Rachel Horne

I attribute my success to faith, community, and belief. God has guided every major transition in my life and given me the strength to keep going, even in moments of rejection or uncertainty. I truly believe that purpose requires resilience and trust, and my faith has anchored me through every stage of growth.

I also value the people I surround myself with. No one builds anything meaningful alone. Success is rooted in relationships family, mentors, clients, and supporters who genuinely believe in you and your vision. My mother played a huge role early on. When I was first rejected from Saks and questioned whether fashion was for me, she encouraged me to try again and not give up. I reapplied, earned my position, transferred to the main store, and began building my clientele and platform from there. That moment taught me persistence.

Most importantly, I value my clients and community. In luxury retail, trust is everything. The support and loyalty I’ve received over the years strengthened my confidence and sharpened my skill set. As I build New Normal Studios, I carry that same mindset success is about faith, relationships, excellence, and believing in your vision even before the world fully sees it.

The best career advice I’ve received has consistently centered around courage, faith, and protecting what makes me different. In 2024, I had the opportunity to meet Teyana Taylor, who encouraged me to stay strong, stay vigilant, and never shrink myself for anyone. She reinforced the importance of being assertive, asking for what you want, and not waiting for permission to pursue your vision.

I also had a meaningful conversation with Lil Yachty’s godmother, who encouraged me to take risks and not remain in the same space year after year. As I shared my goals of building my own brand and approaching fashion differently, she told me to keep creating, keep evolving, and never dilute what sets me apart. That affirmation strengthened my commitment to originality and standing out which is now a core value of my brand.

Most importantly, my mother has always reminded me to stay grounded in my faith, pray over every decision, and be mindful of the people I allow into my space. She taught me that purpose requires discernment and that who you surround yourself with will either elevate or limit your growth. That guidance has shaped not only my career, but how I move as a woman and as a founder.

My advice would be to master the fundamentals before chasing visibility. The fashion and luxury industries are relationship-driven, detail-oriented, and built on consistency. Learn the business side client experience, product knowledge, communication, and professionalism not just the aesthetic. Talent will get you noticed, but discipline and reliability will keep you in the room, period. And I’m still learning that as I go. Growth never stops, and humility is part of longevity.

I would also tell young women to protect what makes them different. It’s easy to conform in industries that can feel repetitive or trend-based, but longevity comes from identity. Don’t dilute your perspective to fit into spaces that don’t align with you. Refine your voice, sharpen your skills, and let your individuality become your advantage.

Most importantly, build real relationships and move with integrity. Your reputation is currency in luxury. The way you treat clients, coworkers, and collaborators will follow you longer than any single opportunity. Stay grounded in faith, stay confident in your vision, and remain teachable. Being coachable and open to learning at every level will elevate you faster than ego ever could.

One of my biggest challenges and opportunities right now is consistency and transparency while navigating growth in real time. I’m 25, I’m building a brand, and I’m still evolving as a woman and creative. Balancing personal development with professional ambition requires discipline, especially when life is happening around you. Staying consistent even when things feel uncertain is something I actively work on.

Another major opportunity for me is remaining teachable. When you’re deeply passionate about your craft, it’s easy to feel like you understand the landscape but true growth comes from humility. There is always someone who can teach you something new. Learning to quiet the noise in my own head, not overthink, and allow things to unfold organically has been transformative. I’ve had to remind myself to trust my instincts, trust my talent, and trust that not everything will go perfectly the first time and that’s okay.

In fashion and entrepreneurship, resilience is everything. Instead of stressing when something doesn’t go as planned, I’ve learned to shift my mindset toward solution and positivity. Every setback is refinement. Every delay is preparation. For me, the challenge is less about external obstacles and more about mastering patience, perspective, and self-trust as I continue to grow into the leader I’m becoming.

Authenticity is at the core of everything I do. Staying true to myself, embracing what makes me different, and being comfortable standing out even when that means not being universally liked is deeply important to me. I believe originality comes with visibility, and visibility sometimes comes with imitation or misunderstanding. I’ve learned to see that not as a threat, but as confirmation that I’m operating in my own lane. Protecting my individuality and honoring my creative voice is non-negotiable.

Faith is another foundational value in both my personal and professional life. I strive to pray over my decisions, move with discernment, and trust that what is meant for me will align. My relationship with God keeps me grounded and centered, especially as I navigate growth and ambition in my mid-twenties.

Family is also everything to me. My parents and my siblings are my foundation, and maintaining strong, healthy relationships with them matters more than any external success. Beyond career achievements, I prioritize inner happiness doing work that fulfills me, pouring into myself as a woman, and making choices that position me for long-term growth and peace. For me, success is not just about accomplishment; it’s about alignment, joy, and becoming the best version of myself in every season.