Hey Rachel, great to have you with us so to start with where did your desire for modelling come from?
My desire for modelling came from a young age, I cannot really remember why, but I remember loving the camera. As a child, I would pose around the house and do catwalks on the table. I would also love watching music videos, I would admire the females and watched how they moved and become mesmerised with how stunning they looked.
It is actually weird that for a few years I forgot all about wanting to become a model, although I still loved the camera, my passion faded. However, I got scouted in 2019 and absolutely loved being behind the camera and my passion came flooding back. It wasn’t until an old school friend said to me in 2020, ‘Rach, you’re doing so well for yourself! I remember when we were about 8 and you would always say you wanted to be a model’. That was when everything clicked, and I realised I had manifested my life.
The modelling industry is known for being critical, how do you handle any criticism thrown your way?
Criticism has never really fazed me. Constructive criticism I can fully take on board and deal with. However, knowing the difference between constructive criticism and bullying is something every model should know. If you are being shamed about your look this is bullying but if someone is trying to give advice, just say thank you and apply it as you feel you need to. I am a thick-skinned person, so no comments ever get me down or feeling low, I take everything in my stride.
What has been your favourite shoot so far that you can discuss?
My favourite shoot so far has been with a photographer called Paula Berry in Reading. This was a collaborative beauty shoot but I enjoyed it so much. I love getting to know new people and she helped me create some of my first portfolio shots in 2019, we stayed in touch and then updated my photos in 2021. Paula is so talented and fun to be around, we take on board each other’s ideas and work together really well. Although this isn’t a huge brand shoot, I love the fact I can be myself around her and have fun whilst I am there. Sometimes just being around people who make you happy is more of a memory than making money.
When you are creative, you don’t always work within a 9-5 hour pace, how do you manage your workload with the rest of your commitments?
I have always told myself I do not want to work a 9-5 job. I love being creative and finding my own path.
My other commitments all tie in very well, it is actually strange how whenever I am booked for a shoot my other work does not interfere, it is like it’s meant to be.
What does your clothing style say about you?
My clothing style ranges so much. Some days I am dressed so girly, other days casual and other days like a boy. I love being able to express myself in clothes, my wardrobe varies so much and I wouldn’t change anything about it. Who wouldn’t want to match their outfit to their mood that day? The main thing my clothing says about me is that I love the colour brown. Brown and nude are my go-to colours and I cannot stay away from them.
What do you enjoy most from modelling and what if any aspect could you change?
The main thing I enjoy about modelling is meeting new people. I have made friends for life within the industry and wouldn’t change it for the world. There is only one thing I would change about the modelling world and that is for people to stop getting scammed, whether its agencies taking money for them to join or agencies selling a dream that they do not put the work into.
New Year’s bring new beginnings, what do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?
This year I know I am going to work with big brands, I am going to push myself to a whole new level. I am going to travel as much as I can and get myself known in international places. I know this year is going to be life-changing for me, I can feel it.
Health and fitness must be important in your line of work, is there a particular regime that you follow that you can share with us with the aim of helping others with their fitness goals?
Having a healthy lifestyle is not always about food and fitness, I like to keep my mind healthy before I do anything else. Having a healthy mind and listening to what your body needs are something I believe everyone should do.
Don’t get me wrong I do eat as healthy as possible and work out when I can, but I need a healthy mind to do these things. Meditation has helped me greatly on my journey.
What’s your dream location of a shoot and why?
Dubai, It is my dream to get to Dubai and do crazy shoots there. The location is beautiful, the scenery is breathtaking, it is in my vision, and it won’t be long until I am out there doing what I love.
There’s so much competition in the industry and I can imagine there are likely setbacks along the way, what do you to look after your well-being?
Personally, I do not take things to heart. If you are rejected for a job then it’s not the end of the world, you just weren’t the right fit for the brand, but you may be for the next one. You cannot let go of your dream due to a tiny knock on your confidence, the modelling industry is so competitive, you got to keep your confidence and self-esteem up high to keep pushing yourself. I am now lucky enough to have an agent (Emkai Models) who is so understanding when it comes to these situations, and I know he will guide me in the right direction. Sometimes you got to pick yourself back up and that’s ok, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Who do you look up to in the modelling industry?
Aisha Potter, I remember following her on Instagram years ago and I watched her journey of how she got signed to Wilhelmina Models, to going on and working with insane brands such as Pretty Little Thing, Asos, Boohoo etc. I admire her work as I saw her grow and I am ready for the same movement.
Tell me something I wouldn’t know about you, from looking at your photos?
From looking at my photos, many people do not know that I am very spiritual. I manifest everything I want in life, I work hard to get these things. I also write affirmations and listen to positive mindset podcasts to keep my vibrations as high as possible. I’m also into tarot cards and pendulums, I love the spiritual world and I am constantly learning more every day.
To finish off with Rachel, what would you say for anyone wishing to get into modelling?
The first thing I would say for anyone who wants to get into modelling is to start by collaborating with photographers in the area. This will help grow your social media as a model and from here more and more people will want to work with you. The more your face is seen in creative photos the better. Confidence is also key, be yourself and stand out, create whatever you feel like, it is your time to get used to the camera, it is your time to shine.
Follow Rachel Denham
INSTAGRAM | AGENT | PHOTOGRAPHER | INTERVIEWER
#Rachel.Q&A.Fashionmodel
Connor Mantle
Young entrepreneur and freelance model. Founder of the AW20 Hope & Glory Fashion show, with interests in mythology, spiritualism and astrology among many others. One can be contacted via Instagram @Connormantle