Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Dowd.
Rachael, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey began when I moved to Canton, Georgia, in December of 2016. Let’s call it a “rebirth” of sorts, as this was the first time I finally had the opportunity and desire to begin healing from the many traumas that make up my past. I was given a place to stay by one of my sisters and her family on their farm. It was there I discovered myself and met some of my most favorite people and my biggest supporters to this day.
I had always dreamed of being a model. I was that girl watching America’s Next Top Model, wishing I could be like them. Never thought I was beautiful or deserved it, though. In the early years of my childhood, I was made fun of because I was awkward, skinny, and taller than everyone else… but let’s be honest. It was mainly because my ears stick out. No amount of compliments from my mother could convince me I wasn’t ugly! I was also a victim of manipulation and sexual abuse from my early grade school years until around the age of 16. This, too, proved to take a very large toll on my confidence and self-worth for many years.
My first photoshoot was in 2018. It was short and simple but sparked the flame just enough to get me yearning for more. I began experimenting with self-portraits and finding local photographers on Instagram. It wasn’t until January of 2019 that I really started to dive in. Many of my beginning shoots were lingerie and nude. I was convinced it was the way to get into the industry. To get noticed and gain followers and likes. Unfortunately, I fell into the trap of many claiming to be safe. Knowing what I know now, I do wish I had done it differently. But as we all know, we can only learn from our past. We cannot change it. That said, I’ve met some amazing creatives through it all that are so full of motivation and the drive to grow and learn. They have helped me figure out the path I want to take and the type of model I want to become.
Once realizing what I wanted to reach for, I set a new goal and began searching for an agency. In September 2019, I signed with HOPModels in Atlanta. This led to my first experience walking a runway. I attended Atlanta Fashion Week and immediately fell in love. In March, I participated in my second show for Bovtiqve Fashion Week. This really drove it home for me that I want runway to be a big part of my modeling career and finalized the type of brand I aim be.
Currently, we are in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. I am spending this lockdown in isolation but making the best of it by practicing poses, facial expressions, and walking in all sorts of heels. I’m building a website, networking when I can, and enjoying my hobbies to keep myself motivated. It has been a rocky start for us all. It may not be over yet, but I can’t wait to see everyone emerge stronger than before. There are goals to be achieved and art to be made! Stay safe. Spread love.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t say anything in my life has been a smooth road. But I try to stay positive and use everything as a learning experience. My main challenge was, and still is, my mental illnesses. Therapy has been a huge help, along with removing toxic members of my family and friends. It is still a daily trial, but I don’t hold myself back near as much as I used to. Seeing myself slowly turn into the young woman I am today never fails to make me smile.
A big struggle for me to get past was the creatives who tried and sometimes succeeded, to take advantage. It took me a long time to understand that you can say no to anything that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy, and you don’t have to feel bad about it. Pictures are not worth your safety or sanity. There are so many people out there who want nothing more than for you to succeed and have a good experience. Appreciate them and keep your distance from the rest. There are always going to be obstacles, but there’s always a way to overcome them. Don’t be afraid to ask for a reference, help, or advice.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a 24-year-old model currently based in the Atlanta area. Runway and fashion are the main focus of my brand, but I enjoy editorial shoots just as well. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown in such a short amount of time. All without losing sight of what I want to achieve in the process. My drive and desire to reach my goals, regardless of my past, is what sets me apart. My extra time is spent researching, learning, and practicing ways to get better at the work I do. Whether it be angles, makeup techniques, lighting, etc. I will do what I can to make it where I want to be while staying humble and encouraging and helping the people around me. I want everyone to succeed and I’ll never forget those who have pushed me along the way. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for their constant love and support.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment at this time is getting signed with my agency. It was a turning point in my career and really set the bar for me in regards to what I can and will do. It proved that the work I had been doing was paying off. I was denied by a few different agencies beforehand because of my tattoos. I was disheartened at first but quickly realized it was a blessing. It showed me they weren’t the right place for me, so I kept trying in order to find the one that was. I got the email for an interview with HOP and was signed just days later. I was so excited and in disbelief that I immediately shared it everywhere. They have been wonderful to me thus far and I will forever be grateful for them giving me the chance.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2178209141
- Email: r.dowd08@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeldowd_/
Image Credit:
@djvancronkhite
@ruffcuts7
@nureign
@mevphotographie
@shotbynehemiah
@thischrisedits
@facenphotography
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