Rachel Margis: Modeling, Jewelry, and the Power of Creativity

07/08/24 • 26 min

In this episode of Style Interpreted, Rachel Margis, a model and jewelry designer, shares her journey from Wisconsin to Chicago. Rachel's story is an example of the power of creativity, community, and self-discovery, offering a wealth of inspiration and practical wisdom.

Rachel was born in Texas but spent her formative years in Wisconsin, just west of Milwaukee. She attended UW Madison, where her love for big cities began to take root. Her dream of living in a major urban center eventually led her to Chicago, a city she has called home for over four years. "I love meeting so many different people from different walks of life," she says, emphasizing the unique blend of Midwestern kindness and global diversity that Chicago offers.

Rachel's career in marketing has been as diverse as the city she loves. From telecom to financial services, she has always gravitated towards roles that allow her to combine her love for numbers with her passion for people. "Marketing is the fun side of business," she explains. "You can be creative and strategic at the same time." This duality has served her well, both in her corporate career and her entrepreneurial endeavors.

One of Rachel's significant achievements is her jewelry business, which she started at the tender age of 16. Initially crafting pieces for music festivals and weddings, she has since shifted her focus to creating dainty gold jewelry. Her brand, Sea Blossom Jewelry, reflects her sunny disposition and creative spirit. "I saw a market fit for gold-filled jewelry," she explains, highlighting the practical and aesthetic considerations that drive her designs.

Modeling is another facet of Rachel's multifaceted career. She began modeling in her teens but took a hiatus to focus on her marketing career. Recently, she has rekindled her passion for the runway, joining a modeling agency in Chicago. "I felt a little imposter syndrome," she admits, but her faith and determination helped her push through. "If I don't do it, I'm going to regret it," she says, encapsulating her fearless approach to life.

Rachel's insights into personal branding are particularly relevant in today's digital age. "Everyone does have a personal brand," she notes. "It's important to showcase who you are." This philosophy extends to her modeling and jewelry business, where authenticity and self-expression are paramount. Her advice to aspiring models and entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: "Always nurture your inner child and allow your creativity to shine."

Rachel's faith plays a central role in her life and work. Growing up in a Christian household, she has always relied on her faith to navigate life's challenges. "God has been so good to me in so many aspects of my life," she shares. This spiritual foundation has given her the strength to overcome obstacles and the courage to pursue her dreams.

Community is a recurring theme in Rachel's narrative. From her involvement in the church to her participation in Chicago's vibrant modeling scene, she values the connections she makes along the way. "We're all trying to help each other and grow," she says, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives her forward.

Rachel's story is a powerful reminder that creativity, faith, and community are essential ingredients for a fulfilling life. Whether she's designing jewelry, posing for a photo shoot, or crafting a marketing campaign, she approaches each endeavor with passion and purpose. Her journey is not just about personal success but about uplifting others and building a supportive, creative community.

For anyone looking to find their place in the world, Rachel's advice is clear: "Feed your inner child, nurture your creativity, and always see the joy in things." Her wisdom and example offer valuable lessons for all of us, reminding us to stay true to ourselves and embrace the unique gifts we bring to the world.

Previous Episode

Linda Carallis: The Timeless Fashionista Redefining Style

Linda Carallis, a name synonymous with style and sophistication, graced the Style Interpreted Podcast with her captivating story of transitioning from Naperville's classrooms to the bustling world of Chicago fashion. As a fashion content creator and stylist, Linda's path illustrates the power of passion and reinvention.

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Linda always had an eye for fashion. "I would read every fashion magazine imaginable," she recalls. From an early age, she was captivated by the allure of makeup, hair, and clothing. Despite the norms of her time, Linda embraced her unique style, often dressing up while her peers opted for jeans and flannel shirts.

Linda's professional journey began in education. For nearly a decade, she nurtured young minds as an elementary school teacher and reading specialist. "Once a teacher, always a teacher," she affirms. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, influencing her approach to fashion—methodical, thoughtful, and always aiming to inspire.

But Linda's path took an unexpected turn during the economic downturn of 2008. With the job market in turmoil, she found herself working as a paralegal in some of Chicago's top law firms. It was a challenging time, but Linda's resilience shone through as she navigated temporary positions and contract work. "I managed to find temporary positions as a temp," she shares, reflecting on those tumultuous years.

