Meet Rachel Lauren | Model Mentor & Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Lauren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is “fake it until you make it”. There is no need to fake it. Everyday we are making it the best we can with what we have, not matter what that looks like. Every time we do something, we made it happen and we should be celebrating, even the smallest of victories.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am Rachel Lauren, your Ms. Model Mentor! I am an award winning model coach and mentor. I also work in production for fashion shows and other events. I work with many companies such as hiTechMODA for New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, FTM Fashion Week, Hair and Motion Magazine, Nira Rose Boutique, and Veblen Entertainment Group, just to name a few. I am also the lead brand ambassador for the Novelty Cigar Bar and Lounge.

What sets me apart from others is the knowledge and experience that I bring to the table. I have almost 34 years of experience in this industry, first starting out as a model. I have trained and worked with great people that have poured into me and have taken the time to make sure that I am learning, growing, and presenting myself in the best professional light possible.

What excites me the most about what I do is seeing the reactions from the people I have coached and helped get into model opportunities. The hugs, smiles, and the gratitude make all my efforts worthwhile while creating memories.

Getting to year 5 of Model Mentor by Rachel Lauren was not easy. Two months after I started and was working on my reality show called The Raleigh Come Up, I was in a car accident and broke my heel bone. For the next 3 years I had 2 surgeries and had to learn to walk normal again 3 times. I was in the bed a lot and it got depressing fast, so I decided to be productive. I learned how to edit videos, do nails and makeup, build a website, and everything else that I was going to need for my business. I also built a team of mentors to assist me with the models (Cleveland Wilson, Mr. Model Mentor, Chrisette, Miss Teen Model Mentor, Grayson, Mr. Teen Model Mentor, and my former Miss Teen Model Mentor, Kyra Harts).

I have learned to not lean on my own understanding. All my help comes from God and the people he placed in my life, either for a lesson or a blessing. I have learned to trust in myself; to trust that I know what I’m doing and that I do it very well. I have learned that I am not supposed to be in every room, and what is for me will be made clear. Anything that causes confusion or cause me to feel uncomfortable is a no for me.

I want the world to know about the story behind Ms. Model Mentor is one of encouragement. It may not be easy to keep going but it is simple. It is a simple choice that can lead to big results. I chose to not let anything stop me and there are rewards that come with that choice. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. Everyone’s success looks different and you have to be happy with the way success chooses to present itself to you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have had the please of visiting many place around Raleigh while hosting Model Mentor on Location. For delicious food I recommend Taverna Agora. They have such wonderful Mediterranean food and delicious wine! I also recommend Hady’s International Restaurant. All types of African dishes from egusi soup with fufu or cassava leaves with goat. Hady’s is my comfort food! I believe my ultimate favorite is SoHot Hot Pot. There are no words, just try it! When it comes to finding great cocktails and wine, I enjoy going to the Willard, the Haymaker, Halcyon, and Melanated Wine.
Some fun spots to visit is the Art Museum, Fenton in Cary, and Raleigh Iron Works. If hanging out is on the agenda, then we have to go to any event hosted by NC Vibes, Frankies, Inkspired, or one of the many events and show that I work, including my own show, the first and only fully choreographed and scripted fashion show, Fashion…with a Twist!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my mom, Karen King, aka Karen In Ghana. Although I was introduced into the modeling and fashion world by my grandmother, my mom has been a solid support system in all my entrepreneurial ventures. She began and succeeded at several businesses and even wrote books, so I got a lot of knowledge first hand when it came to being your own boss. My mom has been living in Ghana for a a year and a half, and is taking the country by storm, from her land and realty business, to her YouTube channel, to her recently purchasing a store. My mom is a force to be reckoned with and I look forward to being successful just like her!

Website: www.msmodelmentor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msmodelmentor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsModelMentor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr55TuenLYE4zLNvwbuzuzA

Image Credits
Aldo Fotografia Jorge Miranda Lem Mobley Galen Draper