Meet Rachael Wang, a freelance stylist and creative consultant, who has worked for publications such as Allure, Nylon, and Style.com. Beyond her impact in the fashion industry, Rachael is a vocal feminist. Her voice not only has an impact on the latest trends, but also, along with her social media presence, brings attention to various topics such as civil rights, LGBTQ rights, environmental concerns, and more. Rachael is without a doubt a girl boss, making marks in her industry and in society— constantly being inspired, while inspiring others. 

Keke Magazine: Describe yourself in 3 words.

Rachael Wang: Serious, sarcastic, sensitive

Who/what inspires you daily?

I try to be really present every day and take inspiration from everything happening around me.

Who is your biggest role model and what have you learned from them?

I have so many, but my mom is my number one. She has made some hard decisions over the course of her life and, without any support from her family, has maintained laser focus in order to accomplish the things she set out to. She also taught me to be a good listener, a good judge of character and a strong, independent woman.

What were your dreams as a young girl? Have you achieved them?

I don’t recall having specific dreams relating to career or milestones. I just dreamed of being free. And yes I definitely feel like I have achieved a certain level of freedom.

What is the best book you have read? Why?

Again, there are so many but I would say because I took to Emily Dickinson’s poetry very early on (I became obsessed with her in 4th grade after having had to memorize “Hope” is the Thing with Feathers) her work has had the most lasting and profound effect on my life. I was enthralled with her honesty, her sense of humor, her nonconformist attitude, and her subversive view of the world. Plus, it made me feel less weird that other people preferred to be alone, too.

What made you decide to work in the fashion industry?

I fell into it. I was studying English literature in college and just couldn’t see myself being a writer. I was too insecure to bare my soul. And I never really cared to be a teacher. So on a whim I took an internship at W magazine and never looked back.

What does fashion mean to you?

To me, fashion is an outward creative expression of what I’m feeling inside. And what most people fail to acknowledge is the inherent power fashion has to manipulate and control how others perceive us and thus how we are treated.

What advice would you give to girls who are also interested in working in the fashion industry?

Come inspired, humble and ready to work your butt off. It is not as glamorous (or as easy!) as social media will have you believe!

What steps do you think should be taken within the fashion industry to promote feminism and destroy gender stereotypes?

Luckily, compared to most other industries, fashion has a significant amount of women in leadership positions. However there is always work that needs to be done. For example, more of is women of color must be promoted to leadership positions. Until this happens, no progress will be made to promote feminism and destroy gender gaps.

What do you think about the progress we as a society has made regarding feminism and LBGTQ issues? Where do you hope to see it going in the next few years?

Until all women of color, native women, women with disabilities and LGBTQ folks feel no fear, not to mention equal pay and social and political rights, we cannot rest.

How do you use your voice and opinion to tackle issues in society?

It’s very important to me to use my voice and my platform to shed light on as many issues as I can. Mostly, I try to lift up those who may not have access to the platform that I do. I really believe that activism is triggered by education. I do my best to put the information out there so that people can decide for themselves where they stand.

What does girl power mean to you and how do you find and use it?

For me, the term Girl Power immediately conjures vocal punk rock women of the 90s, Bikini Kill’s zine and Riot grrrls. It challenges dysfunctional social norms, encourages discussions on rape and violence, the patriarchy and the double standards women continue to face. It is a rally call for the empowerment of women.

Understanding all of the controversial and backwards legislatures being passed by Trump, what can we do to combat/resist them?

What I’ve learned on my journey is that what is needed to resist legislation is not the sexy side of activism. It’s showing up to city council meetings, it’s writing and calling our representatives and making sure that they know we will hold them accountable. It’s being relentless about educating myself, not shutting down or tuning out, and preparing to be in it for the long haul.

How do you define femininity and feminism? How are they similar or different?

Femininity supposedly refers to characteristics or traits relating to women. I find this term to be extremely troubling because of its gendered hetero-normative standpoint which is limiting and marginalizing. Feminism, on the other hand, should be inclusive and freeing. It is the simple belief that all women deserve to have access to equal opportunities.

How can social media be used to ignite positive change?

We all need to be inspired, and social media is a great for that. But it cannot stop there.

How do you create, receive, and spread positivity?

By nature I am a realist so I have to make a conscious decision to receive and spread positivity. I’m not perfect, and some days I get really bummed. But the next day I get revved up and realize how infectious positivity can be and that fuels me. Age has taught me that we can choose how we want to respond to a situation and I try my best to choose positivity most days.

Aside from the issue of gender inequality what other issues should we be concerned with?

It’s important for us to choose issues that we feel passionately about and on which we can act locally. Some issues I’m concerned about right now include civil rights, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, immigrant rights, rights for those with disabilities, worker’s rights and protecting the environment. The list could go on!

How do you create and find yourself?

I would say, don’t rush it and don’t be afraid to really lean into loneliness.