We recently connected with Rachele Bailey and have shared our conversation below.
Rachele, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I grew up in the entertainment industry. My mom was a model/actress in Los Angeles, and for a long time my father was editor in chief of a magazine as well as a children’s book author/illustrator. Watching my dad with his illustrations helped me with my designs (not that I got a massive amount of his talent – dresses and swimwear are the extent of my drawing skills!) I learned so much from both of my parents and their friends/co-workers, along with my own experiences in the industry.
It is essential to continue learning and growing in your craft whether it be in the entertainment industry or fashion. Things change every day and you need to be able to keep up with the times. The only things that never change are professionalism and keeping a sparkling personality.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My mom was a model/actress in Los Angeles, and one of her best friends worked in casting at a major studio. She (my mom) got me in to modeling when I was young, and I have worked in various aspects of the entertainment industry ever since. After deciding to no longer work in front of the camera as a model/actress, I worked behind the scenes as a makeup artist, stylist, casting director, assisted in productions, and now I am a talent agent coming up on my 12th year at Gage Talent in Knoxville, TN.
I love the excitement of my talent when they book jobs. I get just as excited as they do! I had a talent, who was on set at the time working alongside a famous pop singer, contact me just to say that they couldn’t believe they were living their dream and were so grateful. Those are the moments that mean the world to me. As an agent, you work 24/7. There are no days off. Sick, vacation, holidays, etc. you are never not working, so random happy notes from my talent or clients are the best!!
Additionally, I have always loved designing dresses and swimwear, but just for fun. One day, I decided to just go for it and send a few designs off to get some sample pieces made. Those pieces were used for a fashion show, and it blossomed from there. Xen by Rachele has been published in multiple magazines, and been on the runway in NYC, various charity fashion shows, and Chattanooga, Asheville, and Knoxville Fashion Week. Although designing is more of a hobby, and the pieces are used for photo shoots and runway events, I was invited to show my line at NYFW, LAFW, and Miami Swim Week as well!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My experience and knowledge of the industry, professionalism, dedication, and hard work have given me longevity in my career. This is a small industry. Everyone knows everyone so it is important to maintain a professional, honest reputation.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth. When I am contacted by a new client, who let me know they were referred by a current client, it is the highest compliment!
Image Credits
Brian McQuain, Max Ganly Photography, Jim Rigsby
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