February 12, 2022

Over the last two years, I have slowly journeyed to a phrase I use for an idea that, until now, felt difficult to capture simply: my essence.

Essence is more than just a look or an aesthetic or a brand or a style. Essence involves what I wear, yes, but it’s much more than that. Essence looks backward and forward, combining my past teenage self and my future senior self to bring me the vibe of my present moment.

I often ask myself, How would 66 year-old Rachael react to this situation? What would she say matters most? How would she measure beauty? How can we honor her now?

But also, What did we love most about 16 year-old Rachael’s style and attitude? What made her try out for musicals, or choose to dance across the stage year after year? How can we get back there?

Essence is what I come back to. Essence is what makes me feel settled. Essence is swagger and confidence and risk, but it’s also comfort and home and safety. Essence is when I feel comfortable in my skin, because it matches what I know to be true in my bones.