Thanks to her beauty, charisma, and talent, Gwen Rachel @grachel03 was added to Agency F|H’s arsenal of modeling weapons in 2017. She is a ravishing young girl who brings life to every runway and photo shoot she has worked on, having been published several times in different magazines. In this Teenlionaire @teenlionaire interview, the gorgeous 15-year-old star discusses her personal life, career, and aspiring achievements.
Say hello to Gwen Rachel, a beautiful multi-talented girl from Ohio… At just 15 years of age, Gwen has been featured in countless modelling projects ranging from photo shoots to runway… She’s being managed by Jackie Bertolette of DMSM and is signed with Heyman Talent and Agency F|H. She’s a brand ambassador for LuvUrSkin. She has modeled for Perfectly Posh and was a former fit model for Abercrombie & Fitch. She’s walked runway in the likes of Fashion Meets Music Festival, RAW at the House of Blues, and New York Fashion Week… I think I’d stop there… Well, Gwen, tell me how you started modelling. Heard you started with TV commercials, so that’d be a good point to start with.
What you heard is true. I was 7 years old when I booked my first principal role in a television commercial through Heyman Talent. I love the hustle and bustle of being on set! I have been very fortunate to have steady work in this industry over the past 8 years!
At age 7, wow!… And to this day, what are the most interesting or your favorite experiences in the fashion industry?
The fashion industry was foreign to me prior to about 18 months ago, so I had a lot to learn! There is such a big difference in how you pose in commercial print versus fashion and after receiving coaching from my manager Jackie, she introduced me to Jeff Hartman (@bitmod), who worked closely with internationally-renowned designers Thomas and Jessica Horst (Horst Couture & Mz. Steamy). His pose coaching took my abilities to a whole new level and introduced me to the world of couture.
On that note, which international brands do you dream of shooting for—and why?
I have always envisioned myself doing campaigns for Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and Chanel. I am a huge fan of all three brands and I feel my look would represent those brands well. I also have a love for everything Dolce & Gabbana!
Interesting… Well, what has been the most challenging part of your modelling career?
Being 5’4″ in this industry is by far the most challenging part for me! Fashion models are “tall” and I understand the reasons behind that when it comes to how designers and the fashion industry work as a whole, but I have focused on making myself relevant in the industry, despite my height. I have grown my Instagram following to 75,000 followers and I put in extra effort to really promote brands I agree to work with as an ambassador. I “photograph tall”, which helps and I have become a pro at walking runway in 5 to 6 inch heels to even out the playing field a little. 😉
Hmm… Which supermodel do you consider to have been the best since modelling became a profession—and why?… Do you believe you can outshine her one day?
Gigi Hadid was the first supermodel that I really started following and emulating when I was studying the industry. She is very versatile, but classic in her print and runway style. I love classic beauty! As far as outshining her…that would be very difficult. I would love to experience half of the success she has had in this industry. She is amazing!
You have tens of thousands of followers on Instagram. You’re widely loved, you’re a public figure. People around the world know you… Apart from the fact that you enjoy showing off your beauty, how are you taking this celebrity lifestyle?… People expect a lot from this point… Have you gotten used to being a celebrity or still learning?
I think that because my fan base is international, it makes it easier to live a “normal” life. People in my community are accustomed to seeing me in television commercials, magazines or on billboards because I have been doing those things for so long. I really don’t think people in my community think of me as a celebrity. I do try to interact with my fans and I respond to messages and have sent autographed comp cards to hundreds of fans over the past year. I feel it is important to be engaged with fans and supporters! They are the main reason I get to do what I do and I love them for that!
Let’s move to you as an individual… List three activities you enjoy doing apart from modelling… And do you think any of these activities run in the family?
I was born into a family of long distance runners and that definitely seems to be my thing! My grandfather completed 4 marathons, my father completed 5 marathons (including Boston), my mother and her sister ran cross country and my aunt has completed several marathons. Running is therapeutic and relaxing to me. I run cross country for my high school and will be adding track this Spring.
I really enjoy hiking and nature walks. My favorite hike so far was an “unintentional” 8-mile loop in the Sabino Canyon of Tucson, Arizona to Seven Falls. We were told it was 4 miles, but what they meant was that it was 4 miles there…and 4 miles back. It was a little difficult to push through and we got a little low on water, but the scenery was breathtaking.
I golf for fun occasionally too. My father and brothers all golf very well and I enjoy joining them once in a while for 9 holes.
Lastly, a beauty tip from Gwen Rachel…?
Wash your face every night! I am amazed at the number of people my age who go to sleep with makeup on, or don’t wash their face after playing or practicing sports. It is a simple way to help prevent breakouts and premature aging. Everyone is so focused on makeup… and I love makeup as well, but you have to have fresh, clean skin as a base for the makeup.
Credits:
Photos by Shannon Williams