Fashion, however, remained Linda's true calling. "I've always been about fashion," she admits. The seeds of her stylist career were sown early on, nurtured by her love for sewing and fabric. "In middle school, we had home economics, and sewing was part of it. I used to love to spend time in the fabric store," she reminisces. This passion for creating her outfits laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

Fast forward to today, and Linda Carallis has become a style and creativity icon in Chicago. She attributes her success to her unwavering belief in authenticity and self-expression. "Just be your authentic self and trust yourself," she advises. This ethos is evident in her work, as she continues to break barriers and challenge societal norms, particularly around ageism in fashion.

Linda's involvement with the Silver Sisters movement underscores her commitment to inclusivity. "They're influencers on social media, and they are proud of their gray hair," she explains. This movement champions the idea that beauty and style are ageless, empowering women to embrace their natural selves.

Her connection with Chicago's fashion scene runs deep. As an ambassador for the city's vibrant fashion community, Linda is dedicated to spotlighting local talent. "We need to bring more attention to Chicago," she asserts. Her passion for the city and its creative potential is palpable, driving her mission to elevate Chicago on the global fashion stage.

One of the most striking aspects of Linda's story is her seamless transition into content creation. "I never really imagined it beforehand; it just happened," she says. From personal social media accounts to a thriving brand, Linda's journey into the digital realm has been organic and impactful. Her advice to aspiring content creators is simple yet profound: "Throw caution to the wind, live your life with passion and abandon, and go out there and put yourself out there."

Linda's story is not just about fashion; it's about resilience, reinvention, and the courage to follow one's passion. Her journey from teaching to styling is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. "It's never too late. Just do it," she urges, embodying the spirit of perseverance and passion.

As Linda continues to inspire through her work, she remains a beloved figure in the Chicago fashion community. Her upcoming product line, Olavida, promises to blend her love for fashion with holistic skincare, further showcasing her innovative spirit.

Linda Carallis is more than a stylist; she's a storyteller, a teacher, and a beacon of authenticity. Her journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the beauty of self-expression.

Next Episode

Mary Odafe: From Doctor to Model, Embracing Her Unique Beauty

In the latest episode of "Style Interpreted," we delve into the inspiring story of Mary Odafe, a woman of many talents who has gracefully transitioned from a clinical psychologist to a model in Chicago’s fashion scene. Mary’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing one’s unique beauty and talents, despite societal pressures and personal insecurities.

Mary, the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, was born in the United States and grew up in a predominantly white suburb of Ohio. Her childhood was marked by feelings of invisibility and a struggle to see herself as beautiful. “I grew up feeling very insecure about my place in the world,” she shares, reflecting on the challenges she faced as a dark-skinned black woman in an environment that did not reflect her identity.

Despite the early challenges, Mary’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. Encouraged by friends and strangers who saw her potential, she decided to venture into the world of modeling at the age of 31. “After my 31st birthday, I decided that this was going to be the year I stopped being scared,” Mary explains. This bold decision marked the beginning of Mary O. Creative, her brand that encompasses modeling, visual arts, and photography.

Balancing her professional career as a licensed clinical psychologist with her creative pursuits, Mary has managed to carve out a space for herself in the fashion industry. She speaks candidly about the pressures to fit into a single box and the importance of embracing multiple talents and interests. “We are very dynamic human beings with different talents and interests,” she says, encouraging others to explore their various passions.

Mary’s modeling journey has not been without its challenges. She recounts her experiences at casting calls, where models are often seen as blank canvases, devoid of opinions or creative input. “People don’t expect models to have opinions or thoughts,” she says, highlighting the dehumanizing aspects of the industry. However, Mary’s confidence and determination have allowed her to navigate these spaces with grace and assertiveness.

Her story is not just about modeling; it’s about the broader message of self-acceptance and perseverance. Mary’s background in psychology and her experience working in federal prisons and with veterans have given her a profound sense of empathy, which she brings to her work in fashion. “I approach everything I do with heart and authenticity,” she says, emphasizing the importance of human connection.

Mary’s faith also plays a significant role in her life. “My middle name, Obichukwu, means God’s heart,” she shares. This deep sense of spirituality is reflected in her interactions with others and her approach to life’s challenges. “I want people to feel comfortable in my presence, to feel embraced,” she adds, embodying the values of empathy and kindness.

For those interested in pursuing modeling or any creative endeavor, Mary offers sage advice: “Don’t be afraid to pursue different ideas and talents. You have those talents and gifts for a reason.” She encourages experimentation and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone, even if not every attempt is a success.

Mary’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that we do not have to be defined by one single identity or career path. Her story is a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the courage to embrace one’s true self. As she continues to make her mark in the fashion industry, Mary Odafe inspires us all to pursue our passions with confidence and authenticity.