AKIRA International Women's Week

Who Runs The World? Girls!

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.
- Oprah Winfrey

​When I was a little girl I remember looking at magazines and seeing these beautiful, tall, astonishing women thinking "wow, I wish I could be like them." As a young girl, I was bombarded with these women who seemed undeniably unreal, masked by perfect skin, hair, and bodies. I mean even the Disney princesses I watched would wake up with perfect hair and makeup, let us be real, no one wakes up in the morning with ringlets and curls. More like nappy hair and drool alongside their cheek.

You're probably wondering why I am starting this blog post this way and it's simple. I grew up having these unreal expectations of how women are. As I grew my mind was watered by the media and I slowly started to believe that someone like me, 5'5, with imperfections, could never be one of those girls in the magazines. It shot down my confidence and the modeling and the acting world didn't make it easier.

I would go on auditions and would constantly hear "well you're pretty but just not the look we're searching for." Or "You're just not tall enough." As if a woman could simply be defined by a look. What is the look? Is one person always the same? I started to believe that it would never happen to me and my confidence truly took a huge hit. I even started to second guess being apart of this industry.

When you see me as this 'blogger' you see all the good. The smiles, the decked out hair, the fully done makeup. You don't see the endless nights of scrolling thinking "I will never look like these beautiful other bloggers". You don't hear the thoughts going in, the endless questioning if people can see all those small imperfections that you see. You see the mask, the mirror of someone who smiles no matter what.

It took time to grow and absolutely love myself. That takes time and dedication along with lots and lots of watering. Just like a seed you need to sprinkle nourishment and love into yourself so you can grow into that rose that you're supposed to be.

We are women, we are strong, beautiful, and so diverse and that is what makes us so beautiful. I am proud to say that certain companies are erasing that cliche of someone holding the perfect 'look' one that has been forced down our throats since childhood.

On Akira's spread, you can see women of all shapes, colors, and backgrounds and I was truly honored to be representing a brand that portrays that image.

The feeling is surreal when you go on one of your favorite stores and actually see your picture staring back at you. Two things went through my mind. One, pure bliss because it proved that all my hard work is slowly starting to pay off. I thank God that opportunities are coming my way because nothing great ever comes easy. The second was something different and special. I felt this weird connection and pride. Out of all these beautiful amazing women in Chicago I was chosen to represent women on our international week. We as women as so dynamic that being able to be on a spread, dedicated to women, is truly a humbling and honorable experience.

I want to represent the girls who don't think they're pretty enough, or tall enough, or good enough to follow their dreams. I want them to know that you ARE and you CAN. When you look in the mirror don't let those cliches cloud your reflection, only allowing you to see your imperfections. Look in the mirror and know that you are a QUEEN.

All the imperfections in your life don't make you less but build you up to be the person that you are meant to be. You are strong, you are mighty, and you are WOMAN!

I am pleased to show you some of these fantastic pictures taken of me and some amazing women. Thanks so much again for taking the time to read this blog post.

Until next time
xoxox
Rachel