Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Bailey.
Hi Rochelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My background is in radio and fashion, specifically runway and commercial modeling, which prepared me for my role as communications manager and assistant director of modeling for a local nonprofit arts and culture organization. We provided resources, model coaching and runway training, and education for local creatives through fundraising events like Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week. There I was inspired to continue coaching models as well as start my own small fashion line called “RetRO” (pronounced retro, just capitalized to highlight my name). RetRO is vintage, thrifted and sustainable clothing with a retro vibe. With the support of my community, my family and friends, I’ve been grateful to continue to pursue and incubate my dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a lot of things, smooth is definitely not one of them. lol! But I can say, a lot of the struggles I endured were self inflicted. Whether it was being too afraid to start, worrying about outside perception and perfection, or just lack of confidence, I didn’t make it any easier. Then I realized something, ready isn’t a feeling it’s an action. If I kept waiting til I was “ready” or when things were perfect, I never would have started. Doing it scared was the best decision I made.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a professional model and model coach, I specialize in model development and I’m known for helping aspiring models bridge the gap between freelance model and professional model. I’m most proud of helping models go from being unknown, scared, or uneducated about the process of becoming a model. What sets me apart from others is that there are people who are self proclaimed model coaches without having any professional modeling experience under their belt. I can provide both real world experience and guidance based on what I know through real world experience, not what I saw on social media.
How do you think about happiness?
Music, definitely. It can instantly take you back in time and I believe it’s the closest thing we will ever come to world peace. We may not all agree politically or socially but no matter what background we come from, we can all sing the words to Usher and Lil’ Jon “Yeah.” lol! And for just those 3 or 4 minutes, we’re on the same page.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ro_on_theradio
- Facebook: Ro Bailey
