Hiring Rachel for our Social Media Co-op position was a no-brainer, her endless talent and creativity combined with a winning attitude made it obvious the moment we spoke to her that she was the right person for the job. But we had to know more! We sat down for a cup of coffee with Rachel to dive into what makes her tick and what inspires her. Here are a few of her answers.
What is your role at Iperdesign?
I am the Social Media Co-op here at Iperdesign. At Drexel University, we are required to complete a 6-month internship. It gives us real work experience while completing our studies! I create social media content for a few of our clients, as well as our own social media channels.
What are some of your current goals?
My dream is to work in fashion while living somewhere in Europe. A goal of mine is to either live somewhere in Spain or Amsterdam, Netherlands! It would be a dream to work for a designer brand or just work for myself. Owning my own business has always been in my head, but what that business would be? I am not entirely sure.
What is one designing pet peeve of yours?
I would say the biggest designing and creation pet peeve I have is when a vision in my head does not look the same in real life. Sometimes when I envision a photo or design in my head and it does not come out looking anything similar, it just makes me take a new direction, and it forces me to think even harder.
When you show people around Philadelphia, where do you take them first?
I love getting food in Chinatown and exploring Old City! My parents actually came to visit for the day this past weekend, and we had to stop at our favorite restaurant in Chinatown, Dim Sum Garden, for some soup dumplings and noodles. We then made our way to Old City to pick up some pastries and coffee at Oui, and to appreciate the quietness compared to Center City.
If you weren’t at work today, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t working today, I would probably be out with my sister or a friend taking outfit photos and making TikToks! My day would consist of putting together an outfit, grabbing coffee, and walking around the city for the perfect backdrop for some shots. I love posting little slideshows on my Instagram with a bunch of outfit shots. I love fashion and have since I could remember, which is why I chose my major, Design and Merchandising.
Do you have any music or podcast recommendations?
Recently, I have been getting into podcasts, and I definitely have a favorite from this year. Emma Chamberlain’s podcast “Anything Goes” has to be my number one! I have been following her since her first YouTube video, and it has been amazing to see Emma create multiple amazing platforms. I love her content and the messages she puts out.
My two favorite genres of music are Spanish pop/rap music and house music! Artists that I have been listening to a lot currently are Ozuna, Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Rauw Alejandro, Sofi Tukker, and Tchami.
Any hidden skills or talents?
I can speak Spanish! I come from a Mexican/American household, so I have been hearing a mix of Spanish and English my whole life. My mother came to America when she was 20 from Guadalajara, Mexico. I grew up spending a lot of time in Mexico. It has been a goal of mine to become fully fluent in Spanish, and hopefully, that time will come so soon!
Who is someone you admire and why?
I grew up with strong business women and men present in my life. My grandmother and grandfather own their own clothing company in Mexico, and ever since I can remember, I have admired my whole family’s work ethic and creative passion. Their company is something that all of my aunts and uncles work in. My mother is someone who I look to daily for reasons to keep going and to continue working hard! After some time adjusting in America, she created her own businesses and made it possible to solely work for herself and to also have more time with her children.
If you were to write an autobiography what would the title be?
Don’t Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream
