“Keep your mindset forward and fluid.“ | From Cultural Impact to Proud Moments in the Beauty Industry : Meet Rachael Edwards

Meet Rachael Edwards , a writer, performer, and social media coordinator based in New York city. She has professionally performed in many different settings, such as the Kennedy Center , Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and Joe’s Pub in New York City. She holds many awards and distinctions, including the 1st place title in the 2011 Negro Spiritual Competition and the YoungArts Merit Winner Award.

She graduated from Baltimore School for the Arts in 2012 with an arts diploma in voice performance. In addition, she finished her undergraduate career at the University of Baltimore with her Bachelor’s Degree in arts administration and management.

After interning with ForHarriet in 2015, she began self-publishing on Medium, and writing for various publications like WearYourVoice, WNYC Radio , Bustle, AFROPUNK Worldwide LLC , and Essence . She enjoys writing centers identity, feminism, pop culture, music, fantasy and arts equity. She organizes and hosts workshops with art organizations on how to serve rising Black and Brown artists and break down what equity should look like in arts programs with minority youth.

She has managed social media for Healthy Roots Dolls and currently works with RaceBaitR as Social Media Coordinator.

Miss EmpowHer: What does women's empowerment mean to you? Why is it important?

Rachael Edwards: Women empowerment signifies the process of allowing us to recognize and embrace our strengths, potential, and agency together and respectively. If we are not fostering and bringing about the confidence, autonomy and sense of control that we have, it's never worth it. I do not believe that empowerment is just about providing resources even though that's amazing, but creating ecosystems that encourage us to take initiatives, and actively participate in shaping their own destinies. It means nothing to me if someone younger than me can't walk through the door too. 

“Women empowerment signifies the process of allowing us to recognize and embrace our strengths, potential, and agency together and respectively.“

Miss EmpowHer: What advice would you give to other women looking to succeed in your industry? What qualities are the most important and what skills should they focus on developing?

Rachael Edwards: In everything, be eager to learn. Everything, and I mean everything is available to you. There is not a moment where you should not be asking questions and researching. It's a lesson that is not unique, we hear this all the time, but the key is to keep your mindset forward and fluid. It is so easy to get locked in and feel like you have peaked. I can even fall into the trap when I think something career-wise is going really well, or I just got promoted or seen in a way that rewards me but to stop learning is to flake or "fall off". 

“Keep your mindset forward and fluid.“

Miss EmpowHer: Tell us about a woman who has influenced your career and how their guidance has impacted your professional growth.

Rachael Edwards: There are many but the ones that I love are those who choose to be themselves no matter what rooms they are. 

Miss EmpowHer: How do you handle work-related stress and pressure, and what techniques or practices do you use to maintain your well-being while pursuing a successful career?

Rachael Edwards: I turn to my community of friends and colleagues because they are in the trenches with me and are also trying to figure it out. When I feel really stressed out, it is because I feel alone and I know that is not the case. 

Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any lessons or insights you have gained from failures or setbacks in your career, and how you have turned them into opportunities for growth and learning?

Rachael Edwards: Always give yourself grace. There is nothing that cannot be fixed and the wheels never stop turning. There is always an opportunity to fine tune what did not work. Go back to the drawing board, create recaps and analyze what went wrong then take a stab at it again. 

“There is nothing that cannot be fixed and the wheels never stop turning.“

Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any strategies or tips for building a successful network and fostering meaningful professional relationships that have helped you in your career?

Rachael Edwards: While I love a brunch or gathering, the point is to sustain those introductions and budding relationships past an event. I love following people on social media and getting chatty under their comments or in DMs. I use my social media as a vehicle so to speak. Just showing others that you are willing to support and be kind goes a long way. 

Miss EmpowHer: What strategies or tactics do you use for setting and achieving your career goals, and how do you stay motivated and focused on your objectives?

Rachael Edwards: I love taking risks. I love when people ask me how I have moved from one industry to another. For me, it's all about sharpening my skills,maximizing the moment I am in and tailoring them to the opportunity at hand. 

Miss EmpowHer: What motivated you to choose your current career field, and what do you find most fulfilling about your work?

Rachael Edwards: I always say that I grew up on the internet and have always had a knack of creating strategies based off of study, analytics and reporting. After going to school and combing through freelance opportunities, I was able to pick up the language, the skill set and find where I fit in in digital media. 

Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any specific trends or changes in your industry that you see impacting careers, and how you are preparing to adapt to these changes?

Rachael Edwards: During the pandemic we saw an uptick in hiring in many different fields but particularly tech and media. Unfortunately, we are seeing massive layoffs across the board. I am not sure if this can be considered a trend, but I think we should continue to be keen and interrogate the reasons behind big booms or trending job positions. For example, the narrative around tech on apps like TikTok was that many people could get in and get in easily. The same is happening in digital media. I think we should be careful with language and misinformation because it has the potential to lead others astray and away from sustainable career trajectories. Always do your research, tap in with industry professionals and navigate industry trends and hiring accordingly. 

“We should continue to be keen and interrogate the reasons behind big booms or trending job positions.“

Miss EmpowHer: What advice do you have for individuals who are starting their careers or looking to make a career change, based on your own experiences and lessons learned?

Rachael Edwards: Develop a strong skill set that is easily transferable. Never get stuck on the position or the industry so to speak but build your skills where you can use them everywhere. I do not care what you are doing, there is always something you can learn and take with you as you journey. 

Miss EmpowHer: How do you approach professional development and continuous learning to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your industry? 

Rachael Edwards: Lean into industry professionals that either mirror what you do or works in something that you eventually see yourself in. Another approach is to always advocate for yourself in big and small rooms.  

“Lean into industry professionals that either mirror what you do or works in something that you eventually see yourself in.“

Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any significant achievements or accomplishments in your career that you are particularly proud of and what you learned from those experiences?

Rachael Edwards: During my time with Allure Magazine as Senior Social Media Manager and Producer, I worked with some of the largest beauty professionals the world has to offer. One of my proudest achievements was producing a mini-series with CTZN Cosmetics and Sir John to talk through Black beauty trends and disparities within the beauty community as it relates to Black women. We rented Condé Nast Studios, had celebrity makeup artist Sir John come and do makeup on Allure's Editor-In-Chief, Jessica Cruel and just have a candid conversation. It was like sitting in the salon and listening to the bread of knowledge your stylist may have for you that day. Not only did she look amazing but the cultural impact on socials really showed me how long my producer arm can really grow while staying authentic to my interests. 

Miss EmpowHer: How do you balance your career ambitions with other aspects of your life, such as family, hobbies, and personal well-being?

Rachael Edwards: Prayer and as much "me time" as I can gather. In all things, I have to be centered and confident with myself or it shows in every aspect of my life. 

Miss EmpowHer: Are there any specific books, podcasts, email newsletters, thought leaders/influencers, or training courses/programs that you would recommend for personal or professional growth?

Rachael Edwards: When it comes to being a Black woman moving in the work space, I always lean on the giants who have come before so that's Audre Lorde, Toni Morrison, Fannie Lou Hamer, Zora Neale Hurston just to name a few. 

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