Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Kelley.
Rachael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a military family. My spouse has been in the Airforce for over ten years. That moved us to Okinawa, Japan, where traveling was very close by Tokyo, Korea, etc. My son was born over there, and I needed more out of life than being a stay-at-home mom. I went and joined a local modeling agency and started doing photoshoots consistently. I even joined a traveling game shows Fear Factor, Deal or No deal?, Family Feud. Do you know the girls with the sparkling, shimmery dresses? That was me! It changed my life. It was such a great experience plus lots of fun. Throughout this whole process, I really learned confidence and how great it felt being on stage and in the spotlight. I got to do runway shows, performances live on stage, it really was an amazing opportunity. After four years overseas, it was time for us to move back to the states. My husband joined the guard and ventured into the civilian world. This was a completely life-changing experience for us. We were starting completely over. I miraculously went to an audition to join a new agency in Dallas, TX, the company signed me and also asked me to work as a model, acting and runway coach. This has also been very inspiring and fulfilling because I can teach women, young adults to be confident and how to truly love ourselves inside and out. When I look at my modeling photos, I really love capturing inner beauty and happiness. That is what I want to share with the world.
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?
It has been a roller coaster ride, but that only makes you stronger. There were moments I felt that nobody believed in me. That people thought it was a joke or waste of my time. What they don’t know is getting into this industry made me feel on top of the world. It gave me friends and family while my husband was doing very serious, long hour shifts for the military. I thought this would be a hobby, but it has grown into so much more. Not only a career but a job where I truly change peoples lives. We all have struggles, and people come to me to learn how to speak on stage or find laughter in their peers through improvisation. They are truly bonding and connecting with each other. My favorite student is the shy girl who says she gets bullied in 8th-grade class but comes through our agency; then they’re off to New York to be the next top model. That is my happy place.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Freelance model Rachael Kelley story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a freelance model. I get a lot of jobs through local photographers, boutiques, new designers, or anybody who is wanting to promote their brand. I am the posing queen. I spent years studying photography, so I know where to stand and how lighting is a model’s best friend. Your posture and attitude can make or break a photo. If it’s really cold outside, it will show that you are uncomfortable in that photo. I make the most out of every job so I would probably grab a sweater with some hot coffee to make that photoshoot a good experience. That is one key to the outcome of a photo is enjoying what you’re doing. I think what sets me apart from others is my spirit and energy that I put into my modeling and instructing. I want to be a better model so I can give my students all the tools they need to succeed.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think good luck is never an accident. Luck comes from hard work and pushing through the hard times. The times I experienced bad luck; it ended up being a learning experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rcenter101.wixsite.com/rachhxo
- Phone: 940-536-9952
- Email: rachh1177@mail.com
- Instagram: rachkelley
Image Credit:
MIQUEL GONALEZ
KELVIN PHAN
CHRIS PRINCE
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