MEET LA MUZA: Rahel Brhane
Rahel has moved to NYC with one idea in mind, becoming a blogger. After easily navigating her way to collaborating with well known brands, she has succeeded in creating her own platform and using her voice to make women feel happy and comfortable in their own skin. She skyrocketed her following to 118K and works A LOT. Scheduling this photoshoot took weeks, eventually it happened. After having a deep conversation with Rahel on Juneteenth of this 2020th year, it became clear that she had a strong message for brands in the fashion industry that needs to be heard.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Stuttgart, Germany. I am originally from Eritrea, a country in East Africa next to Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti.
What is your motto in life?
My current motto is to live a life with no regrets! I hope to be the 90 year old who is proud of her decisions and encourages the younger generations to understand how to do the same.
Given the current global awareness of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, how do you feel about Brands approaching you for their campaigns?
I have to say that even for me as a Black woman the #Blacklivesmatter movement was a wake up call to actively be a force in pushing the change! So I am more comfortable demanding that brands or companies and the human beings behind those entities have to understand that this movement matters.
I became aware of how sensitive I am when brands approach me now. I would like to make it clear that if they are not in support of Black lives and creatives then they will be classified as the opposite moving forward.
I am confident and will be very open to voice why I do not want to participate in campaigns based on their lack of understanding. Brand diversity is about giving brands and outlook for change and it starts with us creatives knowing when to speak up.
What message do you have for brands that have failed at including diversity in their marketing?
I want brands to understand how to project the melting pot that we are. They speak to the world in their marketing approaches and the majority have been directing their campaigns solely to the Caucasian population for far too long. It needs to be a priority to include a colorful set of people even when it appears that you don’t have access to them. Making it happen should be the priority. Diversity is not invisible.
What does the future of fashion look like to you? What are the changes that you wish to see?
I want to see people with various backgrounds, religions, sexualities, genders or body types have the same exact opportunities solely based on their personalities and talents. I want to know that people are considered in branding based on their work ethic, talent and passions. It’s crazy to know that in 2020 we still have to fight for equal rights.
What has been your biggest accomplishment since launching your career?
Being in the social media space, people used to make me feel that this wasn't an actual career path. But the fact that I kept going and believed in myself rather than the judgment of my surroundings made me who I am now and I couldn't be more proud of that! I created a brand around my persona and made a living off of it. That is definitely my biggest accomplishment to date!
Do you have a muse?
I do, and it will forever be the inspiring Queen, Rihanna.
...Your biggest challenge?
Answering this question... lol
But seriously, I feel that my biggest challenge is my work space is letting go of the judgments in my mind. I am working on not allowing critics to rule my content and my world. I start by letting myself know that I don’t owe anyone anything!
For women that are considering following your career path, what are your tips and recommendations for this path forward?
To all my ladies... be your absolute self. Be aware of who you are. Even if you think NobOdy wants to hear it. There are people who relate to that sentiment and they need your voice just as you needed someone to be that voice to you.
What has been most inspiring to you about Casa Muza?
I love the fact that Casa Muza represents femininity and power balanced so beautifully. I love to know that two hard working women are behind this brand and want the world to know that beauty is what you want it to be!
Thank you for including me in this interview series! I am honored to be able to inspire creative women to just do what they want to do - because we deserve it!
Special thanks to Love Uffot <3