Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Bromberg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My journey to pursuing a creative path professionally began with my childhood dream of becoming a model. Growing up in the early 2000s, I was captivated by the fashion industry but deeply affected by its rigid online beauty standards and exclusionary practices. Attending a modeling bootcamp at 16 was a pivotal moment for me—not just because of the harsh feedback I received about my appearance, but because I realized that these standards didn’t define my worth or potential. That experience planted the seeds of my desire to challenge and reshape the fashion world.

My self-reflection and passion flourished during my time at Temple University, where I majored in Media Studies and Production and later pursued a master’s degree. It was during this time that I realized I wanted to make a meaningful impact in an anxious and disconnected world. Inspired by my struggles with self-confidence and my vision of an inclusive fashion industry, I decided to create a platform where all body types could be celebrated and represented.

For my master’s thesis, I organized Figures, a fashion show designed as a safe, empowering space for women to embrace their authentic selves. The event not only succeeded in redefining beauty standards but also became the catalyst for founding Authenticity Projects, my model and media startup. Through this work, I continue to reclaim and reshape mainstream fashion, creating opportunities for people to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Rachel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the Founder and Creative Director of Authenticity Projects, a Philadelphia-based model and media startup dedicated to empowering individuals of all genders and cultural backgrounds. Through my work, I strive to reclaim and reshape mainstream fashion by challenging societal norms and creating inclusive spaces where people can express themselves authentically.

My journey into the fashion industry began with a personal passion for the field and a drive to address its long-standing exclusivity. Growing up in the early 2000s, I admired fashion but often struggled with self-confidence due to the industry’s rigid online beauty standards. A modeling bootcamp experience at 16 left me disheartened, but it also motivated me to create change. I began to envision a fashion world where everyone—regardless of size, shape, or background—felt welcome and celebrated.

This vision inspired me to start Authenticity Projects. We offer services and creative works like inclusive fashion shows, photoshoots, and campaigns that tackle social issues and explore themes such as body positivity, social anxiety, social connection, and individuality. One of our standout moments was the 2024 fashion show during Philly Fashion Week, which delved into the context of social anxiety within Generation Z while celebrating nostalgic Y2K styles to evoke comfort and familiarity.

What sets me and Authenticity Projects apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity and meaningful storytelling. By blending fashion with deeper cultural themes, we create spaces that inspire connection and celebrate individuality. Whether it’s hosting photoshoots in community “third places” or showcasing diverse models on the runway, Authenticity Projects goes beyond fashion to challenge norms and amplify underrepresented voices.

I’m most proud of the tangible impact Authenticity Projects has made. From helping models secure agency representation to building a supportive community, my work demonstrates that fashion can be a powerful tool for empowerment and connection. Above all, I want others to know that Authenticity Projects is a celebration of authenticity, individuality, and the transformative power of self-expression.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey is a testament to resilience. One story that stands out is my experience creating my master’s thesis project, Figures, during my time at Temple University. Organizing a fashion show from scratch as a full-time working student was no easy feat. I had to navigate countless challenges, from securing funding with little to no capital to coordinating with over 50 models, eight designers, and a support crew of volunteers. Despite the odds, the event sold out and gained local media coverage, proving that my vision resonated with the community.

My resilience didn’t just shine in logistics—it also showed in how I confronted the personal doubts tied to my early modeling experiences. As a teenager, I was told I didn’t fit the “model look,” which instilled self-doubt and anxiety. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as fuel to build a platform that embraced diversity and inclusivity—values the industry had failed to show me. The Figures show was the first step toward Authenticity Projects, embodying my ability to turn personal challenges into purposeful action.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by my mission to transform fashion into a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. Through Authenticity Projects, I strive to challenge traditional beauty standards and create opportunities for people of all genders and cultural backgrounds to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. My work addresses critical social issues like social anxiety, the lack of authentic representation in media, and the vanishing of community “third places.”

My mission goes beyond fashion. I’m dedicated to creating meaningful connections and reclaiming spaces where people can exist without societal pressures. For example, my most recent fashion show didn’t just showcase garments; it explored how Generation Z copes with uncertainty by revisiting nostalgic Y2K styles. This depth, combined with community-focused initiatives like photoshoots in public spaces, reflects my commitment to using fashion as a platform for storytelling and societal change.

My ultimate goal is to empower others to embrace their authentic selves. By creating safe spaces and celebrating diversity, I hope to inspire a shift in how society defines beauty and self-worth. I want people to know that their individuality is their greatest asset and that Authenticity Projects is here to amplify their voices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rachelbromberg.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbromberg_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bromberg-842720176/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn75jDmo_LZtIgWAB9zG96g
• Other: Authenticity Projects Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticityprojects/

  Authenticity Projects Website: https://sites.google.com/view/authenticity-projects/home

Image Credits

Oanh
Alana Palmer
Lauren Wall
Kalahari
Amber Putnam
Sophia Tat
Daniel Williams
Tatum