Raelia Lewis: Navigating Industry Pressures, Finding Peace, and Empowering Models

As a photographer, I've had the privilege of meeting and working with incredible talent throughout my career. But few interactions have stuck with me quite like my first test shoot with Raelia Lewis years ago. I remember it vividly – a beauty shoot with Emily, and Raelia, who was already a name buzzing around Philly. She had graced a TV show, to me, the embodiment of a "Next Level model." When she responded to my DM, I felt like my future was unfolding, like I was about to blow up just by shooting with her.

And she absolutely killed it. She showed up ready, we planned four looks, and her movement was so precise. I mean, she was in and out in about 40 minutes, leaving us looking at each other thinking, "Wow, that was an experience." Her efficiency and command on set were unlike anything I'd seen from local models at the time.

Fast forward to our recent interview, and Raelia shared the incredible journey that led her to that level of professionalism, and where she's at now.

The Relentless Pursuit: Raelia's Path to New York

Raelia's early ambition was to get signed in New York, a dream met with constant rejection. She realized she needed to adapt, so she began studying New York style models – those with a simple aesthetic, minimal makeup, and less elaborate styling. She saw my work and recognized that it aligned perfectly with what she was looking for. This insight shaped her approach to selecting collaborators: she works with photographers whose work she feels is superior to her own, always striving to be the best.

She candidly admitted that when she started, coming from the "urban stuff" in Philly, her look was "too loud"—too much makeup, elaborate clothes, jewelry, and hair. It took years to learn to tone it down while still standing out. This period was also marked by facing tokenism, being told by agencies, "we already have our Black girl." It was a tough pill to swallow, realizing success wasn't always about merit but about limited space.

Without an agent, Raelia was left to hustle. She learned about rates by talking to other models and photographers she admired, like Ashley Irvin, and by attending networking events and using platforms like Model Mayhem. Her advice for new models is unequivocal: always get an agent. Agencies are crucial for consistent work, access to the best castings, and getting in front of major brands.

A pivotal shift for Raelia was realizing the pitfalls of testing with photographers who wouldn't deliver images. She started investing in herself, hiring photographers primarily in New York to build a strong, professional portfolio. This strategic move, which took about a year, was what finally opened doors to agencies and brands.

Evolving Gracefully & Mastering the Craft

Raelia doesn't chase trends to "stay relevant." Instead, she focuses on what she enjoys and remains open to being a student. She observes commercials and ads, takes criticism well, and quickly adapts. When it comes to practice, she emphasizes learning on set through testing and collaboration. While practicing in a mirror has its place, it's on set where models truly learn to make those small, precise adjustments and overcome the shyness of being seen.

Interestingly, despite being a past contestant on America's Next Top Model, Raelia doesn't lead with that achievement. While she's still recognized from the show, she feels she's accomplished so much more since, grateful for the experience but not defined by it.

Social Media & Mental Health: A Healthy Balance

We talked about social media, and Raelia's approach is a breath of fresh air. She uses Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (though no Snapchat), but she literally doesn't take them too seriously. She learned the hard way that social media can be incredibly harmful to mental health, so she let go of the obsession with engagement, followers, and audience building to find peace of mind. For her, it's about connecting with people and having fun, not just business.

She loves TikTok for funny videos and sharing personal stories, Threads for random thoughts, and Facebook for connecting with old friends and family. Instagram, however, is a "love-hate" or "toxic relationship" for her, where she feels the most pressure to be perfect and curated. This resonated with me, as I've also had to learn to pull back on social media, even going as far as muting people, to maintain healthier boundaries and avoid misinterpretations in professional relationships.

Rock Bottom & Resurrection: The Power of Stillness

Perhaps the most profound part of our conversation was Raelia's story of a significant break from modeling. 2019 had been her peak year – working constantly, international gigs, multiple agencies, and big brands – yet she felt deeply uneasy. Then, life fell apart. A seven-year breakup, being dropped by her agency via email (she laughed, feeling things couldn't get worse), and losing everything. This forced break led to an unexpected period of self-discovery.

She realized she had built her identity around being a model and earning money. Stripped of those external validations, she had to confront who Raelia truly was. It was a time of immense pain, marked by panic attacks, anxiety, claustrophobia, and agoraphobia (fear of travel). But through this "rock bottom," she learned to prioritize joy over career, to connect with God, and to appreciate the simple things in life. She discovered she was strong, resilient, and, most importantly, more than a model. She's still in a healing phase, rebuilding her life and career with a healthier, more grounded mindset.

Empowering the Next Generation: Raelia's Coaching Philosophy

Raelia now channels her experiences into model coaching. Her strategy is deeply spiritual, focusing first on helping models build a solid foundation and identity outside of modeling. She believes that without this, they will easily "crack and crumble" under the pressure of external validation.

Beyond mental and spiritual health, she teaches practical skills: how a model needs to look, conduct themselves in meetings and castings, stand out, build a brand, and even shoot their own images, covering everything from angles to lighting. While she briefly considered being a "mother agent," she prefers to develop models through one-on-one sessions and seminars, sending them off to fly independently without the burden of managing their bookings.

A Photographer's Perspective, from a Model

As I embark on my own journey into photography, Raelia offered invaluable advice. She urged photographers to master a certain field and have a clear vision, rather than trying to do everything. Just as a New York photographer has a distinct aesthetic from an Atlanta one, it's crucial to understand your desired market and hone your craft. My own experience as a photographer has already benefited from these insights, as her understanding of "the shot" as a model makes it second nature for her behind the lens too.

Raelia's story is a powerful reminder that success in any industry, especially one as demanding as modeling, is not just about bookings and accolades. It's about resilience, self-discovery, and maintaining a healthy mindset. She's in a beautiful flow now, trusting her path, not tying herself to old goals, and prioritizing joy. And honestly, watching her journey unfold, it's inspiring to see her not just back on top, but thriving with a newfound peace.