Rachel
“There is something undeniably beautiful in the relationships between women, the connections we all share and the differences yet similarities we seem to face. ”
Rachel, or Rach, will always be there for you, whenever you need her. She always makes time for everyone around her, and you can always count on her for a laugh, a wine-infused boogie or some top-notch advice. Rach is also incredibly driven; when she puts her mind to something, she does it. She gives her all at work, to her health and wellbeing, and to her relationships. She’s is fun-loving, loyal, compassionate, hard working and kind. She is an amazing friend. Meet Rach. This is her story.
Rach with a wine, outside, with her friends (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself!
R: I’ve lived in Wellington all my life. I go to a cafe most weekends, my go-to is an oat milk latte, and I love going to the beach and yabbering with my girls. I’ve been to uni, seen a decent amount of the world and am now in the process of building my career.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
R: I’m a people person, I love nothing more than being around my amazing friends and family and I make an active effort to make time for anyone. I like to think I don’t take myself too seriously and I’m a serious travel enthusiast, I’m always looking for the next adventure. Life is too short to be boring!
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
R: I like my ability to talk to just about anyone. It can be awkward and uncomfortable when there’s radio silence in a room and I often find that I’m the one that keeps the conversation rolling. I also never like seeing people feel awkward or out of place in a social setting so I enjoy having the confidence to start conversation with strangers.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
R: A few years ago now I had a trip around Europe planned with my long term boyfriend, unexpectedly we broke up and I felt broken. I decided I would still go to Europe and travel around on my own - this boy wasn’t going to ruin my travel plans. This experience was the best thing I could have ever possibly done. Travelling alone not only made me experience some of the happiest feelings of my life, I also got to see and do whatever I wanted. I was more independent and content with myself than ever before. This experience helped me find myself again after getting lost for a wee while. It grew my confidence like never before and I’m a more confident girl today because of it. The enjoyment and personal empowerment of backpacking around Europe on your own is like nothing else and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
R: Care less about what people think of you! I spent so much of my younger years trying to fit in, get people to like me, be part of the ‘cool’ group. I held so much pressure on myself about how I should act and what I should look like. I’d absolutely tell my younger self that none of it matters, and who you are when you’re young does not define you at all for what you can become.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
R: Being a woman is being strong and bad ass, while also being okay about having a break down, having emotions and owning it! There is something undeniably beautiful in the relationships between women, the connections we all share and the differences yet similarities we seem to face. Women are compassionate, understanding, strong and undeniably clever. So many amazing women have helped shape me into the woman I am today and I don’t know where I’d be without them.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
R: My mum is one woman who will never fail to inspire me. She’s not only the one I come to confide in or ask for advice, but she’s also the one I send pictures of my dinners to or ask for outfit opinions. A best friend and mum all in one. She has been through unbelievable circumstances in life and I still struggle to comprehend how she coped with it like she did. Through it all, she remains the most caring, gentle and loving sole I could ever be blessed with. If there’s one person who I know would always be there if life came crumbling down, there’s no doubt in my mind it’d be her. I inspire to be as loving and kind as her, no matter how little people deserve it.
If she were with me right now, I’d just give her the biggest bear hug and she’d know.