Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Ray.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey started when I went to TJ, Mexico for girls night out. I already know what you are thinking… Extremely fun night that I defiantly don’t remember lol. Long story short, I woke up safely at my friend’s condo. Trying to grasp what little memory that I had of the night, I went to the bathroom. Looking into the mirror, I shrieked! I HAD BED BUG BITES ALL OVER MY FACE! Of course, not knowing how to properly take care of the bites and the insane itch, I then gave myself chemical burn. So you can already imagine the kind of week I was having.
Doing some research, I became obsessed with natural products. Every few days, I would do a face mask and started posting it on my social media. Then next thing I know all my friends started wanting me to start my own business in skincare. I looked into how to start a skincare business and realized that I need an aesthetician license and approximately $100k to get my products properly endorsed. I didn’t want to do just skincare so I choose Cosmetology instead. That way I can do Hair, Makeup, Skincare, etc.
I went to Cosmetology School (not going to name where) graduated Cinco De Mayo 2018. Literally, the best day ever to graduate (if you know what I mean lol). After that, I started really debating about if Skin Care was the right avenue for me. So I started dabbling in Makeup. I was already modeling, so I knew a few photographers to start doing make up for their models. I realized that I actually loved Make Up more than Skin Care.
August 2018 I put together my first campaign photoshoot called B R O N Z E. First, I came up with the concept, looked for models on Instagram, matched the outfits to the models, organized the shoot details and itinerary, and then made it happen. Honestly, it is definitely not easy. However, the end result couldn’t have been better. By Feb 2019, I put together my second campaign called D E S E R T. This time I started designing the outfits. I’m talking about sketching the outfits and then had help from my seamstress Rosa to put my vision into action. I used the same models and made the outfits cater to the model’s height, weight, style, etc.
By March 2019, I found out that I was pregnant with my little boy Amias. So of course, new mom, I put everything on hold. I didn’t do another campaign; however I still put together smaller shoots where I collaborated with a local photographer and a model. So I still was producing minor content to keep my skills fresh. Long story short (and I will never forget this) a week before Christmas I was scouted by RAW Artists at House of Blues San Diego. They wanted me to come in as a designer, not to show that I just put together clothes but I put together the whole look: meaning hair, makeup, and outfits. I had until Jan 28th to have everything finalized and hit the runway. With limited time I was able to find seven girls, create ten looks, and sold over 20 tickets to the show.
Jan 28th was literally the HARDEST day of my life! 1. It was a birthday 2. Everything that shouldn’t have happened! I had models cancel on my at the last minute. My husband’s car broke down, I got to my station late, had a nervous breakdown, still had to do one of the models make up, just to name a few. When I tell you that I literally put my heart… my soul… every last penny into my runway and then this negative entity tries to break you down… I literally overcame every last encounter and put my SHOW on. Letting everyone know that no matter what happens, I am still here standing tall and that I MADE IT! I did this. This runway was for everyone who doubted me. Everyone who said that I couldn’t be great. Everyone who said that I would never amount to anything in life. I DID THIS! I sold almost every piece from my runway and made a huge profit from it. Now I booked almost every week for upcoming shoots. This is stepping stone was extremely huge. I can’t wait for what the future has for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The STRUGGLE is REAL! I seriously believe that if you don’t struggle, then you don’t really know how to be successful. I’ve been homeless and it honestly leads me to my husband. I went from being broke to having a successful job. From taking the bus, trolley and walking to being able to afford my car. Every moment that you decide to wake up in the morning with a new mindset… a mindset to change, a mindset to be better today than yesterday, A mindset to do something outside the box YOU WILL ALWAYS OVERCOME YOUR OBSTACLES.
Change + Action = Success
Know that everything you do is not always going to work. That is when you take those failures and turn them into something positive. And that’s literally what I have done. Took what didn’t work and made it work.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My name is my brand. I am a Visionary Producer. I produce any concept pertaining to my inspirational vision. I come up with a mood board based on the vision or inspiration. Send the mood board to the photographer to create an itinerary. Find models that fit the look to the vision and send them the itinerary. Create and find styles that cater to the model and fits their personality. Come up with a hair and makeup concept and execute it.
I am an overall creative when it comes to fashion. I put together literally the whole shoot. I am the stylist, hair and makeup artist, and manage/direct the shoot. I do not associate myself with being a creative director because I do so much more. I’m actually producing the vision I have set for the concept.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t define myself as lucky. I just execute whatever comes to mind. In order to be lucky, you have to be doing something to activate your luck. Repetition comes to mind whenever I think of luck. The more you do something, the more you repeat your actions, the more you activate your success.
Pricing:
- Natural Glam $50
- Soft Glam $75
- Full Glam $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.msrachelnicoleray.com
- Instagram: @MsRachelNicoleRay
Image Credit:
IG @msbankxx__ @wsupimang @kanalemai @chloemetcalfe196 @m11nx
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