Next up in our Model of the Month Series is Rachael Hirsch. Rachael has modeled for us in two collections (stepping in at the last minute for her first time with us) and is such a great SmartGlamour supporter! Rachael chose her favorite photos from SmartGlamour collections and also some of her own Outfit of the Day photos to feature!
1. Aside from occasionally modeling for SmartGlamour – what do you do?Â
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I feel really fortunate to be able to wear so many different hats outside of modeling! Â I have been an Opera Singer for the past 10 years, and I love being able to share the gift of music with others. Â I am also very passionate about educating people of all ages, creeds and nationalities about why it is so important to keep the arts alive and strong in the United States. When I’m not preparing for concerts or productions, rehearsing, or traveling for my singing career, I also am the office manager at IMG Artists, one of the world’s leading classical music management firms. Staying immersed in the business aspect of my industry keeps me on my toes for sure! Aside from my fierce love of music and the performing arts, I absolutely love empowering other women to be their best selves. Â I volunteer frequently, and especially love working with organizations that look to help and educate women. Â Of course, I love trying delicious new food, traveling, being outdoors in nature, cuddling my kitty Samson, and taking in everything the fabulous city of New York has to offer.
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2. How did you get involved with the brand?
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I came across a SmartGlamour post on Instagram calling for two more models to walk in the first ever Fall 2014 SG fashion show. I had been following SG already for a couple of months and had fallen in love with its message and beautiful clothes, so I said ‘why not?’ I sent in my measurements, and not long after that, I was strutting myself down the runway-It was awesome! I have felt so honored to be a part of this special brand’s growth and to witness how it’s changing the lives of so many women. Not to mention, my closet has gotten considerably cuter. Just saying… 🙂
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Rachael in her Arianna Convertible Dress, maxi length – black and teal floral
Rachael in her Joan Sheath Dress in our sold out blue and white check
3. You’ve modeled for us multiple times – what makes you continue to come back?
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It’s pretty simple. SmartGlamour is a brand created by a real (fabulous) woman, who understands real women, and does an unbelievable job of empowering women through fashion to feel gorgeous in their own skin. Â THAT’S powerful. Â In a society that tells women they have to fit a set of standards to be considered beautiful, it is SO refreshing to see a company that is doing something fresh, something different, and doing it WELL. How could I not continue to come back and show my support?
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4. What does body positivity mean to you?
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Body positivity means loving every inch of the skin you’re in. Â It means loving the little squiggly stretch marks that show how much you’ve grown, it means loving the little rolls on your stomach (I endearingly call mine the ‘Little Poochie’), it means loving the way your thighs hike stairs and strut down the sidewalk to get you to where you need to go, it means accepting whatever you’ve got going on and unapologetically owning it. Â The world is tough enough as it is, we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves as women! Always speak to yourself as you would speak positively about your best friend. Â Remember that there is not one other body on planet earth that is exactly like yours. I also think it’s safe to say that exhibiting body positivity doesn’t just mean loving and honoring everything you’ve got, I believe it means honoring and respecting what all women have–We’re all in this together!
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5. If there is a message you could put across to other women through your modeling photos – what would that be?
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The message is plain and simple …Confidence is key! However you feel about yourself on the inside is sure to manifest on the outside.  It is my hope that when women see my photos and strutting down a catwalk, they think to themselves “hey…that girl isn’t perfect, and she’s still loving herself, and loving life.”  Happiness does not begin when you’ve think you’ve achieved the “perfect body” (what is the perfect body, by the way? Has anyone figured that out?) Oh yes, the perfect body is YOUR body, exactly how it is right now in this very moment. Cool, right? 🙂Â
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6. What is your advice to other women who would like to give modeling a try?
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Throw any fears out of the window and go for it! Confidence, confidence, confidence!  It is important to also research different agencies to find out which one may be the best fit for you. For a long time, I only assumed models came in one shape and one size, but that’s not true!  I have had the pleasure of being a part of the curve division with MSA Models for the past year and a half, and I believe it’s so important not to take yourself too seriously.  Relax, enjoy the process of learning, expect a lot of work, a lot of rejection and keep staying diligent and positive on your own personal journey.  Getting as much practice as you can is also so important! Get in front of the camera as much as possible! Go to classes! Put on your iTunes and strut through your apartment to nail your catwalk!– Whatever it takes! Work hard, keep smiling through it all, and stay humble!
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