Meet Rachel Bromberg

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Bromberg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.

Rachel, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through a combination of personal experience, academic exploration, and a deep desire to challenge the rigid standards of the fashion industry. Growing up as part of Generation Z, I was immersed in a digital world that often dictated how we should look, act, and present ourselves. Like many of my peers, I struggled with body image and self-confidence, shaped by an industry that rarely embraced diverse beauty standards. My early experiences in modeling reinforced this—hearing that I would have to be “hungry” to succeed made me realize how exclusionary and unrealistic these standards were.

This realization fueled my passion for creating change. While pursuing my undergraduate and master’s degrees in Media Studies and Production at Temple University, I began to explore how media, fashion, and culture intersect to shape identity. For my master’s thesis, I organized Figures, a fashion show designed to celebrate body positivity and provide a platform for models who had historically been excluded. The overwhelming response to Figures—from models, designers, and attendees—showed me that there was a need for a space where people could reclaim their identities and express themselves without fear of judgment.

That experience led me to found Authenticity Projects, a model and media startup dedicated to reshaping mainstream fashion and creating inclusive spaces for individuals of all genders and cultural backgrounds. My purpose is clear: to be my most authentic self and push the status quo, encourage representation, and build a platform where people can feel seen, valued, and empowered. Through Authenticity Projects, I’m working to redefine fashion’s role in our lives—not as a force that dictates who we should be, but as a tool for authentic self-expression.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the Founder and Creative Director of Authenticity Projects, a model and media startup dedicated to empowering individuals of all genders and cultural backgrounds by reclaiming and reshaping mainstream fashion. Our mission is to challenge outdated beauty standards, encourage self-expression, and create spaces where people can feel truly seen.

My journey began with my own struggles in the fashion industry—being told I didn’t fit the mold, feeling the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards, and experiencing the social anxiety that so many in my generation face. I knew I wanted to change that. While completing my undergraduate and master’s degrees in Media Studies and Production at Temple University, I created Figures, a fashion show centered on body positivity and inclusivity. The overwhelming response confirmed what I had always believed: there is a need for representation, for spaces where people can exist as their most authentic selves without societal constraints. That belief became the foundation for Authenticity Projects.

What excites me most about this work is its ability to spark conversations and shift perspectives. Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a reflection of identity, culture, and community. Through our shows and media projects, we explore how Generation Z navigates self-expression in a digital world that often feels isolating. Our recent show explored social anxiety, the importance of third places, and the role of nostalgic fashion in providing a sense of refuge. Inspired by Billie Eilish’s Not My Responsibility, the show challenged our audience to reconsider how they define beauty, confidence, and belonging.

Authenticity Projects is growing, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. We are expanding our reach through photoshoots, storytelling, and collaborations with like-minded creatives. Our work is about more than just fashion—it’s about creating a movement where people feel empowered to be themselves, push the status quo, and reclaim their narratives in an industry that has long dictated who gets to be seen.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three key qualities and skills that have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, storytelling, and community-building.

Resilience – The fashion industry can be incredibly exclusionary, and I’ve faced my own challenges navigating it. From being told I didn’t fit the mold as a model to producing a fashion show with limited resources, I had to push through moments of doubt. For anyone early in their journey, resilience is about staying committed to your vision even when obstacles block your path. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and don’t let setbacks define your path.

Storytelling – Whether through fashion, media, or creative direction, storytelling has been at the core of everything I do. My master’s thesis show, Figures, wasn’t just about fashion—it told a story of body positivity and self-acceptance. Authenticity Projects continues this by exploring how Gen Z experiences social anxiety, nostalgia, and identity. My advice is to find the story behind your work—whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or creative, understanding the deeper meaning behind what you do will help you connect with your audience in a powerful way.

Community-Building – I’ve learned that no creative endeavor happens totally alone. Figures was successful because of the models, designers, and crew who shared the vision. Authenticity Projects thrives because of the people involved—those who seek spaces where they can express themselves authentically. For those starting out, build relationships, collaborate, and seek out communities that align with your values. The people you connect with will help shape and strengthen your work.

Ultimately, my advice is to trust yourself, embrace the process, and take up as much space as you can. The path to pushing the status quo isn’t always easy, but if you stay true to yourself, you’ll create something meaningful.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing is breaking into larger industry spaces while maintaining the core values of Authenticity Projects. The fashion industry has historically been gatekept, favoring exclusivity over inclusion. While independent creatives are making strides in challenging these norms, gaining access to mainstream platforms still presents barriers—whether it’s securing funding, media visibility, or institutional support.

To overcome this, I’m focusing on building a strong, engaged community and continuing to produce work that speaks for itself. Authenticity Projects has gained momentum through our fashion shows and media initiatives, and now we’re expanding through collaborations, strategic partnerships, and digital storytelling. I also believe that the more we prove that inclusivity isn’t just a niche concept but the future of fashion, the more doors will open. The goal is to create something so undeniable that the industry can’t ignore it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Alana Palmer
Oanh
Amber Putnam
Sophia Tat
Daniel Williams
Tatum
Kalahari

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