented people.”

For Scooter, the work has always been personal. The makeup, the fashion, the photography, the modeling, and the design all connect back to people, relationships, and self-expression. Beneath the standout looks and camera-ready glamour is someone who simply loves to create, celebrate individuality, and make people feel seen.