We were lucky to catch up with Rachael Dowd recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rachael, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I feel like people who have a rough past go in one of two directions. Optimism or pessimism. There are going to be exceptions like any thing else, of course. Optimist route was my choice. With a bit of realism sprinkled in. The experiences I’ve gone through and the way I chose to accept and heal from them are where my optimism comes from. You can either take it in stride or let it knock you down. I have long legs so striding seemed like the best option. Hasn’t failed me yet. Life has a funny way of working out if you let it. What you think and speak often become your reality so be gentle with yourself and never stop learning. Might not believe it all the time but there is always a way out of whatever situation you feel stuck in. We’re all just out here trying to live.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a fashion model currently signed with Select Model Atlanta. My brand is focused around beauty, editorial, fashion, and commercial work. Though, nothing is really off the table. I’m very open to new experiences if it means I’m growing or learning in my craft. Modeling is thrilling. The makeup and hair process, the fittings, the ability to adapt to different moods and photographer styles. It’s like transforming into a different person. I fell in love with it 4 years ago and haven’t looked back. I’m also a co-host and event coordinator for a mental health platform called EmpowerTalk Media. We have a panel/podcast and we host events and workshops such as open mic nights and pop up shops. Our main focus is mental health and topics that aren’t widely discussed on the media. We do interviews and are always looking for more people to bring onto the show. I have so much love for my Empower team.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
A strong work ethic, resilience, and optimism. Sugar, spice, and everything nice, right? It takes time and failure to develop anything but you have to want it. Get out of your own way. My biggest piece of advice is to keep your space filled only with people who inspire you and push you to do better. We become who we surround ourselves with. I fully believe that. We could argue that the things I listed are a matter of nature vs nurture. Which isn’t wrong. But ultimately, it’s all about choices. Remember those books that let you decide what page to flip to next? Your choices lead to different endings. That’s life. You are in control of your story. Make it a best seller.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Always looking! I do this because I love it. I never want to lose excitement for what I do because I got too focused on getting bookings and money. The amount of amazing, talented, and genuine individuals I’ve met by doing collaborations is worth more to me than any paycheck. If you have a concept you’ve been wanting to try or you’re just feeling creative, don’t hesitate to reach out. 9 times out of 10, I’m going to say yes. Some of my favorite work was the result of a collab and I’d love to add more to the roster.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://selectmodel.com/atlanta/women/new-faces/rachael-david?fbclid=PAAaYsWiyODOd5DL1eP3qkkymXnHZHP7JNp58aJer7ghcRHlBNssTW3-0Diec_aem_ASEyKOAfL2d_yQYjv74W-tXKXHdos7c9vNEzx4UP2r8PxW2v6hyLbyuNc58FpbHtbkk
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachaeldowd_?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
Image Credits
@tmcguirejr @1glanceatl @rawopticts @photosbychampion @andrebrownphoto @amphoto1
