Hey, it’s me!
The name’s Rachel, but you can call me Rae! I’m a freelance model in the midwest, and I’ve been teetering on whether or not to start a little blog for myself to document my work and projects. Well, the teeter has tottered and this is it; my introduction post!
My 7th birthday party (Bratz Doll themed of course)
Senior Pic Gale Photography
I grew up in a small town in northwest Iowa; about an hour drive to Minnesota. I was always interested in fashion and the modeling industry, but there was little to no opportunities near me to pursue this dream (besides the one time I walked in my local Kmart’s “Back-to-School” fashion show when I was 7 years old). As a child I loved watching America’s Next Top Model and creating designs on my poorly drawn figures. I had countless Bratz Dolls that I mixed and matched outfits on and would even hand sew paper towels and old socks to create custom looks for them. In high school I tuned in for EVERY Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (Candace Swanepoel and Cara Delevigne were my favorites) and I would secretly practice my runway walk in my bedroom.
As a senior in high school, I applied to a local modeling agency in my state (since I didn’t have digitals and was too embarrassed to ask anyone, I used my senior photos) and was very discouraged after being told no. My dream fizzled out when I started college; I was too short and I was already told no once and I didn’t have the confidence to continue pursuing a ‘lost cause’.
Junior in college Seance Clothing
I started college and began working towards a degree in early childhood education. I made so many wonderful friends and experienced so many new things. When I was a sophomore in college I had the pleasure of modeling for my good friends Craig and Joe’s streetwear startup, Seance Clothing. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was elated to be asked to help. As a junior I modeled for them once more (and this time I felt a little more confident). However, I still didn’t feel confident enough to rekindle my dream for fashion or modeling.
First shoot in August 2022 Gabriel Montalvo
Cut to four years later… I had my first shoot in August of 2022 and it relit my fire! I had no idea what I was doing but I absolutely loved working with the photographers and meeting all of the other models. Since then I’ve been collaborating with local photographers to build my portfolio and just go for it. I’m definitely no pro, but I’m having so much fun and gaining so much confidence that I didn’t have before. I’m still getting told no (quite often if we’re being honest), but I now have the confidence to keep going even when it gets tough.
Well, that’s just a little bit about me. I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing some throwback photos of me😂 Be on the lookout for my August recap where I’ll be detailing some recent projects and things I’ve been loving!
Until next time,
Rae🫶🏻